Completion and Moving Out
The final steps in selling your property
In this guide (12 of 12)
Completion is the final stage of the sale when ownership legally transfers to the buyer. Understanding the process helps ensure a smooth handover.
Exchange of Contracts
Before completion comes exchange of contracts. This is when the sale becomes legally binding. The buyer pays a deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price). Both parties are legally committed to complete on the agreed date. If either party withdraws after exchange, they may lose their deposit or face legal action.
A completion date is set, usually 1–4 weeks after exchange. This gives both parties time to arrange removals, finalise mortgage drawdown, and prepare for moving day.
Completion Day
On completion day, the buyer's solicitor transfers the remaining funds to your solicitor. Once your solicitor confirms receipt (usually between 12pm–2pm), you must vacate the property. The buyer's solicitor releases keys to the buyer. Your solicitor pays off your mortgage and transfers the remaining balance to your account within a few days.
Before You Leave
Moving-out checklist
- ✓ Take final meter readings (gas, electricity, water)
- ✓ Inform utility providers of completion date and final readings
- ✓ Leave instruction manuals and warranties for appliances
- ✓ Leave any items agreed in the contract (curtains, carpets, appliances)
- ✓ Remove all personal belongings
- ✓ Leave the property clean and tidy
- ✓ Leave all keys (including garage, shed, window keys)
Fixtures vs Fittings
Only take items that are yours and not included in the sale. Fixtures (items permanently attached to the property — built-in wardrobes, bathroom suites, kitchen units) usually stay unless explicitly excluded in the contract. Fittings (freestanding items like furniture, curtains, lamps) usually go unless explicitly included.
If in doubt, check your contract or ask your solicitor. Disputes over items are common and easily avoided by being clear from the start.
After Completion
Post-completion admin
- ✓ Notify council tax office
- ✓ Cancel or transfer home insurance
- ✓ Redirect mail with Royal Mail
- ✓ Update address with banks, DVLA, GP, dentist
- ✓ Keep all completion documents safely for tax purposes
Your solicitor will handle Land Registry updates. Keep all completion documents safely — you may need them for tax purposes or future property sales. If you're buying as well as selling, our home buying guide covers the purchase side of the process.
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