On completion day, the property sale is finalised and legal ownership transfers from the seller to the buyer. Once the seller’s solicitor confirms the completion funds have been received, the estate agent is authorised to release the keys and the buyer can move into their new home.
Completion day is one of the final milestones in the conveyancing process. It can feel stressful, especially if you are part of a property chain. Knowing exactly what happens, when it happens, and why delays occur can help you plan your move with confidence.
At a Glance
Here's what typically happens on the day:
- The buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining purchase money (based on the agreed purchase price) to the seller’s solicitor, usually by CHAPS.
- Once the seller’s solicitor confirms receipt of the funds, completion has legally taken place.
- The estate agent is authorised to release the keys to the buyer.
- Completion often happens in the late morning or early afternoon, but chains can push timings later.
- Delays are usually caused by late funds, bank cut-off times, or a delay elsewhere in the property chain.
Completion Day Timeline: What Happens and When
The exact timing of completion day will vary depending on whether you are in a chain, but most completion days follow a similar pattern.
Morning (8am to 11am)
- Solicitors carry out final checks and confirm they are ready to complete. This includes pre-completion searches are last-minute checks that look into the buyer’s financial history to ensure they can purchase the house. This is done by the buyer's solicitor.
- The searches will also secure the buyer's position to prevent other interested parties from making offers. They'll be carried out near the end of the conveyancing process by the buyer's conveyancing solicitor.
- Mortgage funds and the buyer’s remaining balance should already be with the buyer’s solicitor.
- Completion monies are prepared for transfer.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon (11am to 2pm)
- The buyer’s solicitor sends the completion funds to the seller’s solicitor via CHAPS.
- Once the funds are received, the seller’s solicitor confirms completion.
- The estate agent is authorised to release the keys.
Afternoon (2pm to 5pm)
- The buyer collects the keys and can begin moving in.
- The seller vacates the property and moving day practicalities take place, such as meter readings.
- If you are using a removals firm, this is also when waiting time can add to your removal fees, particularly if keys are released later than expected.
Late Afternoon Cut-Off
If funds do not arrive before the banking cut-off (usually around 4pm to 5pm), completion may be delayed until the next working day.
It is normal to wait on completion day, particularly in a chain. Estate agents will not usually release the keys until the seller’s solicitor has confirmed receipt of the funds.
Completion Day Timeline in a Property Chain
In a property chain, completion happens one transaction at a time, starting with the buyer who does not have a property to sell.
As a rough guide:
- 9am to 11am: first completion funds are sent and received.
- 11am to 1pm: funds move through the middle of the chain.
- Early to mid-afternoon: the final seller in the chain completes and keys are released.
Money transfers between solicitors can take around an hour, so longer chains usually mean later completion times. Check out our completion day checklist for further details.
What Happens on Completion Day Step by Step
If You Are Buying
- Your solicitor confirms the final purchase price and checks your completion statement, including any outstanding invoices.
- Your solicitor sends the remaining purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor.
- Once funds are received, completion is confirmed.
- The estate agent is authorised to release the keys.
- You can collect the keys and move into the property.
If You Are Selling
- You must vacate the property by the agreed time, often around midday.
- Your solicitor prepares a completion statement and settles any relevant invoices on completion, including the estate agent fees where applicable.
- You should not hand over the keys until your solicitor confirms completion.
- Once funds are received, your solicitor authorises the estate agent to release the keys to the buyer.
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What Time Do You Get the Keys on Completion Day?
There is no fixed time to receive the keys on completion day.
In many cases, keys are released between late morning and early afternoon, but this can be later if you are part of a long chain or if funds are delayed.
Keys can only be released once the seller’s solicitor confirms that completion funds have arrived.
Transferring Money on Completion Day
The transfer of completion funds is the most important part of completion day.
- The buyer must ensure all required funds are with their solicitor in advance.
- Mortgage lenders release mortgage funds to the buyer’s solicitor, usually the working day before completion.
- The buyer’s solicitor transfers the funds to the seller’s solicitor using the CHAPS banking system.
Stamp Duty Land Tax is also handled at this stage. The equivalent is:
- Land and Buildings Transaction Tax in Scotland
- Land Transaction Tax in Wales
After completion, your solicitor will also deal with the Land Registry application. In some cases, this may include submitting a transfer form (such as a TR1) to register the change of ownership.
Do You Have to Move on Completion Day?
If you are the seller, yes.
You must vacate the property on the completion date, usually by the agreed handover time.
If you are the buyer, not necessarily.
You must collect the keys on completion day, but you can choose to move in later if this has been agreed and suits your circumstances.
Completion Date Explained
The completion date is the agreed day when the property sale legally completes and ownership transfers to the buyer.
Who Decides the Completion Date?
- The buyer and seller agree the completion date at exchange of contracts.
- If there is a chain, all parties must agree on the same date.
How Long After Exchange Is Completion?
- Completion usually takes place between 7 and 28 days after exchange, but this can vary. Read our guide on what happens after exchange of contracts to learn more.
Can Completion Take Place on a Weekend?
- Completion cannot usually take place on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday, as banks and solicitors are closed.
Can You Exchange and Complete on the Same Day?
Yes, it is possible to exchange contracts and complete on the same day, but it is not suitable for most buyers.
It may be suitable if:
- You are not in a chain
- You are a cash buyer
- You do not need to move on the same day
It may not be suitable if:
- You are in a long chain
- You need to arrange removals
- You want more certainty before moving day
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What Can Go Wrong on Completion Day?
Some of the most common completion day issues include:
- Delayed Completion Funds: If funds are not received on time from the buyer or mortgage lender, completion may be delayed.
- Bank Cut-Off Times: If funds miss the CHAPS cut-off, completion may be delayed until the next working day.
- Delays Elsewhere in the Chain: One delayed payment can hold up the entire chain.
How to Avoid Completion Day Problems
- Be organised: ensure all paperwork is signed in advance.
- Pay funds early: transfer required monies before completion day.
- Stay in contact: keep your phone on and stay in touch with your solicitor.
- Vacate promptly: aim to leave the property by the agreed time.
- Plan for waiting time: if you have booked movers, ask about waiting charges so unexpected removal fees do not catch you out.
How Can Hiring a Conveyancer Help?
A conveyancing solicitor coordinates every legal and financial step of completion day.
They:
- Handle money transfers
- Liaise with estate agents
- Confirm completion
- Deal with post-completion paperwork
They will also provide important documents such as:
- Title deeds
- Mortgage completion statements
- Certificate of title
- Redemption certificate
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Find a Conveyancer
One of the best ways to ensure a swift and successful completion day is to find the best conveyancer for your case. Whether you are buying or selling, discussing your needs, expectations and budget with the professional is highly recommended.
At Compare My Move, we can connect you with up to 5 conveyancers to save you up to 70% on your conveyancing costs. All our conveyancing partners have passed our strict verification process for your peace of mind. This means they are all regulated by either the SRA, CLC, LSS, LSNI or CILEx.
