Buying but not moving in immediately - any advice?

clairec666

I'm buying my first property (first floor flat) and hoping to complete within the next few weeks.

I won't be moving in on completion day, as 1) I am currently staying with parents while the sale goes through so no hurry to move out, and 2) I'm very limited on what days I can take off work. So no need for any stress on completion day and I can do things my own pace. I also need to get a new bed delivered and this will be much easier to sort out once I have the keys, plus I can do a bit of decorating before it's filled with furniture.

I will pick up the keys on completion day and pop into the flat to have a look around, take meter readings etc., make sure everything is secure. Is there anything else I need to consider? It's 20 miles from where I'm currently living so won't be able to pop in every day. As far as I'm aware, the seller will be living there until completion date.

Also, I've heard several people say "don't complete on a Friday". As I won't have the stress of moving on that day, can I safely ignore that advice and let the rest of the chain agree on a completion date that suits them?

QQQQQQQQ_Y

You should ensure the property is insured, and that your failure to occupy it does not breach the terms of that insurance.

Albermarle

What sort of timescale are you thinking of between completion and actually moving in?

The house insurance you take out on exchange will normally have some limit on how long the property is unoccupied.

clairec666

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81992288#Comment_81992288

Ideally a couple of weeks, but might be a bit longer if I get carried away with decorating. I'll be visiting a lot to do things to the flat, but probably not sleeping there until I get the bed delivered. I will read the terms of the insurance carefully - technically it will be "unoccupied" as it will be unfurnished.

Brie

Stating what is likely obvious but I'll say it anyways…..take a box of essentials with you on the first visit.

So mugs, kettle, teabags (milk? sugar?), teaspoons, toilet paper, paper towels. And cleaning supplies including dish soap. Nice to have a (folding?) chair & little table.

Next trip might include a microwave, cuppa soup, tea towels, rack for the draining board, phone charger, radio, extension cord.

Congratulations on your impending purchase.

MayDogsandCoffee

The completion on Fridays is due to having funds cleared, sometimes the process drags on the day and then you are out of business hours for solicitors until Monday.

clairec666

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81992366#Comment_81992366

Thanks, very good suggestions. I reckon on the first night I'll turn up with my Henry hoover, kettle, mug and toilet rolls, then I'll be bringing in a few DIY bits and bobs and cleaning stuff. Not a tea or coffee drinker myself, but I'll make sure there's plenty of supplies in place for the removal men!

Grumpy_chap

1. Change the locks

2. Background heating at low setting

3. Isolate water

4. Insurance that covers empty property

born_again

Not forgetting to advice Council, Utility co's Gas, electric & water of new owner. Once you are owner.

Did not mover into our 1st house for 6 months while gutting the kitchen etc.

clairec666

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81992531#Comment_81992531

Thanks. Only a small flat and no shed so won't take long to check nothing's been left behind. Broadband is a priority as I'll be working from home quite a bit - this is part of the reason I don't want a quick move in, I want to make sure everything is running smoothly before I properly set up home there.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81992547#Comment_81992547

Yes, got that all lined up.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81992343#Comment_81992343

It might not be totally clear in the insurance T's & C's regarding a short period of being unoccupied, but someone visiting most days and the heating on low. You may well have to call them. I would hope that al least some insurance providers would be relaxed about what must be a relatively common situation.