What Happens on Completion Day?

I read an unbelievable post online this week. A property sale had completed and the agent called to congratulate the client. Their first question to the agent was ‘that’s great, so when is moving day?’ The agent replied, now, your buyers are on their way with their removals! The homeowner had to pack up their home there and then. In just six hours the house was empty and they moved in with family temporarily.

It’s never happened to me in 20 years of estate agency, but it terrified me!

So, we’re dedicating this month’s instalment to completion day.

A completion date is agreed at the point of exchange of contracts, for a mutually convenient date, sometime in the very near future.

On completion day solicitors are on call to complete whenever funds arrive therefore it’s difficult for them to give an exact time of day. Most solicitors will write mid-day into the contract.

We advise packing in advance in the weeks before. Pack everything else but the essentials needed for completion day, in the days before. We find it helps to use a designated room or garage for packed boxes.

Cleaning in advance, where possible, is also recommended, leaving a quick wipe and vac the only thing needed on moving day.