Setting up utilities / phone / internet between exchange and completion

vitch_2

We've just exchanged on a house and are completing on the 4th August.

I was wondering if there is anything we can do in this time between exchange and completion towards getting gas, electricity and internet set up? I've read through the guides on this site but I haven't found anything about this scenario.

We're first time buyers and don't have any existing contracts to transfer. With gas and electricity it sounds like you are stuck with the standard contract from the current suppliers at first - is that correct? How about with phone / internet. I know this can normally take a while to get set up so I'd like to get the ball rolling before completion if possible...

Thanks!

Kat88

Hi, we are also in this position. I have already set up broadband ready to go for just after we move in. It is easier for us though as it's a new build and therefore we are starting from scratch...I think with gas and electricity its better to move in and then switch, as far as I am aware from my digging its not really possible to sign up until you've moved in, but I may be wrong...

vitch_2

Thanks for the reply With broadband, how did you set it up ready to go? Just ordered the installation for the day after completion or something? Do they need to send anything to the new house in the meantime?

Kat88

I've actually ordered the installation for a couple of days before we are due to complete, development sales lady is fine with this as they most likely won't need to enter the property.. They have said they will send the set-up equipment (router etc) 5 days before it's due to go live to my current address to make things simpler. I actually found out today though that they can't do that and have to send to the address where it will be used which is annoying, as I won't be there! But I told them I can't be liable for it and they might need to send another which they seemed fine with..

vitch_2

Cool - thanks! I'll see what I can get set up in advance or for when I arrive...

t0rt0ise

The router should be small enough to go through the letter box so you don't need to be there to receive it.

chris_m

At times it may not be possible to have broadband set up for the day of move. If the previous occupant had broadband it will depend on how quickly they advise their service provider and how quickly the service provider removes the flag on the line to make it available again.
If one is taking over a line and using the same service provider it may be quicker but if the service provider is different the new one won't be able to do anything until the old one has cleared the flag.
.

vitch_2

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking of going for Virgin Fibre so I guess it depends if the previous owners had a virgin cable or not - the chances are probably not...