Completion date set - what do I need to do!?

User1312

After 15 weeks since offer (on a no-chain property!) we've finally exchanged with completion set for next Mon 11th Sept. I know there are a few 'what to do between exchange and completion' guides but I couldn't find specific answers for our situation, so I hope you can help!

We have a 3 week overlap where we will have the keys to the new house, before we need to move out of the flat. During that time there'll be various works/DIY going on. So we're not actually moving until early Oct; therefore contacting Sky, redirecting post and organising broadband etc can happen a bit further down the line.

My key questions are:

1. Utilities - we cannot switch our supplier over in time for 11 Sept, as we will still need the utilities on at the flat until we move. I assume I will need to keep the current suppliers at the new house for now, and then switch over when we actually move in and stop paying on the current flat. I (nor the vendors) are aware of who the current suppliers are at the new house, so how do I find this out and transfer bills and account in my name? Does doing that commit me to a contract with them which means I can't change suppliers 3 weeks later?

2. Council tax - is it my responsibility to inform the new council prior to completion that we'll be moving in? Does it matter that we'll also be listed on another councils property whilst we finish in the flat? I will ask them about an allowance as the new house will be empty for a few weeks but prepared to pay both if needed.

Have I missed anything else that I need to sort in the next week?

Thanks!

p00hsticks

User1312 wrote: »

I (nor the vendors) are aware of who the current suppliers are at the new house,

This would concern me a little bit. Are the utilities currently connected ? If so, I'd expect the vendors to be finding out who the current suppliers are even if they didn't originally know (e.g if it;s a probate sale), as someone on their side should be taking final meter readings and settling final bills with them. Make sure you take your own meter readings on completion day.

Here's a link on how to find out who they are
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/connections-and-moving-home/who-my-gas-or-electricity-supplier

User1312

Thank you - sorry I should have specified it's a probate sale. Yes they're connected as we had an EICR produced and a gas safety check done. I will take meter readings for the day we get the keys but it's a smart meter so not sure if that changes things?

We did ask multiple times for the supplier details and they kept saying 'don't know'!

davidmcn

I would expect bills to be arriving at the property? You'll find out soon enough, but in any event you can't avoid taking over the contract from the existing suppliers and then giving them notice.


Tell council tax once completion has actually happened.

gingercordial

User1312 wrote: »

1. Utilities - we cannot switch our supplier over in time for 11 Sept, as we will still need the utilities on at the flat until we move. I assume I will need to keep the current suppliers at the new house for now, and then switch over when we actually move in and stop paying on the current flat. I (nor the vendors) are aware of who the current suppliers are at the new house, so how do I find this out and transfer bills and account in my name? Does doing that commit me to a contract with them which means I can't change suppliers 3 weeks later?

When you take over the new place you will have a "deemed contract" with the existing utility suppliers (you've already been given the link to find out who) and should contact them to set up an account - just call them with the opening meter readings and give them your details. They will probably offer you various tariffs to stay but you can just say you are still deciding who to go with long-term so don't want to fix yet, in which case they'll put you on their standard tariff in the meantime. This doesn't lock you in so you're free to switch a couple of weeks later. The standard tariff will probably be rubbish but for a few weeks it won't matter too much in the scheme of things.

When your chosen new supplier takes over you will get a final bill for the few weeks with the existing supplier. You'll probably need to pay this manually as most suppliers won't set up a direct debit if you haven't committed to staying, so don't forget to do this when the bill comes in if you've been accustomed to DDs.

User1312

All really helpful advice, thank you! Yes we're happy to spend a few weeks on their standard tariff rather than lock in until we can make a decision!

Mutton_Geoff

Which council are you with at the new place. Check their website for vacant properties. Some allow 100% discount for up to 6 months for refurbishment etc if it's vacant but you need to notify them (even if this is retrospectively). Some (like Bedfordshire for example) actually hike the council tax by 50% if it's empty for two years or more!

AnotherJoe

Dont just take meter readings, take photos.

saajan_12

For both utilities and council tax, you register with the council / current supplier upon completion - your move in date is irrelevant.

Utilities- as owner these are your responsibility under a deemed contract with the existing supplier. Even if there is 0 usage there might be standing charges. Just take meter readings (with photos) on completion date and provide these to the current supplier. You can decide on a tarriff and changeover later.

Council tax- both as owner of an unoccupied property and as owner-occupier you are responsible for council tax. You must register upon completion and follow the council's method to request any discounts e.g. many councils have 100% discount for the first empty month, and then full or even a penalty charge if it goes on longer.

eddddy

User1312 wrote: »

1. Utilities - we cannot switch our supplier over in time for 11 Sept, as we will still need the utilities on at the flat until we move. I assume I will need to keep the current suppliers at the new house for now, and then switch over when we actually move in and stop paying on the current flat. I (nor the vendors) are aware of who the current suppliers are at the new house, so how do I find this out and transfer bills and account in my name? Does doing that commit me to a contract with them which means I can't change suppliers 3 weeks later?

I think you may be misunderstanding how electricity contracts work.

You don't transfer a contract from your old flat to your new house (and therefore you don't have to wait 3 weeks).

You will be cancelling the contract at your flat on the day your tenancy ends (I'm assuming you're renting), and starting a new contract at the house on the day you complete the purchase.

So for 3 weeks you will be responsible for 2 electricity contracts.

User1312 wrote: »

Yes we're happy to spend a few weeks on their standard tariff rather than lock in until we can make a decision!

You don't have to do that. You can start researching the cheapest/best tariff for you now. On completion day, you could sign up with the current supplier temporarily, and start the switching process straight away - if you want.

Then the switching process takes some time - ask your proposed supplier how long they will take.

Ozzuk

Don't forget you need to insure the building from exchange.