Completion day is moving day. Money changes hands, keys are released, and ownership legally transfers. Here's a full timeline of what happens—for both buyers and sellers.
✓ Updated✓ 9 min read
Key Facts About Completion Day
Completion typically happens between 10am and 2pm—funds must transfer before keys are released
Keys are released only after the seller's solicitor confirms receipt of funds
Sellers must vacate the property by the agreed time (usually midday or 1pm)
Any delay in the chain can push back completion for everyone in that chain
Friday is the most popular completion day—but also the most stressful if things go wrong
Completion Day Timeline
From 8am
Solicitor requests mortgage funds
Your solicitor requests the mortgage funds from your lender. Lenders typically transfer funds before 10am. Solicitors must receive these before sending to the seller's solicitor.
~9–10am
Buyer's solicitor sends completion funds
Once your solicitor has received all funds (mortgage + your deposit/savings), they send the full purchase price via CHAPS bank transfer to the seller's solicitor. This is the key moment.
~10am–2pm
Seller's solicitor confirms receipt
The seller's solicitor confirms receipt of the funds and notifies the estate agent that completion has occurred. The estate agent then releases the keys to the buyer. This is the legal moment of ownership transfer.
Same day
Sellers vacate; buyers collect keys
Sellers must have vacated by the agreed time. Buyers collect keys from the estate agent (not the seller directly, in most cases) and can then access the property. Removals can begin.
After completion
SDLT payment and Land Registry registration
Your solicitor pays stamp duty to HMRC within 14 days of completion and submits the title transfer to the Land Registry. Land Registry registration can take several weeks to months depending on workload.
Completion Day for Buyers
Ensure your solicitor has all funds ready (mortgage + your contribution) the day before
Have your removal company ready to move—don't schedule arrival before keys are confirmed
Carry out a final walkthrough of the property before removals arrive if possible
Check that all agreed fixtures and fittings are in place and no new damage has occurred
Collect keys from the estate agent once your solicitor confirms completion
Read all utility meters immediately on entry and note them for billing purposes
Change the locks—you don't know how many spare keys exist
Completion Day for Sellers
Vacate the property by the agreed time (check your contract—usually midday or 1pm)
Leave all keys (including spares, garage, shed) at the estate agent or with the agent for handover
Leave all appliance manuals, warranties, and alarm codes
Take meter readings before you leave—photograph them for records
Return all fixtures and fittings as agreed—removing items agreed to stay is a breach of contract
Arrange mail redirection through Royal Mail before the day
What If Completion Is Delayed?
In a chain, if one buyer's funds arrive late, everyone in the chain waits. Common causes of delayed completion include:
Lender delays in releasing mortgage funds
Bank transfer processing times (CHAPS should be same-day, but can take until mid-afternoon)
Solicitor communication delays between multiple firms in a chain
A party in the chain needing more time to vacate
⚠️ Why Fridays Are High-Risk
Friday is the most popular day to complete—but if the funds don't arrive by the close of banking (around 3–4pm), completion doesn't happen that day. This means waiting until Monday (or the next banking day) with nowhere to go and a removal lorry full of your belongings. Where possible, completing mid-week gives you buffer time.
What Day Is Best for Completion?
Day
Popularity
Notes
Monday
Moderate
Good—full week to sort any post-move issues
Tuesday–Wednesday
Lower
Best choice—lowest risk, removal firms often cheaper
Thursday
Moderate
Good backup if Friday not preferred
Friday
Most popular
Highest risk if anything delays—no banking day fallback until Monday
Need a Reliable Solicitor for Completion?
A good conveyancer will ensure your funds are ready and completion goes smoothly. Compare quotes from vetted firms today.
There's no fixed time—it depends on when the chain of funds completes. In most cases, buyers receive keys between 10am and 2pm. In a chain, if you're at the end of the chain, it can be later. Your solicitor will call you as soon as completion is confirmed.
Do I need to be at home on completion day?
Not necessarily at the property, but you should be contactable by phone all day so your solicitor can reach you if needed. Arrange to collect keys from the estate agent once completion is confirmed.
What if the seller hasn't left by completion time?
Sellers must vacate by the agreed time in the contract. If they haven't left, you can notify your solicitor and the estate agent. In the worst case, sellers who refuse to vacate can face legal action. In practice, delays are usually brief—give a reasonable grace period before escalating.
Can I start moving in before completion is officially confirmed?
No. Do not enter the property or begin moving until your solicitor has confirmed that the funds have been received and completion is official. Even if you're standing outside with a removal lorry, wait for the official confirmation before going in.