Congratulations!
You've collected the keys, moved into your new home and can finally begin enjoying it.
For many people, this feels like the end of the conveyancing journey.
In reality, whilst you've completed your purchase, there's still a little more work for us to do behind the scenes before everything is finalised.
The good news is that, in most cases, there's nothing more you need to do. We'll take care of the remaining legal formalities and let you know once everything has been completed.
The Short Answer
Although you've now moved into your new home, your conveyancer still has some important legal work to complete.
This includes dealing with any Stamp Duty Land Tax requirements (where applicable), submitting your application to HM Land Registry and registering you as the new legal owner of the property.
The Explanation
Once completion has taken place and you've collected the keys, our work continues behind the scenes.
If Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable, or a return is required, this will need to be dealt with shortly after completion. At MA Lawyers, this process is managed by our specialist tax consultants, Compass, who will have contacted you during your transaction where necessary.
Once this has been completed, we'll prepare your application to HM Land Registry.
This application registers you as the new legal owner of the property and, where applicable, registers your mortgage lender's legal charge against the title.
HM Land Registry will then process the application.
Registration times vary considerably depending on the type of application and HM Land Registry's current workload. Some applications are completed within a few weeks, whilst others may take several months.
Whilst you may not hear much during this stage, there's usually no cause for concern. Once your application has been submitted, your interest in the property is protected whilst HM Land Registry completes its work.
Common Questions
Do I need to do anything after completion?
Usually not.
Once you've moved in, we'll deal with the remaining legal work. If we need anything further from you, we'll contact you.
When will I receive confirmation that I'm the registered owner?
We'll let you know once HM Land Registry has completed your application and provide you with a copy of your updated Title Register for your records.
How long does registration take?
Registration times vary depending on the type of application and HM Land Registry's workload.
Whilst some applications are completed relatively quickly, others can take several months.
We'll continue to monitor the application until registration has been completed.
Do I need my old paper title deeds?
Not usually.
Today, ownership is recorded electronically at HM Land Registry. Your updated Title Register becomes the official record of your ownership.
Top Tip
Keep your updated Title Register somewhere safe once you receive it. It's often useful when you come to sell, remortgage or carry out work to your property in the future.
Did You Know?
Most people never need to contact HM Land Registry directly.
Your conveyancer deals with the application on your behalf and will let you know once your registration has been completed.
Common Misconception
"Once I've collected the keys, my conveyancer has finished."
Not quite.
Completion is a major milestone, but there's still important legal work to be completed before your purchase is fully concluded.
The MA Lawyers Approach
At MA Lawyers, collecting your keys isn't the end of our service.
We'll continue working behind the scenes to complete the final legal formalities, submit your application to HM Land Registry and monitor your registration until it's complete.
Once everything has been finalised, we'll provide you with confirmation that you're the registered owner together with a copy of your updated Title Register.
Our job isn't simply to get you through the front door, it's to make sure your ownership has been properly protected and recorded.
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