Completion Day Guide: What Happens and Your Complete Checklist for 2025

Completion day is the culmination of months of preparation, paperwork, and anticipation - the day you finally get the keys to your new home and become the legal owner. While it should be exciting, many buyers find completion day stressful because they don't understand what happens, when it happens, or what could go wrong.

The completion process involves a precise sequence of fund transfers, legal formalities, and coordination between multiple parties that must all align perfectly for you to collect your keys. With property chains, the complexity multiplies as several completions must happen simultaneously in the correct order.

Understanding exactly what happens on completion day, how to prepare properly, and what to do if problems arise will help ensure your completion goes smoothly and you can focus on the excitement of moving into your new home rather than worrying about the legal and financial processes happening behind the scenes.

What Happens on Completion Day

Completion day begins early with your solicitor receiving mortgage funds from your lender and combining them with your deposit and balance funds to create the total purchase price. This money is then transferred electronically to the seller's solicitor, who confirms receipt before authorizing release of the keys.

The legal transfer of ownership occurs when the seller's solicitor confirms receipt of funds and releases the signed transfer deed. At this moment, you become the legal owner of the property, even before you physically collect the keys.

Key collection typically happens through the estate agent, though sometimes directly from the seller's solicitor. You'll receive all keys, garage remotes, alarm codes, and other access items, along with any warranties, instruction manuals, or certificates for appliances and systems.

The entire process is carefully orchestrated to ensure legal ownership transfers smoothly and you can take possession of your new home without complications.

Timeline of Completion Day

Early Morning (8:00-9:00 AM)

Your solicitor confirms that all funds are ready for transfer, including mortgage money from your lender and your contribution for the balance of the purchase price.

They contact the seller's solicitor to confirm both parties are ready to complete and agree on timing for the fund transfer.

Any final checks are completed, such as bankruptcy searches against the seller and confirmation that no new charges have been registered against the property.

Mid-Morning (9:00-11:00 AM)

The purchase funds are transferred electronically from your solicitor to the seller's solicitor. This transfer can take 1-3 hours to process through the banking system, depending on the amounts and institutions involved.

Your solicitor monitors the transfer progress and maintains contact with the seller's solicitor to coordinate the next steps once funds are received.

In property chains, this creates a sequence of transfers that must be carefully timed to ensure all transactions complete successfully.

Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM-2:00 PM)

The seller's solicitor confirms receipt of the purchase funds and authorizes release of the keys and completion documents to the estate agent or conveyancing office.

The signed transfer deed and other legal documents are released, officially transferring legal ownership of the property to you.

This is the moment you legally become the owner, even before you physically collect the keys.

Afternoon (2:00-5:00 PM)

You can collect your keys from the estate agent or seller's solicitor, along with all other access items and relevant documentation.

Take immediate possession of your property and begin the process of moving in, including taking meter readings and securing the property.

Your solicitor begins post-completion procedures including stamp duty payment and Land Registry registration.

"Completion day felt like the longest day ever, but when we finally got the call at 1:30 PM that funds had been received and we could collect the keys, it was the most amazing feeling. All those months of stress suddenly disappeared!" - Michael Roberts, recent buyer

The Role of Different Parties

Your Solicitor

Your solicitor orchestrates the entire completion process, coordinating fund transfers, confirming legal requirements are met, and communicating with all other parties involved in the transaction.

They ensure mortgage funds are received and combined with your contribution, transfer the total purchase price to the seller's solicitor, and monitor the process until completion is confirmed.

Post-completion, they handle stamp duty payment, Land Registry registration, and provide you with final documentation and accounting.

Seller's Solicitor

The seller's solicitor receives the purchase funds, confirms receipt, and authorizes release of keys and legal documents once payment is verified.

They ensure all legal documentation is properly executed and transferred to complete the change of ownership.

Estate Agent

Estate agents typically hold the keys and coordinate the physical handover once legal completion is confirmed. They arrange for you to collect keys and may provide a brief handover of the property.

Some agents provide completion day updates and coordinate between all parties to ensure smooth key collection.

Mortgage Lender

Your mortgage lender transfers the loan funds to your solicitor on completion day, typically early in the morning to ensure funds are available when needed.

They maintain security over the property through the mortgage deed and receive confirmation that their legal charge has been properly registered.

Removal Company

If you're moving on completion day, your removal team should be ready to begin work once you confirm you have keys and access to both properties.

Coordinate timing carefully as completion can be delayed, affecting your moving schedule.

Property Chains and Completion

Chain Coordination

In property chains, all completions must happen on the same day in a carefully coordinated sequence. This typically starts with the person at the bottom of the chain (who isn't selling) and works up through each transaction.

Each completion depends on the previous one providing funds for the next purchase, creating a domino effect that requires precise timing and communication.

Communication Networks

Chain completions require extensive communication between all solicitors, estate agents, and clients to ensure everyone is ready and informed of progress throughout the day.

Modern technology helps with coordination, but chain completions remain complex and vulnerable to delays anywhere in the sequence.

Potential Problems

If any link in the chain experiences problems - whether financial, legal, or logistical - it can delay or prevent all other completions in the sequence.

Common chain problems include delayed fund transfers, last-minute legal issues, or communication failures between parties.

Backup Plans

Have contingency arrangements for potential completion delays, including flexible moving arrangements and temporary accommodation if necessary.

Keep all parties informed of any issues that might affect your ability to complete as planned.

Fund Transfers and Banking

Electronic Transfers

Modern completions use electronic fund transfers (CHAPS) for speed and security, though these can take several hours to process through the banking system.

Large property transactions often involve multiple transfers as different funding sources are combined to create the total purchase price.

Transfer Timing

Fund transfers typically begin early on completion day to allow processing time, with solicitors monitoring progress and confirming receipt before authorizing key release.

Banking holidays, system problems, or unusually large amounts can occasionally cause transfer delays affecting completion timing.

Security Measures

Solicitors use secure, verified banking details and follow strict procedures to prevent fraud and ensure funds reach the correct recipients.

Multiple verification steps protect against the increasing problem of property fraud and misdirected payments.

Confirmation Process

Both sending and receiving solicitors confirm transfer details and monitor the process until funds are received and completion can proceed.

This confirmation process is crucial for ensuring all parties are protected and the transaction completes properly.

What You Need to Do

Pre-Completion Preparation

Confirm final arrangements with your solicitor including contact details, fund transfer completion, and key collection procedures.

Arrange removals and ensure all moving preparations are complete, but maintain flexibility for potential timing changes.

Pack essential items separately for immediate access, including important documents, medications, phone chargers, and first-day necessities.

On Completion Day

Stay contactable throughout the day and respond promptly to any requests from your solicitor or other parties involved in the completion.

Monitor progress updates but avoid calling constantly - your solicitor will contact you when there's news or action required.

Be prepared to collect keys promptly once completion is confirmed, and have identification and any required documentation ready.

After Key Collection

Take immediate meter readings for gas, electricity, and water to establish your liability for utility bills from completion.

Secure the property by checking all locks, setting alarms if installed, and ensuring windows and doors are properly closed.

Begin moving in according to your planned schedule, coordinating with removal teams and family members.

Potential Problems and Solutions

Delayed Fund Transfers

Problem: Electronic transfers can be delayed by banking system issues, incorrect details, or security checks on large amounts.

Solution: Your solicitor monitors transfers and can sometimes expedite processing or use alternative transfer methods if problems arise.

Your response: Stay flexible with moving plans and maintain communication with all parties affected by potential delays.

Legal Document Issues

Problem: Missing signatures, incorrect documentation, or last-minute legal complications can delay completion until resolved.

Solution: Experienced solicitors identify and resolve most issues quickly, though some may require seller cooperation or additional legal work.

Your response: Respond promptly to any requests for information or decisions that might help resolve issues.

Chain Breakdowns

Problem: Problems anywhere in a property chain can prevent all transactions from completing as planned.

Solution: Limited options once chains break down, though sometimes alternative arrangements or short delays can resolve issues.

Your response: Maintain contingency plans and consider whether alternative completion dates might be possible.

Communication Failures

Problem: Poor communication between parties can cause confusion, delays, or missed deadlines affecting completion.

Solution: Maintain clear contact details and respond promptly to all communications from your solicitor and other parties.

Your response: Keep all parties informed of your availability and any changes that might affect completion arrangements.

Special Circumstances

Same-Day Moving

If you're selling and buying simultaneously, coordinate both completions carefully to minimize the gap between giving up possession of your old home and gaining access to your new one.

Consider temporary storage or accommodation arrangements if completion timing doesn't align perfectly with your moving needs.

New Build Completions

New build properties may have different completion procedures, including final inspections, snagging arrangements, and NHBC warranty documentation.

Developer completions sometimes occur at dedicated completion centers rather than through estate agents, requiring different collection arrangements.

Cash Purchases

Cash purchases can often complete earlier in the day as there are no mortgage fund transfers to coordinate, though legal procedures remain the same.

Simpler funding arrangements don't eliminate the need for proper legal completion procedures and documentation.

Remote Completions

Some completions can be handled remotely through digital communication and electronic document signing, though key collection still requires physical presence or arrangement.

Remote completions became more common during Covid-19 and may continue for appropriate circumstances.

After Completion

Immediate Tasks

Confirm your new address with banks, employers, insurance companies, and other important contacts using your change of address checklist.

Utility Arrangements

Contact utility companies to register your account and arrange meter readings, service connections, and payment arrangements.

Set up council tax payments and confirm your liability date with the local authority.

Legal Follow-Up

Your solicitor will handle stamp duty payment within 14 days of completion and submit registration documents to the Land Registry.

You'll receive final completion documentation and accounting from your solicitor, typically within 1-2 weeks of completion.

Property Familiarization

Locate important features like stopcock, gas meter, electricity meter, and circuit breakers for emergency situations.

Test security systems, heating controls, and other property systems to ensure you understand their operation.

Completion Day Checklist

Before 9:00 AM

Confirm with solicitor that all funds are ready
Verify contact details and availability throughout the day
Ensure removal team is ready and aware of potential timing changes
Pack essential items for immediate access

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Monitor communication from solicitor regarding fund transfer progress
Stay contactable and respond promptly to any requests
Coordinate with removal team regarding timing updates
Prepare for key collection once completion is confirmed

After Completion Confirmed

Collect keys and all access items from estate agent or solicitor
Take meter readings for all utilities
Secure the property and test alarm systems
Begin moving in according to your schedule
Notify immediate contacts of successful completion

First 24 Hours

Complete moving in and essential unpacking
Register with utility companies and take final meter readings
Update address with banks, employer, and other important contacts
Confirm council tax arrangements with local authority

First Week

Register with local GP, dentist, and schools if necessary
Set up postal redirection if not already arranged
Confirm buildings and contents insurance are active
Begin exploring your new neighborhood and local services

Technology and Modern Completions

Digital Communication

Modern solicitors use secure digital platforms for completion coordination, document sharing, and progress updates, though telephone communication remains important for real-time coordination.

Electronic document signing and digital verification can speed up some completion procedures while maintaining security and legal validity.

Online Tracking

Many solicitors provide online case tracking that shows completion progress and fund transfer status, helping you stay informed without constant phone calls.

Real-time updates can reduce anxiety and help you coordinate other arrangements more effectively.

Mobile Apps

Some conveyancing firms offer mobile apps that provide completion day updates, document access, and direct communication with your legal team.

However, don't rely entirely on technology - maintain alternative communication methods for important completion day coordination.

Ensuring Completion Success

Completion day represents the culmination of your property buying journey and should be exciting rather than stressful. Prepare thoroughly by understanding the process, confirming all arrangements with your solicitor, and maintaining flexibility for potential timing changes.

Stay contactable throughout completion day and respond promptly to any requests from your solicitor or other parties involved in the transaction. Trust your professional team to handle the legal and financial complexities while you focus on preparing for your move.

Have realistic expectations about timing - completions can be delayed by factors outside anyone's control, so maintain flexible arrangements for moving and other completion day activities. The key is being prepared while remaining adaptable to circumstances.

Remember that completion day problems are usually temporary and solvable with professional help. Your solicitor and other professionals have experience managing completion challenges and will work to resolve issues as quickly as possible.

Once you receive confirmation that completion has occurred and you can collect your keys, take a moment to celebrate this significant milestone before diving into the practical tasks of moving and settling into your new home. You've successfully navigated one of life's most complex transactions and can now enjoy the results of your hard work and patience.