What To Do When
Completing Your Purchase

A simple guide to help you prepare for completion day. Completion day is the moment you officially become the owner of your new home. Your solicitor will handle the legal transfer of funds, but there are several important things you should prepare to make the move as smooth as possible.

Here is a downloadable checklist which you can print off - DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY  

Before Completion Day

☐ Confirm the completion date - Stay in touch with your solicitor so you know exactly when completion is scheduled.

☐ Arrange your removals company - Book your removal company well in advance and confirm their arrival time. - Find Local Removals Companies

☐ Organise buildings insurance - Your lender will usually require buildings insurance to be in place from the day of completion - Find Local Insurance Companies

☐ Transfer utilities into your name - Prepare to set up accounts for: Gas Electricity Water Broadband / Phone TV services - Find Providers

☐ Plan your move-in day - Make sure you know when the keys will be available from the estate agent.

☐ Pack an essentials box - Include things like: Phone chargers Kettle and tea/coffee Basic tools Toilet paper Cleaning supplies - Download moving_day_survival_checklist

On Completion Day

☐ Wait for confirmation of completion - Your solicitor will confirm once funds have been transferred and the property legally becomes yours.

☐ Collect the keys from the estate agent

☐ Take meter readings immediately - Record readings for: Gas Electricity Water Take photos for your records.

☐ Check the property condition - Make sure the property has been left as agreed in the contract and that any included items remain.

☐ Locate important items - Find and check: Boiler controls Fuse box / consumer unit Stopcock (water shut-off) Heating controls After Moving In

☐ Set up your utilities - Provide your opening meter readings to utility companies.

☐ Update your address - Notify banks, employers, insurers and subscriptions of your new address.

☐ Register to vote at your new address

☐ Test safety equipment - Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

☐ Change the locks - For security and peace of mind, many buyers choose to replace external door locks. - Find local Locksmith

Helpful Tip 💡 Take photos of meter readings, appliance serial numbers and property condition when you first move in. This can be helpful if any issues arise later.