What needs to be done between exchange and completition?

hoyin

We are nearly at the point where we can exchange contracts on a flat we are buying.

I am a first time buyer, the seller has no chain (the place is empty). What exactly happens after exchange?

What do I need to do? I gather I need to sort things out like utilities - i.e. gas, electricity to ensure that they are reconnected the day we complete.

But what else do I need to do? How long should we allow for? What should I watch out for? What exactly do we need to do?

Thanks

hoyin

Another thing I just read - when do I need to sort out my contents insurance?

I assume I don't have to do that until I actually move in? As building insurance will cover any mishaps between exchange and completion?

However if it was a house I would need to sort out insurance before exchange?

girlsmum

contact a gas/elec supplier (check out prices in the area first) and tell them that when you move you will want to use them, all you need to do then is on the day give then the meter readings.
when i made my first purchase i was a 1st time buyer into an empty propery and exchanged and completed on the same day so dont worry too much
you will need to compile a list of people for change of address, i.e banks credit cards etc, are you getting a land line you will need to contact BT, that might take longer if the line is disconnected. you can sort youcontents and building insurance our in advance, just tell them the date you want it to start from. i thought that even after exchange if there are any mishaps its nothing to do with you, its not officially yours until the money has been transfered.