Completion
What is completion?
Last reviewed: 3 October 2026
The brief answer
Completion is the day the purchase money is transferred to the seller's solicitor, ownership passes to you and you collect the keys — usually from the estate agent.
In plain English
Your lender sends the mortgage money to your solicitor before completion. Your solicitor sends the full amount to the seller's solicitor. When the seller's solicitor confirms receipt, the keys can be released.
Timing on the day can vary. Keys are often released in the afternoon, especially in a chain.
After completion, your solicitor deals with any property tax return and registers you as owner with HM Land Registry. You should take meter readings and set up council tax and utilities.
Why it matters
Good preparation makes completion day calm instead of chaotic.
What to do next
- 1Check your completion statement.
- 2Book removals with flexible timing.
- 3Prepare meter readings and supplier details.
Checklist
- Completion statement checked
- Funds sent
- Removals booked
- Keys collected
- Meters read
- Council tax set up