Your completion day is the day when the purchase will be finalised with payment of the balance of purchase price to the seller and the keys will be made available to you. This is your “moving day” and is an exciting but often stressful time.
Residential Property Paralegal Shelley Dancer has compiled some top tips for moving and beyond to help you on your way.
Our top tips to ensure you are ready for completion day?
- Book removal company – If you are using a removal company, make sure you have booked and confirmed this.
- Packing – Pack a bag of essentials that are readily available (change of clothes, chargers, toothbrush etc); label your boxes clearly according to rooms, don’t forget to mark anything that is fragile.
- Update the relevant people – Contact your local authority/utility providers to advise them of the upcoming completion date.
- Arrange care of any children or pets – Moving day will be made smoother and simpler without the added responsibility!
Our top tips for completion day:
- Keep your phone nearby so that you are ready to take the call from your Solicitor confirming that completion has taken place. You can then make your way to the estate agents to collect the keys!
- Be prepared to be a little flexible. Completion will generally take place around early afternoon, but we are reliant on the banking system when sending/receiving funds, so bear this in mind.
- Ensure you read the meters to avoid paying for the previous owner’s usage.
- Unpack your essentials. Prioritise the items which are necessary over the next few days (i.e. bathroom and kitchen basics, you won’t get it all done in one day!)
- Celebrate! It’s a lot to ask to cook on the first night in your new home so order a takeaway and pop open the champagne!
Our top tips for after completion:
- Expect unexpected costs in the first month; this is normal.
- Find out where the mains supplies are for utilities, water, gas, electricity, etc. Check that your smoke alarms work and that they have battery power.
- Update your bank, GP, DVLA, vehicle registration and Royal Mail with your new address.
- Change the locks. There could be any number of keys out there floating around that match your lock.
- Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media, and we will keep you updated on important developments in law.
- Think about making a new Will. This lets you decide what happens to your property, money and possessions if you were to die. If you die without making a Will, the law will decide who will inherit your estate.
What type of Will should I make after moving home?
There are several types of Wills, and it is important to choose the right one for you:
- Single Will
- Mirror Wills
- Property Trust Wills
- Discretionary Trust Wills
- Living Wills
- Lasting Power of Attorney
Wills & Tax Executive Julie Frampton says, “It is very easy to delay making a Will, and many people think that it is only something that you should do later in life. It’s actually one of the most positive, beneficial things you can do to protect your family’s future!”
You can read our guide on writing a Will here.
Our team's top tips for moving day:
“Send your completion funds to your solicitor no later than the day before completion” – Clare Hallett, Residential Property Partner.
“Always overestimate how much things will cost” – Laura Mabin, Residential Property Associate.
‘Arrange plans for the kids’ – Cheryl Phimister, Residential Property Executive.
‘Pack a box for the car containing the kettle, mugs, milk, teabags and coffee’ – Catharine Snow, HR & Operations Director.
‘Find out where the nearest takeaway is’ – Christine Chant, Client Enquiries Manager.
‘Take lots of photos, especially if you are going to renovate’ – Jenny Williams, Marketing and Events Executive.
‘Make the bed before anything else so you can fall into it when you're exhausted’ – Julia Gaunt, Residential Property Licensed Conveyancer.
‘Make sure you know where you packed the corkscrew’ – Oonagh McKinney, Senior Partner.
‘Don't forget the cat!’ – Matthew Fretten, Managing Partner.
A complete guide for First-Time Buyers
If you are a first-time buyer and have any further questions, you can check out a complete guide below:
Alternatively, if you know anyone who is looking to buy their first home that you think might benefit from the guide, feel free to send it to them. Click on this shareable link.
Expert Residential Property Conveyancers in Christchurch, Ringwood & Wimborne
If you want further advice or have any questions following this article, you can get in touch with our bright experts.
You can call us on 01202 499255 or fill in this form.
We offer a free initial chat for all new clients.
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