What happens on completion day & beyond?

Key takeaways

• Completion means more than just getting the keys. It is when the legal and financial transfer happens, and it marks the start of several important tasks you need to handle after moving in.
• Your conveyancer handles the legal and financial details, such as paying Stamp Duty Land Tax and registering your property with the Land Registry.
• Completion day is exciting, but sometimes there can be delays. Staying flexible and keeping in touch with everyone involved is important.
• After you move in, there are important tasks to complete, like setting up utilities, paying council tax, and updating your address.
• Moving Compared connects you with trusted conveyancers, surveyors, and removal companies to help make your move easier.

Moving home is a big milestone, and completion day often feels like the finish line. It is the exciting moment when you officially become the owner of your new place. But there are still important legal and administrative steps to take on this day and after. Knowing what to expect helps ensure a smooth transition and protects your ownership.

Completion day: The official handover

On completion day, the property officially changes hands from the seller to the buyer, and the final payment is made. After months of planning and paperwork, this is when you finally get the keys to your new home.

Your conveyancer manages the final steps on completion day. They make sure all payments, including your deposit and the mortgage funds, are sent to the seller’s conveyancer. Once the funds are confirmed, the seller’s conveyancer instructs the estate agent to release the keys, and you can usually pick them up from the agent.

For sellers, completion day is when their ownership ends and they receive the sale proceeds. Their conveyancer confirms the funds have arrived and arranges for the keys to be handed over to the buyer. The seller’s conveyancer pays off any remaining mortgage, covers legal fees, and pays the estate agent’s commission. The remaining funds are then transferred to the seller’s bank account. Sellers should have left the property by the agreed time and in the condition promised.

For new-build homes, completion day can work a bit differently. The property might not be finished until just before completion, and there is often a final inspection. Ownership is transferred once all agreed work is done. New builds usually have a 'snagging' period to spot any issues. Your conveyancer will work closely with the developer’s legal team to ensure all work is completed before funds are released. This process can be less predictable than with older homes, so it is important to keep in regular contact with your conveyancer and the developer.

Collecting your keys: Stepping into your new home

Getting the keys is the moment you officially become a homeowner, and it usually happens once all the legal and financial steps are complete. The estate agent normally handles this and is your main contact.

Once your conveyancer confirms that the seller’s conveyancer has received all the money, you’ll be told that completion has happened. The seller’s conveyancer then instructs the estate agent to hand over the keys to you. You can pick them up from the estate agent’s office and finally step into your new home.

Beyond completion day: Essential legal steps

After completion day, there are still some important legal and administrative tasks to secure your ownership and help you settle in. Your conveyancer will continue working on your behalf to ensure these post-completion steps are completed.

Registering your ownership with HM Land Registry

Registering with HM Land Registry is an important legal step that officially lists you as the new owner. This gives you legal proof of ownership, protects your property rights, and keeps your records secure and accessible.

Your conveyancer will submit your application to HM Land Registry, updating the records to show you as the owner and noting any mortgage details. Without this step, your ownership is not legally complete, which could cause problems if you want to sell or remortgage later. Most properties in England and Wales are registered, giving a clear record of ownership.

Paying Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a government tax on the purchase of land or property in England and Northern Ireland. It is a major cost when buying a home, and you must pay it to complete your property registration — for more information, read our Stamp Duty guide for 2026.

How much SDLT you pay depends on the price of the property, if you are a first-time buyer, and whether you own other properties. Your conveyancer will work out the amount and pay HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) within 14 days of completion. You need to pay this before your property can be registered. For more details, check our guide to moving costs in the UK.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial advice. You should seek independent financial advice from a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances. 

Title Deeds

Title deeds are old documents that show who owns a property, its boundaries, and any rights or obligations. Today, most of this information is kept as electronic records by HM Land Registry.

After your property is registered with HM Land Registry, your ownership record is digital. Physical title deeds are rare now, but your conveyancer will give you a copy of the official register entry, which proves you own the property. If you have a mortgage, your lender will be listed too. Your conveyancer will make sure all the details are correct and easy for you to access.

Settling in: What post-completion admin is needed?

After you move in, there are several important admin tasks to handle. Doing these helps you settle in smoothly, manage your new home, and avoid problems later.

• Council tax: Inform your local council that you have moved in so they can set up your council tax account.
• Utilities: Contact gas, electricity, and water suppliers to set up new accounts in your name. Take meter readings on the day you move in.
• Broadband and Phone: Arrange for your internet and phone services to be connected.
• Insurance: Ensure your buildings and contents insurance is active from completion day.
• Redirect mail: Set up a mail redirection service with Royal Mail so you receive all your post.
• Update address: Notify banks, employers, doctors, and other important contacts of your new address.
• Removals: Make sure your removal company has finished their job. If you still need one, Moving Compared can help you find the right company for you.

Pro tip: Plan your removals strategically & book your removal company as early as possible, especially once you know your completion date. Busy times like Fridays and month-ends fill up fast.

Moving Compared offers advice and guides, such as how to estimate and reduce the cost of moving home as well as tips for moving house to help you with these steps.

What about potential delays on completion day?

Everyone wants completion day to go smoothly, but sometimes delays occur due to unexpected issues. Being ready for these can help you stay calm and manage your expectations. With good planning and support, you can handle any delays and keep moving forward.

Delays can happen for many reasons, such as late bank transfers, issues with mortgage funds, or legal paperwork issues. Your conveyancer will let you know about any problems and work to fix them quickly. It’s smart to have a backup plan, like flexible removal bookings, just in case. Good communication between you, your conveyancer, the estate agent, and the removal company is very important.

Final summary

Completion day is a big milestone in your move, but it’s just the start of your new chapter. From the excitement of getting your keys to handling important legal and admin tasks, knowing what to do at each step is key. Your conveyancer will handle the legal side, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax and Land Registry registration, to secure your ownership. You’ll also need to manage things like utilities and address updates.

Moving Compared is here to make your move easier by connecting you with trusted professionals for conveyancing, surveying, and removals, so you feel supported throughout the process.