It's one of the most common questions in conveyancing:
"Can you tell me when we'll complete?"
We completely understand why people ask.
Whether you're arranging removals, booking time off work, organising school places or simply looking forward to moving into your next home, knowing the completion date feels incredibly important.
The difficulty is that a completion date isn't something your conveyancer can decide alone.
It can only be agreed when everyone involved in the transaction is legally and practically ready.
The Short Answer
Your conveyancer can't confirm a completion date until all parties in the transaction are ready to proceed.
Before a date can be agreed, legal work must be completed, enquiries answered, mortgage funds (where applicable) arranged and, if there's a chain, every linked transaction must also be ready.
Until then, any suggested date is simply a target rather than a confirmed completion date.
The Explanation
A completion date isn't chosen by one person.
It's agreed between everyone involved in the transaction.
Before that can happen, several important stages usually need to be completed, including:
- The buyer's legal investigations.
- Replies to enquiries being received and approved.
- Mortgage offers being issued (where applicable).
- Searches and any additional investigations being completed.
- Leasehold information being received (where applicable).
- Contracts being approved by both conveyancers.
- Every linked transaction within the property chain reaching the same stage.
Only once these matters have been dealt with can the parties discuss and agree a completion date.
Even then, everyone in the chain must be available on the same day.
This is why your conveyancer may sometimes be unable to give you a definite date, even though significant progress has already been made.
Common Questions
Can't you just give me an estimated completion date?
We can often give you an indication based on how the transaction is progressing.
However, until everyone is ready, any date remains an estimate and could change.
Why can't we just pick a date now?
Because other parties may still be waiting for mortgage offers, search results, replies to enquiries or information from third parties.
Choosing a date too early can lead to disappointment if something unexpected delays the transaction.
When will the completion date usually be agreed?
In many cases, the date is agreed shortly before Exchange of Contracts, once everyone is satisfied that they're ready to proceed.
Can I book my removals before the completion date is confirmed?
It's usually safer to wait until contracts have been exchanged and a completion date has been formally agreed.
Booking removals too early could result in cancellation or rearrangement costs if the date changes.
Top Tip
If you're making arrangements for removals, annual leave or school transfers, speak to your conveyancer first.
We'll let you know when it's appropriate to start making firm bookings.
Did You Know?
A property chain can involve several separate transactions.
Even if your own sale is ready, the completion date often depends on every linked transaction reaching the same stage.
Common Misconception
"My conveyancer already knows the completion date but isn't telling me."
Not at all.
If we could give you a confirmed completion date sooner, we absolutely would.
The reality is that the date depends on everyone involved reaching the finish line together.
The MA Lawyers Approach
At MA Lawyers, we understand how important it is to have as much certainty as possible.
Whilst we won't promise a completion date before it's ready to be agreed, we'll always keep you informed about the progress of your transaction and explain what still needs to happen before a date can be confirmed.
When the time is right, we'll work with the other conveyancers, estate agents and everyone else involved to agree a completion date that's suitable for all parties.
Our aim is to give you clear information and realistic expectations, helping you plan your move with confidence rather than uncertainty.
Related Articles
- Why Is My Sale Taking So Long?
- What Happens If I Have a Mortgage?
- When Will I Receive My Sale Proceeds?
- What Happens on Completion Day? (Buying a Property)