Reaching the final stages of buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel like there’s a lot to keep track of. From understanding the exchange and completion process to organising your move and settling into your new home, knowing what to expect can help the process feel far more manageable.
This guide explains the key steps involved in completing on a house, what happens on completion day and how to prepare for moving into your first home with confidence.
Once your offer has been accepted, there are still a few important stages before you officially become a homeowner. During this time, your solicitor or conveyancer will carry out legal checks, arrange contracts and prepare for the transfer of funds. Your mortgage lender will also complete their final checks before confirming your mortgage offer.
This period is often when buyers ask questions about timelines, paperwork and next steps. Staying in regular contact with your solicitor and mortgage advisor can help everything move smoothly and keep you updated throughout the process.
Many buyers also use this stage to start preparing for their move, from researching removal companies to creating a first time buyer moving checklist.
Completion day is the day the purchase becomes legally final and ownership of the property officially transfers to you – congratulations! This is when the remaining funds are transferred from your solicitor to the seller’s solicitor and you’re able to collect your keys.
For many first time buyers, this is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. After weeks or months of paperwork and planning, completion day marks the moment your new home officially becomes yours.
A common question buyers ask is about how long between exchange and completion. In some cases, they happen on the same day, while for others there may be a gap of several weeks or even months depending on the agreement between all parties involved. For new build homes exchange can happens within as little as 28 days of reserving the property, but usually takes 6 weeks.
Knowing what happens on completion day can help you feel more prepared and reduce any last-minute stress. While every move is slightly different, there are a few key stages most buyers can expect.
Once the funds have been transferred successfully, you’ll usually be told when and where to collect your keys. If you’re buying a new build home, your sales team will explain the handover process and help guide you through the next steps.
Getting the keys is often the moment everything starts to feel real. Whether you head straight over with boxes or simply take a quiet look around your new home, it’s an exciting milestone in the buying journey.
The day itself is often busy, with solicitors confirming payments, the release of the keys and buyers organising removals. Because funds are transferred through the banking system, timings can vary throughout the day, and the keys will not be released until the funds have arrived with the seller.
Many buyers find it helpful to keep essentials close by, including important documents, chargers, snacks and the all-important tea and milk so you can have your first brew in your new home. Having a plan for the day can make moving feel much calmer and more organised.
Searching for practical moving day tips ahead of time can also help you feel more prepared for the experience.
While most completions go smoothly, delays can sometimes happen. Banking transfer timings, paperwork queries or hold-ups elsewhere in the property chain can occasionally slow things down.
Although delays can feel frustrating, staying flexible and keeping in touch with your solicitor or sales team is usually the best approach. Building a little extra time into your moving plans can also help reduce pressure if timings shift unexpectedly.
Preparing early can make a big difference when it comes to moving day. Breaking tasks down into smaller steps often helps the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Many buyers begin organising their move as soon as contracts are exchanged or once a likely completion date has been agreed. Starting early gives you more time to compare removal options, organise paperwork and pack gradually rather than rushing at the last minute.
Creating a timeline can also help you stay on top of important tasks and avoid forgetting smaller details during a busy period.
How you move will often depend on how much you’re taking with you and how far you’re travelling. Some first time buyers hire professional removal companies, while others prefer to move smaller loads themselves with help from friends or family.
If you’re booking a removals service, it’s worth researching reviews, comparing quotes and booking early where possible, especially during busy moving periods.
Packing room by room can make unpacking far easier once you arrive at your new home. Clearly labelling boxes, separating essentials and keeping important documents accessible can all help moving day run more smoothly.
Many buyers also use the move as an opportunity to declutter before settling into a new space. Donating, recycling or selling unwanted items ahead of time can make unpacking feel much simpler.
Once the boxes are through the door and the keys are in your hand, the focus shifts to settling in and making the space feel like home.
After moving in, you’ll need to confirm your details with utility providers and set up any services that aren’t already connected. Broadband installation appointments and postal redirection are also worth organising early where possible.
Keeping a checklist of accounts and services can help you stay organised during your first few weeks in the property.
Settling in takes time, so there’s no need to rush everything at once. Many first time buyers begin by unpacking the essentials first before gradually personalising their space over the following weeks.
Simple touches like arranging furniture, meeting neighbours or exploring the local area can quickly help your new house feel familiar and welcoming.
During your first few days in the property, it’s a good idea to check appliances, heating, lighting and any fixtures to make sure everything is working as expected.
For new build homes, you may also begin noting any small issues or adjustments that need attention as part of the snagging process. Keeping a list can make it easier to report anything that needs reviewing.
Even after the move is complete, there are still a few important tasks to take care of as you settle into home ownership.
One of the first things to organise is updating your address across important accounts and services. This may include your bank, employer, GP surgery, driving licence and insurance providers.
Redirecting your post for a short period can also help make sure you don’t miss anything important while your details are being updated.
New build homes often include warranties and guarantees that provide additional reassurance for buyers. It’s important to keep any paperwork relating to appliances, fixtures and home warranties somewhere safe and easy to access.
Every Persimmon home comes with added peace of mind, including a 2-year Persimmon Homes warranty and a 10-year New Homes warranty and insurance policy. During the first two years, our customer care team is on hand to help, while manufacturer warranties for fixtures and fittings are also supported by Persimmon.
You may also hear the term ‘snagging’, which refers to identifying small issues or finishing touches that may need correcting after you move in. Reporting these promptly can help ensure they’re resolved as quickly as possible.
Buying your first home is a major milestone and understanding the final stages of the process can help you feel more prepared every step of the way. From learning about the completion day timeline to organising your move and settling into your new space, having the right guidance can make all the difference.
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