7 - Completing and Moving in

This is the last stage in the legal process. Your solicitor will liaise with the sellers solicitor and confirm a completion date, this is when you get the keys to your new home. Once completed, you legally own your new home and can move in.

Preparing for completion

Ask your solicitor what you need to do and when. Your solicitor will:

Make the final arrangements for payment, including drawing down the mortgage money for you.
Prepare final accounts for you including details of any further money needed from you to complete.

Tip:

Don't let the solicitor draw down the mortgage too early. Most mortgage lenders will start charging you interest from when the mortgage is drawn down, not from when you get the keys.

With all the paperwork out of the way, it's time to move into your new home.

Moving in day checklist:

Have you booked time off work?
Have you started thinking about and planning your removal?
Have you put together a moving pack with all the essentials you'll need such as a kettle, mugs, light bulbs, toilet paper?
Have you let all your telephone, utility companies, bank and other key parties know when you are moving?

Have you arranged to take over the phone in your new home? Contact the line operator to see if you can keep the line switched on and avoid any reconnection charges.

Have you packed the majority of your items?

Have you asked the previous owners to show you where the gas, electricity and water meters are, and where you can find the fuse box?
Are all the window and door keys labelled and easily available?
Have you packed a moving day survival kit with all you need such as tea and coffee?
Have you settled all your bills?