Handing over keys after completion?

blueruby_2

Could someone pls advise if the handing over of keys can be done 3 or 4 days after completion or is it mandatory that we get the keys on completion day?
Our sellers are not able to find a removals on the completion day planned. We would like to finish all the legal aspects of buying as planned on the original completion day & are happy to get the keys from the sellers few days later when they move out. Is this possible? Pls let me know if anyone has done something similar & what should we be aware of.

Gonzo33

Seller has to vacate property and hand over the keys to the Estate Agent, or you (if private sale) on day of completion. If you are the buyer you do not have to pick up the keys on completion day but if it is a private sale it would be advisable to do so.

Mr_Moo_2

It's certainly possible, but you are running some risks based on the fact that you will legally own a place but have no access to it. Speak to your Solicitor, they will have a view.

Jamman960

is your seller able & willing to move out on the day? if so why don't you move into your new property and give the keys to your buyer - its not your problem that they can't move in for a few days (if I'm reading your post correctly)

We were on holiday when we exchanged & completed, we just moved in when we got back(FTB's)

theGrinch

why dont you delay completion until they are ready to move out within reason? keys are customarily handed over on that day

kingstreet

You give the keys to your buyer on completion day so you satisfy your contractual obligation to provide vacant possession.

If they choose not to move in for three or four days, that's their affair.

Presumably you haven't exchanged yet. Why don't they ask for a different completion date to be considered?

princeofpounds

It's best if you take up occupation on the day, if for no other reason that to give you some protection from squatters

G_M

blueruby wrote: »

.... We would like to finish all the legal aspects of buying as planned on the original completion day & are happy to get the keys from the sellers few days later when they move out......

Allowing your sellers to remain in the property after Completion is VERY high risk:

1) what if they do NOT move out? You have given them permission to remain, so you now have to use the courts to evict someone who is legal occupation of your property.

2) you mortgage lender will INSIST (for the reason above) on vacant possession on Completion. That means the property must be handed over to you on Completion, empty (of people!). It is a condition of your mortgage (unless you are a cash buyer).

Fire_Fox

You really ought to be asking your conveyancers, you pay them to advise you of the implications of not getting vacant possession.

blueruby_2

Thanks for your replies. I'll ask our conveyancers also as advised.