Seller Offered us Keys before Completion

moneyistooshorttomention

Slinky wrote: »

I'm astonished given how you have mentioned on several threads about the 'proper' length of time there should be between exchange and completion.

With regards water, if it's been turned off at the stopc o c k then it's a simple enough job to turn it on, nobody comes out from the water company to do it.

Yep...as I recall - the vendor was doing the "proper" length of time between Exchange and Completion.

I accepted that (though it meant a few weeks of rent money thrown away). They had actually moved already - and so didnt need any time for doing "whatever-it-was" and/or continuing to live there for a while.

I was doing it all officially - and pointing out they didnt need the use of the house any more and asking if I could get in to clean it as soon as Exchanged had happened. They refused.:(

The most I would have done unofficially was that I was going to move in on scheduled Completion Day - even if Completion hadnt happened due to someone-elses'-fault. But that went according to plan and I wasnt having to search for a brick to go through single-glazed window whilst removal van was parked outside waiting to unload.

Slinky

So the 'proper' period of time between exchange and completion should be whatever the buyers and sellers in a chain agree is convenient to them, not some artificial wierd convention.

cajef

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Yep...as I recall - the vendor was doing the "proper" length of time between Exchange and Completion.

What is the 'proper length of time', two hours, two days, two weeks, two months?

As far as I am aware the length of time between exchange and completion can be any time that is agreed at the exchange of contracts.

hazyjo

cajef wrote: »

What is the 'proper length of time', two hours, two days, two weeks, two months?

As far as I am aware the length of time between exchange and completion can be any time that is agreed at the exchange of contracts.

Many moons ago, everyone had around four weeks. Money is under the impression this is still the case. Just an outdated view really. I'd class 'proper' or 'normal' to be more like 1-2 weeks in this day and age.

cajef

hazyjo wrote: »

Many moons ago, everyone had around four weeks.

Not in my moons and I have bought and sold many properties since 1970 and always agreed my own proper time with the vendor or buyer.:)

armchaireconomist

I did this, had carpets ripped up and gutted the place before completion.


As long as you're aware of associated risks - if it falls through you'll have to put it back to as it was.

G_M

If you were the seller asking about this, I'd be urging caution.

But you're the buyer.....

I once had early access and by Completion had installed all new UPVC windows, painted every room, re-carpeted, fixed the fitted kitchen, tidied the garden and advertised the property.

I had a tenant installed 2 days after Completion.......

sheramber

We have done it twice.

First time in England when a problem with the vendor getting the money from his building society which arose the day before we were due to move in. Our furniture was already on its way from Scotland.

The vendor already had the keys for the house they were moving to and had moved thier furniture so offered us the keys.

The completion didn't happen until about 4 weeks later.

Both solicitors were not happy we had done it.

Second time was our current home. the transfer of our buyer's money was delayed , We only found out at 4pm the day we were moving.( Friday) when the furniture was on the van and on the road.
The vendors had moved out and offered to meet us at the house that night to give us the keys.

The money was received on the Monday.

ThePants999

I would definitely agree to this, and by way of thanks, I'd also offer to take over the electricity/gas/water early so that the seller isn't paying the standing charge (or for any of my usage).

lovehols

Thank you everyone. Seller is giving us the back door key and told us we can keep it. He will retain other keys til Thursday next week our completion day.

We exchanged two weeks before completion on 22/03. No chain either side but we had other committments which meant we couldn't complete before 22/03.

We are lucky that we do have some time before hand as carpet fitter is booked for 28/03 and removals for 29/03 so at least we can get everything clean and painted white I just hope the smell goes!