The actual act of completion is relatively straightforward and requires THREE things to happen:

1. The buyer’s solicitor receives the mortgage from the mortgage lender.
2. The buyer’s solicitor sends the monies to the seller.
3. The seller releases the keys.

Because of the relative simplicity of completion, it can technically be done in a day and for some parties even on the same day as exchange of contracts. But a simultaneous exchange and completion can be very stressful as funds can be delayed or parties can still decide to pull out up to point of exchange. Allowing one to two weeks is the most preferred period for completion as it gives both parties peace of mind that the deal is sealed and time to start planning the move to their new home.

Marcus Simpson of Sam Conveyancing says the length of completion depends on individual circumstances. “When you exchange contracts, you have a number of options on completion depending on your own circumstances. Some parties, who are in an incredible hurry and want to snap up a property fast, can complete simultaneously on the same day. Others might be tied to a notice period on a rental property and want completion to take place in three months time.”

Once the completion date is set, issues can arise for unforeseen reasons such as monies fail, or the mortgage offer expires – but it is very rare because the penalties are so very high. Marcus explains, “If completion fails, the party in breach will be served with notice and charged the Law Society rate of interest, plus the party in breach will also lose their 10 per cent deposit which can be costly.”

Depending on where you are in the chain, and how on the ball your solicitor is, many first time buyers can expect to pick up their keys between 9-11am with second, third or fourth buyers further down the chain collecting their keys between by lunchtime.