Completion day checklist: your full guide to completion day

• Completion day is when ownership transfers and you get your keys.
• Your conveyancer handles the legal work, but you need to stay available.
• Most completions happen between 10am-2pm but be prepared for delays.
• Check with your conveyancer whether there is a ‘contract time’ that you must have vacated your sale property by.
• Plan ahead with time off work and backup arrangements.
• Have essentials ready and coordinate with your removal team on the day.

Completion day is the final step in your property purchase – the day when ownership officially transfers from the seller to you. While your conveyancer handles the legal work behind the scenes, there are important things you need to do to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Understanding what happens on house completion day helps you prepare properly and reduces stress on this important milestone. Think of completion day as the grand finale of your house buying journey - all the paperwork, searches, and negotiations have led to this moment when you finally get to walk through the door of your new home.

Learn more: What is completion day?

When the day arrives, your conveyancer will transfer the purchase funds to the seller’s conveyancer, typically via a bank transfer CHAPS payment (ensuring it arrives same day). Once the seller’s conveyancer confirms they’ve received the money, they’ll authorise the release of the keys.

This will usually happen between 10am and 2pm, though the exact timing depends on when all the paperwork is finalised and the funds are transferred. If there is a chain of properties then completion could be delayed whilst the funds are transferred up the chain.

Morning (9am – 12pm)

• Your conveyancer confirms all documents are signed and ready.
• Final checks on mortgage funds and deposit transfers (if applicable).
• Bank transfers will be initiated.

Afternoon (12pm – 4pm)

• Most completions happen within this window.
• Funds are transferred between conveyancers.
• Keys are released once payment is confirmed.

What affects completion day timings?

Several factors can impact when your completion happens. Property chains often slow the process down since everyone in your chain needs to complete on the same day.

If you have both a sale and purchase transaction, your sale property will complete first and you may be required to wait a short while after vacating your sale property, before you can collect the keys to your new home.

Bank transfer processing times can also cause delays, while last-minute document corrections or queries may need resolving before completion can proceed. Fridays tend to be busier for completions and may take longer than other days of the week.

Knowing what tasks you need to handle helps ensure everything runs smoothly. While your conveyancer manages the legal transfers, you have other responsibilities in the build-up and on completion day.

The week before completion

Confirm your moving arrangements

• Double-check your removal company booking and arrival time.
• Arrange time off work for completion day if necessary.
• Pack essential items separately for immediate access.

Final property preparations

• Set up utility accounts for your new home (gas, electricity, water, broadband).
• Notify your bank, employer, and other important contacts of your address change.
• Register with local services (GP, dentist, schools if applicable).
• Confirm your buildings and contents insurance is already in place (this should have been arranged by or before exchange of contracts).

On the morning of completion day

Before you start your day

• Charge your phone fully – you’ll need it for updates.
• Keep your day clear and avoid scheduling any other commitments.
• Have your conveyancer’s direct contact details easily accessible.
• Make sure you have an essentials bag ready for the day.

Check for updates

• Confirm the time when removals will arrive (if applicable).
• Get an estimated timeframe for when completion might happen.
• Ask what time you should expect to hear updates.

During the day

Preparing to leave your current home

• Keep your phone on loud and check regularly for updates.
• Get final meter readings for your current home (take pictures too).
• Avoid making any important commitments until completion is confirmed.
• Do a final sweep of your current home and make sure it is left in the agreed state.
• If you have any pets, then ensure that they are secured and ready to leave with you.

Coordinate with your removal team

• Give them realistic timeframes based on your conveyancer's estimates.
• Have a backup plan if completion is delayed.
• Keep essential items with you rather than packed away.
• Ensure someone can be at both properties if needed.

Once completion is confirmed

Immediate steps

• Collect your keys from the estate agent.
• Do a walk-through of your new home when you get there.
• Take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water.
• Test that all agreed fixtures and fittings are working.
• Check you have all keys and alarm codes (if applicable).

On the first day in your new home

• Locate the stopcock (water valve), fuse box, and boiler.
• Check heating and hot water are working in all rooms.
• Verify broadband connection if it was supposed to transfer.
• Take photos of any damage or missing items for insurance purposes.

After completion

Once you've got your keys and moved in, there are still a few important tasks to complete:

• Register the property transfer with the Land Registry (your conveyancer usually handles this).
• Submit your Stamp Duty Land Tax return if applicable (your conveyancer will handle this and pay on your behalf).
• Update your address with HMRC, electoral register, and council tax.
• It may be useful to utilise the Royal Mail postal redirection service to ensure you do not miss any important post to your old address.
• Notify your insurance company that you've moved in.
• Keep all completion documents safe for future reference.

Completion day marks the exciting end of your house buying journey. While there's quite a bit to organise, having everything planned in advance means you can focus on the excitement of getting your new keys rather than worrying about logistics.

Remember, your conveyancer is there to guide you through the legal aspects, so don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about anything. With proper preparation, completion day should be a smooth and celebratory milestone in your move.

Moving home? Check out our full moving home checklist for more.