Not moving on completion date - can we wait to pick up keys until evening?

jils

Hi there, we are first time buyers and have agreed to a completion date but we are not planning to actually move on that day. This seems common enough, but I am wondering whether we actually have to take precious time off work to physically collect the keys etc. in the daytime?

If we can agree with the estate agent to collect keys from them in the evening after work, would this be sufficient? A lot of articles online suggest checking the property is in order with the estate agent present, this may be better to do in the light of day!

So essentially I'd like to know what actually happens on completion day? Is it simply a case of picking up keys or are there forms to be signed, things to be checked, that require us to be there in person during the daytime?

Thank you!

knightstyle

You can collect the keys anytime after the sale goes through, a day or so later if it suits you.
Don't forget you are responsible for insurance and will have to tell the insurance company that the property is vacant till you move in.

Ithaca

Our buyers didn't collect their keys until the next day after completion as one of them was out of the country on completion day.

When we bought we didn't go round with the estate agent after completion, just picked the keys up from their office in town and drove over ourselves - at that point the deal is done so there's not a lot the estate agent can do!

hazyjo

I've always collected from their office, they have never met me at the property or inspected the property.


Bear in mind they will probably shut at 5pm-ish so I doubt you'll be able to collect them in the evening.


Jx

jils

knightstyle wrote: »

Don't forget you are responsible for insurance and will have to tell the insurance company that the property is vacant till you move in.

Thank you for pointing that out! We have exchanged and purchased insurance, but I didn't even think to tell them that the property would be vacant.

We planned a holiday a while back thinking our purchase would be complete by mid-April (began process at start of December!) but we're having to complete the day before we leave. Not thrilled with the arrangement but couldn't see another option in our chain..

saajan_12

Once completion has happened, there is little the agent can/will do.. any issues would have to be sorted out formally through solicitors, though this is rare. I wouldn't leave it too long to inspect yourself so in case there are issues, you can document these soon after completion rather than weeks later.

davidmcn

jils wrote: »

A lot of articles online suggest checking the property is in order with the estate agent present

I have never heard of this. Normal procedure is the agents hand the keys to you and that's it. If you discover anything isn't in order, that's for the solicitors to argue about.

neilio

I doubt the estate agent would object to you collecting the keys in the evening. They often work in the evenings - people like to do viewings after work sometimes! Shouldn't be any skin off their nose to hand a set of keys to you at 7pm.

TBagpuss

Yes, once you've completed when you collect the keys is up to you and the only issuewould be whet times the agents are oepn!

Obviously it makes sense for *you* to check the property ASAP,even if it is only to ensure that there isn't any damage caused by the sellers movers, to take initial meter readings etc.

AnotherJoe

jils wrote: »

If we can agree with the estate agent to collect keys from them in the evening after work, would this be sufficient? A lot of articles online suggest checking the property is in order with the estate agent present, this may be better to do in the light of day!

First I've ever heard that, never done it myself, its not the responsibility of the EA to "check the property is in order" or anything to do with them. Where did you read this? Was this perhaps in respect of rental?

G_M

You can collect the keys whenever and however you and the seller agree.

It does not have to be the estate agent (who may not work evenings).

You could agree with the seller for the keys to be left with the neighbour. Or solicitor. Or for the seller himself to meet you at the property (or nearby pub/duckpond/whatever) at a specific time.

Or for the keys to be left under the 3rd stone under the window beside the back door......

It's entirely up to you and the seller to agree. Just bear in mind security implications. The quicker you get the keys safely into your hands, the sooner you can get your new locks fitted.