not moving in straightaway

missjy

Am hoping to have the keys to my new house soon, but I will not be moving in straightaway - instead staying with my parents while I do some work on the house. I am a FTB and was wondering what things I need to do:

- tell the council for council tax purposes (does it make a difference that there will be no one living in the property?)
- do I cancel the gas/electricity/water from the sellor's name or will they do this? same goes for if they have sky/cable
- open up new gas/electricity/water accounts in my name
- as there will be no tv in the property do I inform tv licensing or not?

Anything else urgent that I would have to do?

Thanks

LandyAndy

Probably a good idea to tell your insurers it's unoccupied if you are going to be some time before you move in.

When I bought my last house we spent the first three weeks redecorating but were in all day every day as we were renting 100yds up the road. I didn't tell the insurers but if you are going to be out of it for say 6 months while work is done intermittently then you probably should.

Take utility readings when you move in and inform your supplier.

You won't need a tv licence.

Make sure you have at least one complete spare set of keys. Some people will tell you to change all the locks. I never have and have never had any trouble.

You should tell the council that the property is unoccupied. It should affect the Council Tax payable but I can't remember exactly how.

Werdnal

Might also be an idea to advise your mortgage provider, as some lenders have clauses about leaving properties empty.

If the property is empty and unfurnished, you might qualify for Counci Tax rebate for 6 months. Contact them and they will send you a form, then contact them again if you move in before 6 months.

I'd always advise you to contact all the utilities yourself, just to ensure the accounts are in your name, and anything due from the previous owner will be sent to them.

missjy

It will only be for 1 month its just carpeting & wallpapering - I have a young child and don't want her in the house until the work is done.
The spare set of keys is a really good suggestion!

Grimbal

We're still at our rental for 2 months until we move into the house we bought (last Friday - woo hoo!). This is what I did:

1. called utilities to let them know I am now responsible for bills. Gave them meter readings
2. called BT to make sure that no line rental was payable by me
3. called TV licensing - they arranged for a 2 month deferral
4. arranged unoccupied buildings insurance
5. naughtily didn't inform mortgage lender.:o
6. called Council Tax people & they arranged for a 6 month rebate

poppysarah

Don't underestimate the time it'll take for you to do the work.
(Or are you having lots of people help you?)

Lance

Buy some light timers, 3 for £9.99 at Homebase, to turn lamps on in the front room and one other room until 2300 each night. This is very cheap and will convince squatters and burglars that you are in.