Completion day is a milestone in your home-buying process. It’s the day when ownership officially transfers from the seller to the buyer, money changes hands, and keys are handed over.
This guide walks you through each stage as you prepare to move into your new home. Whether you’re buying a chain-free property or coordinating with multiple sellers, understanding the completion day process helps you prepare with confidence for the day you become a homeowner.
What is completion day?
Completion day is the final step in buying a home. It’s the day when:
- The buyer’s mortgage lender releases funds
- Solicitors transfer the money to the seller’s solicitor
- Ownership is legally transferred via the Land Registry
- The estate agent releases the keys to the buyer
- The buyer moves into their new home
In a property chain, all the connected buyers and sellers complete their moves on the same day – each person moves out and hands over their keys while the one before them does the same. Chain-free purchases run more smoothly since you and your seller agree on the completion day that works best for both of you.
What happens on completion day?
While you’re busy finalising your packing and waiting to collect the keys, your solicitor works behind the scenes to complete the legal and financial processes. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens:
Morning: Transfer of funds
- The buyer’s mortgage lender releases the loan to the buyer’s solicitor.
- The buyer’s solicitor transfers the money to the seller’s solicitor.
- Once received, the seller’s solicitor confirms that the funds have cleared.
Midday: Legal completion
- The solicitors complete final legal checks.
- The seller’s solicitor confirms with the estate agent that the sale is complete.
- The estate agent releases the keys to the buyer.
Afternoon: Moving In
- The buyer collects the keys and moves into their new home.
- The seller vacates the property, usually before 1 pm.
- The buyer’s solicitor registers the transfer of ownership with the Land Registry.
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How long does completion day take?
Completion day usually happens between 9 am and 5 pm, but the exact timing depends on the banking system and how quickly funds are transferred. If everything runs smoothly, completion is often finalised by midday. However, if there are delays in the chain, it can take longer.
What happens if you’re buying without a chain?
If you’re buying a chain-free property, the process is much simpler. Once your solicitor has received the mortgage funds, they’ll transfer the money directly to the seller’s solicitor. As soon as the funds clear, the keys will be released, and you can move in.
Because fewer parties are involved, chain-free transactions can be completed earlier in the day, reducing the risk of delays.
What happens if you’re in a chain?
When you’re part of a property chain, your completion day happens alongside other buyers and sellers. Each home purchase connects to the next as funds move from one sale to another throughout the day. The estate agents and solicitors coordinate the timing so everyone can move into their new homes on the same day.
For buyers in a chain, completion can take longer, and delays are more likely. That’s why having an experienced solicitor is essential to help things run smoothly.
Completion day checklist for buyers
To make sure you’re fully prepared, follow this completion day checklist:
- Confirm completion time with your solicitor
- Ensure your solicitor has received mortgage funds
- Check final completion statements to ensure all payments are in order
- Book your removal team to arrive at the right time
- Pack essentials separately for easy access on moving day
- Collect the keys from the estate agent
- Check the property to ensure everything is in order
- Set up utilities such as gas, electricity, and internet in your name
What if there are delays on completion day?
While most completions happen on time, delays can occur due to:
- Banking system issues (delays in fund transfers)
- Solicitor workload (busy periods can slow down processing)
- Delays in the chain (waiting for multiple transactions to complete)
If there’s a delay, your solicitor will keep you updated. In rare cases, completion may need to be rescheduled, but this is uncommon.
When you work with the experts at Ellis & Co, we’ll ensure there are no delays on completion day and keep you updated at every stage.
Can you move before completion day?
You cannot move into the property before completion. The seller must have received full payment, and legal ownership must be transferred before you can collect the keys.
Similarly, sellers should not hand over the keys early, which can cause legal complications if the completion is delayed or fails.
What happens after completion?
Once you’ve moved in, there are a few final steps to complete:
- Solicitor registers your ownership with the Land Registry.
- Stamp Duty payment (if applicable) must be processed.
- Change your address for bills, council tax, and services.
Completing on a house in Scotland
The home-buying process in Scotland differs slightly from the rest of the UK. Once the sale is legally binding, your conveyancer will inform you when your funds have been transferred, allowing you to collect the keys and move in. You will also receive a completion statement, which details all financial transactions related to your purchase. It’s essential to check this document carefully to ensure it matches your original quotation.
For more details on the process in Scotland, MoneyHelper provides a useful guide on buying property north of the border.
Moving soon? Get the support you need today
Completion day is an exciting yet busy time for buyers. Understanding the timeline, money transfer process, and completion day checklist can help you stay prepared.
If you’re buying without a chain, the process is usually quicker. But patience is key if you’re in a property chain, as multiple transactions need to align.
The good news? Once completion is done, you can finally step into your new home and start the next chapter of your life. For more advice on buying a home, speak to our experienced Ellis & Co estate agents today.
