Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed the conveyancing process, and now it’s time to settle into your new home. But what happens after completion day? Let’s dive into the details.

What Is Completion Day?

Completion day marks the final step in the home buying process. It’s the moment when property ownership officially transfers from the seller to the buyer. You’ll receive the keys to your new home, and the journey from house hunter to homeowner is complete.

Solicitor’s Role After Completion:

1. Confirming the Transaction:
   • Your conveyancing solicitor ensures that all necessary paperwork and deeds are in order.
   • If you’re the seller, they sign off on mortgage completion statements.
2. Checking Mortgage Conditions:
   • Before completion, the buyer’s conveyancing solicitor verifies that all mortgage conditions have been met.
   • They request the funds from the lender.
3. Redemption Certificate (for Sellers with a Mortgage):
   • If there’s a mortgage on the seller’s property, the seller’s solicitors request a Redemption Certificate.
   • This certificate calculates the mortgage balance up to the day of completion.
4. Completion Statements:
   • Both sides (buyer’s and seller’s solicitors) create completion statements.
   • These statements detail all payments made and received, including any invoices to be settled on completion.
5. Money Transfer and Key Release:
   • On completion day, both solicitors perform final checks.
   • The buyer’s solicitor transfers the purchase money via the banking system to the seller.
   • Once the seller’s solicitor receives the funds, they confirm completion with the buyer and release the keys through the estate agent.
   • Any outstanding charges, including estate agent fees, are settled.
6. Buyer Notification:
   • The buyer is notified of the completion.
   • Now, you can move into your new property!

Completion Timeline:

• If you’re in a chain (multiple buyers and sellers), the timing depends on the length of the chain.
• Typically, for a chain-free purchase, completion occurs around 11 am.
• In longer chains, sellers usually release the keys upon receiving the funds, usually by 1 pm or 2 pm.

What Next?

Your solicitor’s work doesn’t end there. They’ll handle legal details like estate agents fees, stamp duty payment and property registration. Depending on whether property is a first registration such as a new build, this lead time can vary massively taking up to 18 months. But don’t worry, your solicitor will notify you as soon as they receive registration.

Additional Tasks For You After Completion:

After moving into your new home, there are several important tasks to complete:

1. Initial Tasks:
   • Inspect your new home, checking everything is in the same condition as when you agreed to buy the property. Look for any damages that may have occurred during your and the seller’s move, whilst making sure everything is in working order.
   • Clean your new home. The sellers may have cleaned as they left, but it is always worth giving it a thorough clean throughout yourself. Focus on kitchen and bathrooms first, with the aim to clean all walls, floors and surfaces.
2. Unpacking and Settling In:
   • Unpack and make your new house feel like home. Start with the essentials, items that you will need immediately such as basic kitchen and bathroom items, kids essentials and clothing.
   • Arrange utilities (gas, electric, broadband, etc.) if not already done.
   • Address any safety issues – check the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and circuit breaker.
3. Update Your Address:
   • Notify the DVLA promptly to avoid fines or penalties.
   • Inform banks, investment companies, your employer, local authorities (for council tax), doctors, dentists, friends, and family.

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