On day of completion should I get the house keys?

homeless9

Hi,

I am exchanging and completing on the same day. Are you supposed to get the house keys on the day of completion? I would like them on this day so does the seller have to get them to me on this day?

FtbDreaming

I assume you’ll need the keys to get in the house that you own! From what I’ve read people get a phone all to say it’s all gone through and to go pick up the keys. Good luck 

davidmcn

Yes. That's the whole point. It becomes your house on the day. The seller would be in breach of contract (assuming exchange happens) if they didn't give you the keys on the completion day. Is there a concern that they won't?

pinkteapot

The seller HAS to leave the house permanently on completion day so yes, you get the keys. Most people will recommend that you change the locks on that day, in case the seller still has a copy. To be honest I've never done this in something like ten house moves, and I don't know anyone who has done it either! Never been burgled or found a previous owner/occupant sat in my lounge.  

MovingForwards

OP has a new build, so it will be vacant.

Yes, if you complete today you get the keys today.

KTM05

pinkteapot said:

 Never been burgled or found a previous owner/occupant sat in my lounge.  

No, although I did get a phone call from the estate agent the day after we completed on our current home, explaining the previous owner had forgotten to pack up a cupboard but 'it was ok as she still had a set of keys, so she would let herself in and collect it' (she knew we were in rented at the time, and weren't planning on moving in straight away). I told the EA where to go, and called the locksmith straight away. I did give her stuff back though. 

Chavy89

KTM05 said:

pinkteapot said:

 Never been burgled or found a previous owner/occupant sat in my lounge.  

No, although I did get a phone call from the estate agent the day after we completed on our current home, explaining the previous owner had forgotten to pack up a cupboard but 'it was ok as she still had a set of keys, so she would let herself in and collect it' (she knew we were in rented at the time, and weren't planning on moving in straight away). I told the EA where to go, and called the locksmith straight away. I did give her stuff back though. 

i would of done the same thing the cheek of it 

pinkteapot

KTM05 said:

pinkteapot said:

 Never been burgled or found a previous owner/occupant sat in my lounge.  

No, although I did get a phone call from the estate agent the day after we completed on our current home, explaining the previous owner had forgotten to pack up a cupboard but 'it was ok as she still had a set of keys, so she would let herself in and collect it' (she knew we were in rented at the time, and weren't planning on moving in straight away). I told the EA where to go, and called the locksmith straight away. I did give her stuff back though. 

 
OK, so in that case I would have changed the locks too!

Comms69

KTM05 said:

pinkteapot said:

 Never been burgled or found a previous owner/occupant sat in my lounge.  

No, although I did get a phone call from the estate agent the day after we completed on our current home, explaining the previous owner had forgotten to pack up a cupboard but 'it was ok as she still had a set of keys, so she would let herself in and collect it' (she knew we were in rented at the time, and weren't planning on moving in straight away). I told the EA where to go, and called the locksmith straight away. I did give her stuff back though. 

Just FYI for future, or other posters, you can change a barrel in a lock in 10 minutes, and the cost is £10-15. 

greatcrested

I always change the locks - and I've never been burgled either!

Even on a New Build, how many contractors' hands have those keys passed through?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA580cRHXDY

Marvel1

pinkteapot said:

The seller HAS to leave the house permanently on completion day so yes, you get the keys. Most people will recommend that you change the locks on that day, in case the seller still has a copy. To be honest I've never done this in something like ten house moves, and I don't know anyone who has done it either! Never been burgled or found a previous owner/occupant sat in my lounge.  

I did!
Completed on Friday, had keys, and my parents went to have a look the next day (I was working) and the previous owner was in there getting the rest of their stuff they left in the corner of the living room - after work it was straight to DIY store to change the locks.