Completion - Removal Day - Who does what?

The Solicitor

Once the buyer’s solicitor has received the mortgage advance and purchase monies, this can be sent to the seller’s solicitor through the CHAPS system (a means of transferring monies between banks). The seller’s solicitor should notify the buyer’s solicitor to confirm monies have been received and that the keys can then be collected. The seller’s solicitor will contact the estate agent, if they are holding the keys, to confirm they can be released.

The Estate Agent

If the estate agent is holding the keys they will be notified by the seller’s solicitor to release them, only when the purchase monies have been received and cleared.

The Seller

The seller should notify the estate agent prior to completion as to whether the keys will be delivered to the agents’ office for collection by the buyer or if they are to be handed over directly, at the house.

The Buyer

Once your solicitor has confirmed the monies have been received by the seller’s solicitor, contact the estate agent and make arrangements to collect the keys. Be aware, Bank Holiday periods and Fridays are the most popular days for moving. Check with the estate agents that they have been authorised to release the keys by the seller’s solicitor and make  arrangements to collect the keys.