Congratulations! You’ve officially bought your new home 🎉
Completion day is here - the moment you’ve been waiting for! Your solicitor has transferred the funds, the seller’s solicitor has confirmed receipt, and the keys are now yours.
But before you pop the champagne, there are a few important things to do to make your move-in day go smoothly.
What happens on completion day?
✔ Your solicitor transfers the final purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor.
✔ The seller confirms receipt of the money and legally transfers ownership to you.
✔ The estate agent is notified and releases the keys to you.
✔ You officially own the property and can move in!
💡 Tip: Completion usually happens between 10 am and 2 pm, depending on how quickly the funds are processed.
Things to check before moving in
🏡 Take meter readings – Record gas, electricity, and water readings so you don’t get billed for the previous owner’s usage.
🔑 Check the keys work – Test all locks (including windows and outbuildings) before the removals team leaves.
📦 Inspect the property – Walk through each room to check everything is as agreed in the contract.
📞 Set up utilities and broadband – If you haven't already, contact your energy supplier and internet provider to switch services to your name.
📝 Confirm home insurance is active – Your policy should start from the day of exchange, but double-check it’s all in place.
💡 Fact: Your first mortgage payment will usually be due within 4-6 weeks of completion - check with your lender for exact dates.
Settling into your new home
✔ Introduce yourself to the neighbours – Building good relationships early can be helpful.
✔ Locate the stopcock, fuse box, and boiler controls – You don’t want to be searching for them in an emergency!
✔ Redirect your post – If you haven’t done this yet, set up mail forwarding with Royal Mail.
✔ Enjoy your new home – You’ve worked hard to get here, so take a moment to celebrate! 🎉
What Open Moove suggests next
• Update your address with your bank, employer, and any important services.
• Check that all agreed fixtures and fittings are in place. If anything is missing, notify your solicitor immediately.
• Store all legal documents safely within the Open Moove app for easy access.
• Download the Open Moove app to manage your home documents and stay prepared for your next move!
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