Caretaker?

user1977

Completion day is when you pay the money and get the keys. Move in on the day, or later if you like. If you're a FTB then probably less of a concern (more problematic if you've had to move out of your own house on the same day and are stuck in a removal van!).

propertyrental

Completion date is the date you take over ownership. The vendor has to give you vacant possession on that date.

You can move in on that date (most people do) or any date thereafter (though as the new owner you will be liable for utilities etc from Completion date whether you move in or not)

AlexMac

I’ve always moved in on the day of completion and as a routine precaution I change the locks as you’ve no idea who has keys. 

So even if you can’t move in immediately, I’d get round there to check it’s unoccupied and clear of junk (although as you’ll see from many previous posts, there is often some carp to clear and if minor, it’s often easier to just do that yourself rather than pursue damages via your solicitor!)

It’s an easy DIY job to at least change the cylindrical “barrel” of the Yale lock; or if it’s a  posh double glazed style plastic door, the barrel of the  “Eurolock”; you don’t have to change the whole lot.

good luck with your first time!

Grumpy_chap

Is it possible that the "caretaker" is an individual in the property on licence to provide security while the property is vacant in return for cheap / no rent?  If they are on licence rather than tenancy, they can be required to leave on a whim.

thegreenone

Grumpy_chap said:

Is it possible that the "caretaker" is an individual in the property on licence to provide security while the property is vacant in return for cheap / no rent?  If they are on licence rather than tenancy, they can be required to leave on a whim.

Agree.  There are companies that put professional 'caretakers' in empty properties, although they are generally commercial properties. 

OP, perhaps ask the Estate Agent a direct question about this.

YoungBlueEyes

If it was me I’d want a couple of days between exchange and completion. I’d let my solicitor know there was someone in there (in whatever capacity) and I’d not exchange ‘til they’d gone. 

It could be that the seller wanted someone in there to keep the place ticking over and it’ll all be fine. But I’d be round on the morning of exchange to make sure it was empty before getting to the point of no return. I’d also tell the EA so they can inform the seller so everyone’s on the same page. 

Better safe than sorry. 

prettyandfluffy

Blotto17 said:

Normally how long after completion day is moving in day? 

Sorry, FTB here. I start paying the mortgage from completion day? 

It can be the day of completion, once the solicitors involved have confirmed that all the money has been paid to the right party then keys can be handed over.  From memory, our house purchases (4) completed at around 1p.m. So we could move in that same afternoon.