A practical guide to what happens on completion day in a property transaction. This guide explains the practical conveyancing steps in England and Wales, what your solicitor is likely to check, and how you can prepare without relying on guesswork.
What completion day explained means in conveyancing
Completion is the day purchase money is transferred and the buyer usually gets the keys. In conveyancing, the important point is usually not one isolated document or date. It is how that issue affects title, lender requirements, searches, enquiries, exchange of contracts and completion.
Your conveyancer checks the legal position, explains the practical consequences and helps you understand your options before you become legally committed.
How it usually fits into the transaction
Most residential transactions start with file opening, identity checks and initial information from the buyer, seller and estate agent. The seller's solicitor prepares the contract pack. The buyer's solicitor checks the title, searches, mortgage offer and replies to enquiries. Completion Day Explained can become relevant at one or more of those stages.
Before exchange, your solicitor should report to you on the key documents and any material risks. Unclear replies, missing certificates, unresolved lender conditions or property concerns should normally be dealt with before exchange.
Practical steps for clients
Clients can often reduce delay by providing complete information early. Buyers should keep mortgage advisers, solicitors and estate agents updated. Sellers should gather certificates, guarantees, planning documents, leasehold paperwork and mortgage details before they are requested.
Use the tools in this hub as planning aids. They do not replace legal advice, but they can help you understand likely stages, budget where relevant, track progress and keep property records organised.
Common delays and risks
Delays often happen when a third party has to provide information. Local authorities, management companies, lenders, freeholders, surveyors and other parties in a chain can all affect timing.
Separate inconvenience from risk. A slow document may be frustrating but manageable. A missing permission, unacceptable search result or unresolved title defect may need advice before you decide whether to proceed.
What to do next
If completion day explained is relevant to your transaction, ask what evidence is needed, whether the issue affects your lender, whether insurance or further documents may help, and whether the matter must be resolved before exchange.
This guide is general information for England and Wales. Your own property, lender, lease, title and chain may change the advice you need.
Client checklist
- Make sure all funds are with your solicitor.
- Confirm removals only after exchange.
- Keep your phone available.
- Wait for confirmation before collecting keys.
- Take meter readings where appropriate.
Watch out for
- Bank transfer delays.
- Chain funds moving slowly.
- Late mortgage release.
- Keys collected before completion confirmation.
- Incorrect completion statement queries left too late.
FAQs
When do I get the keys?
Usually once the seller's solicitor confirms completion and the estate agent is authorised to release keys.
What happens after completion?
Your solicitor deals with SDLT where relevant, registration and post-completion notices.