Completion is the day your property purchase finishes. The remaining funds are transferred, ownership legally passes to you, and you get the keys. It usually happens 1–4 weeks after exchange of contracts, though same-day exchange and completion does happen.

In short: exchange is the legal commitment; completion is the day it's actually carried out.

What happens on completion day

Your solicitor sends the remaining balance of the purchase price to the seller's solicitor, usually via bank transfer in the morning. Once the seller's solicitor confirms the funds have arrived, they authorise the estate agent to release the keys. This can happen any time during the day, so it's worth asking your agent for a rough window rather than assuming a fixed time.

What your solicitor does around completion

  • Requests mortgage funds from your lender in good time
  • Carries out final pre-completion searches to confirm nothing has changed
  • Sends the completion statement setting out exactly what you owe
  • Registers the transfer of ownership with HM Land Registry afterward
  • Pays any Stamp Duty Land Tax due, usually within 14 days of completion

Why do completions sometimes get delayed on the day?

The most common cause is a delay in funds moving through the banking system, particularly if several transactions in a chain are relying on money arriving in a specific order. Friday completions can be more exposed to this, simply because there's less time in the day to resolve a hold-up.

What should I do before completion day?

Arrange removals, confirm meter readings with the outgoing owner where possible, and make sure buildings insurance is active from exchange (not completion) so you're covered for the gap in between.

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Completion timelines can vary — always confirm the specifics with your own solicitor or licensed conveyancer.