Advice please, sellers want 24 hours to move out after completion!

missprice

Kaos wrote: »

Funnily enough, we are the type of people who get walked all over because we're too kind hearted, you hit the nail on the head.
We could have done without the bill for fitting new locks but it looks like we will need to. The biggest problem with that is that OH is at work 8:30-5 so realistically we can't do anything until then. Hence why I'm unsure what will happen between 9am and 5pm. Sounds like we might want to take some friends over when we go

You should always change the locks on moving into a new place.
And it need not be costly, diy.

Jhoney_2

Kaos wrote: »

No, we all know it won't be vacant at 9am. Including the solicitors. But at the moment, compared to losing it all together and being out on the street in a couple of weeks it's a start.
We will be taking a drive by later when OH finishes work. Apparently they are moving what they can to a relatives today so there should be evidence of that.

I hope that's the stuff they thought of leaving in the 'one room' they mentioned? Get them to prioritise inside belongings to the relatives and then let them use the garage (changed the lock on that too!) with notice and at a convenient time for you.

m0bov

I think the reason the OP is in this situation is they sat back and let someone else deal with it all. I would be hitting phones, take responsibility and make sure you cover all angles so you are not left high and dry at 5pm on a Fri. Just assume the worst and dont leave anything to chance!

Kaos_2

Again, thanks for all the comments, I'm still reading and taking them all in!
One thing we've not done at all is sit back and let someone else do things. OH has been on the phone daily to the point that our own solicitors asked him to let them just get on with it in peace at one stage. We've managed to get the whole lot through from finding out we had to move out of our rented house and starting looking for a property to this stage in just over 6 weeks. Until last night everything was going perfectly as far as anyone knew (apart from the seller himself it would seem).
Our solicitors will be getting further calls from OH today, next one will probably be at 3:30 when he gets his ten minute break. I suspect this evening there will be a trip to B&Q. We're trying to figure out a way for someone to be at the property tomorrow. Unfortunately that can't be me, I'm not well enough.
This was definitely going too smoothly

m0bov

One other thing, have you got house insurance sorted tomorrow? Don't forget meter readings!

m0bov

You can arrange for the locksmith to collect the keys from you and secure the property.

pinkteapot

m0bov wrote: »

I really think, rather than hoping for the best, the OP gives her Sol a call NOW, and gets them to pass on to the vendor that at 9am they will arrive at the house and start moving in.

Agree with you in principle, but just to clarify, they should not arrive and start moving in until after their solicitor has phoned them to confirm that completion has taken place. Just in case of any delays in money transfers, etc. Completion may still not happen until a bit later in the morning.

Also, to present a realistic picture to other house movers out there... Our last two purchases have gone as follows:

1. Completed at 11am. Weren't moving in that day so went to the EA about 3pm to get the keys. Keys weren't there. EA phoned seller who was still moving out. He turned up at the EA with the keys at 4:30pm. We went for a coffee in between.

2. Completed at 11.30am. Got to the house with our removal truck at 12.15pm (we were in the middle of a chain so moving that day). Seller's removal company was still loading their truck. They finished about 1.30pm, gave the keys to us in person, left and we started moving in.

Our experiences are fairly normal to be honest. On neither occasion did we get in touch with our solicitors - we knew the sellers were just finishing up.

So, to FTBs out there, you may not in reality get the keys within seconds of legal completion. It's pretty typical for the legal part to happen in the morning but people to not actually get out until lunchtime. This shouldn't be a serious cause of stress on completion day. Most normal sellers will be in the process of moving out and will be out as quickly as they can.

But, in this case, given the way the seller has been, I would be asking the solicitor to chase for key handover soon after completion because I wouldn't have confidence that I was actually going to get the keys on the day. People not finishing moving out on the same day is not normal at all. And as we've all said throughout, the seller should hand over the keys and then make arrangements with OP to come and collect any remaining belongings at a mutually convenient time.

m0bov

Yes far comment. But once you have completed I would want the keys without delay.

Kaos_2

I appreciate everyone's help very much, thankyou all (and I do mean that!).
Pinkteapot I want to say an extra thanks as your posts keep calming me down a bit each time I read one. Your last post is brilliant thanks, if that's what happens with us that's absolutely fine, it's a huge relief to hear that it's not massively unusual for completion to happen early and then keys get handed over later. In fact that would be the ideal scenario for us, we don't *want* the keys until late afternoon, but obviously we need them before end of play.
I really hope it doesn't get to the stage where we have to involve police... but that said, I would in a heartbeat if needed and we can round up a few big guys if we need to as well!
Now... insurance... that reminds me! Dashes off to make a call!

DaftyDuck

If you have now exchanged, it will happen - and yes, I know there are scare stories on here to the contrary, but they are so rare and so unlikely.

So, take a deep breath, and another. The guy is obviously a pillock (wonder if that gets edited out) of the first order. He will have pee'd off the estate agent, his solicitor and, in all likelihood, his ex- and your soon-to-be- next door neighbours. He will be out, and you will be in.Yes, it would be advisable to change the locks, but a good old-fashioned bolt will do while you are there.

I doubt you will need the police. We did on moving in here... not that I knew, as the agent dealt with it all... the daughter refused to leave, and handcuffed herself to the stairs. Where did she get handcuffs? Makes one blush!

Moving house turns some people into right ... well, the swear filter will delete all the choice words, but you get the picture. It's the "Englishman's home is his castle..." and belief that their "home" is something special, as are they. I've seen quite a bit of it, hopefully done none of it myself.

I would really, really not engage in any further conversations with the seller. If you have a phone or video, take it with you on completion and quietly (don't be inflammatory) record anything that happens. Audio will be fine. Always act calmly & politely (sounds like you would) and, if there are any difficulties, inform your solicitor.

Personally, I would be wary of granting any extra time, especially as the pillock seems intent to grab & take; give him an inch, he may take a mile. However, I understand it may be quietly politic to do so. If you do so, only do it with your solicitor guiding you.

Toolstation
do next day delivery, free for over £10, before noon for an extra fiver. That linked page has a sample of their door locks. You could always order a couple of probably-right ones. What kind of door is it, maybe in estate agent photos?

If he leaves tonnes of junk, it may well be worth taking pictures; you can chase him for costs, but I'd chalk it up to experience, and move on if you can.

But, hold the thought that this home will be yours. He's selling his house, you will make it home. Oh, and I'm guessing the neighbours may be very, very glad to see you!