Completion Day Checklist

Before You Read the Checklist

• Completion day = the day ownership legally transfers and money changes hands
• It follows exchange of contracts—usually by 1–4 weeks
• Keys are released only once funds are confirmed received by the seller's solicitor
• Both buyers and sellers should be reachable by phone all day
• Most completions happen between 10am and 2pm

• ☐ Confirm your solicitor has all funds ready (mortgage + your deposit/savings)
• ☐ Check that buildings insurance is active from exchange date
• ☐ Confirm removal company booking and arrival time for completion day
• ☐ Arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail
• ☐ Notify employer, bank, HMRC, DVLA, GP, and subscription services of address change
• ☐ Book a childminder or dog sitter for completion day if needed
• ☐ Pack non-essential items

• ☐ Confirm with your solicitor that funds are ready to transfer in the morning
• ☐ Do a final walkthrough of your current property—make sure nothing is forgotten
• ☐ Arrange where you'll wait in the morning while funds transfer (don't schedule arrival before keys are confirmed)
• ☐ Pack overnight essentials separately (kettle, mugs, bedding, change of clothes)
• ☐ Contact the estate agent to confirm key collection arrangements

• ☐ Be available by phone all day—solicitor will call when completion is confirmed
• ☐ Wait for confirmation of completion before going to the estate agent for keys
• ☐ Collect keys from estate agent (or wherever agreed)
• ☐ Do a final check of the property before removals arrive—photograph condition
• ☐ Check all agreed fixtures and fittings are present
• ☐ Read all utility meters (gas, electricity, water)—photograph and record readings
• ☐ Locate the fuse box, stopcock, and boiler—know how to operate them
• ☐ Change the locks (or arrange for a locksmith)
• ☐ Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

• ☐ Confirm with solicitor that SDLT (stamp duty) has been paid to HMRC
• ☐ Keep copy of completion statement for records
• ☐ Register with local GP and dentist
• ☐ Set up contents insurance if not already done
• ☐ Update electoral roll (register to vote at new address)
• ☐ Check Land Registry registration has been submitted by solicitor

• ☐ Confirm removal company booking and timing for completion day
• ☐ Arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail
• ☐ Begin packing non-essential items
• ☐ Collect all keys (including spares, garage, shed, outbuildings) ready for handover
• ☐ Gather appliance manuals, warranties, boiler service records, alarm codes
• ☐ Notify utilities, bank, employer, HMRC, DVLA of forthcoming address change

• ☐ Do a final check of each room—ensure everything being taken is packed
• ☐ Check that nothing agreed to be left (fixtures, fittings, appliances) has been removed
• ☐ Confirm with estate agent where keys should be left after vacating
• ☐ Arrange overnight accommodation if needed (if completing and moving on same day)

• ☐ Be available by phone—your solicitor needs to confirm completion
• ☐ Vacate by the agreed time (check your contract—usually 12pm or 1pm)
• ☐ Take final meter readings and photograph them for your records
• ☐ Leave all keys, fobs, and gate openers at the estate agent or as agreed
• ☐ Leave all manuals, warranties, alarm codes, and boiler instructions
• ☐ Do a final walk-through to ensure nothing is left behind
• ☐ Leave property clean and tidy—legally required to be in the condition agreed

• ☐ Confirm with your solicitor that funds have been received and dispersed (including mortgage redemption)
• ☐ Update your address with all remaining contacts
• ☐ Cancel any home insurance on the sold property
• ☐ Notify the council tax office of your move date
• ☐ Keep copies of all legal documents for your records

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Related Guides

• The Day of Completion: Full Timeline
• Exchanging Contracts: Everything You Need to Know
• What Happens After Exchange of Contracts?
• How Long Between Exchange and Completion?
• Conveyancing Process Timeline: Step-by-Step