When Do You Get the Keys?

The Sequence of Events

Completion day follows a predictable sequence. Understand this and you'll know when to expect the call about your keys.

Morning (9–10am): Your conveyancer confirms everything's ready with the seller's conveyancer. Both sides check that all documentation is in order and all parties are ready to proceed.

Late morning (10am–12pm): Your conveyancer sends the completion funds via CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payments System). This is a same-day payment system operated by the Bank of England. The money doesn't arrive instantly but usually clears within a few hours. These funds include your deposit, mortgage balance, and costs.

Early afternoon (12pm–2pm): The seller's conveyancer receives the funds. They check the amount matches what was agreed. They confirm receipt to your conveyancer.

Mid-afternoon (1pm–3pm): Once the seller's conveyancer has confirmed funds received, they authorize the estate agent to release the keys. The estate agent calls you to say keys are ready for collection.

Your next step: You visit the estate agent's office and collect the keys.

Why This Timing

Keys aren't released until funds are confirmed because once keys are handed over, the seller has lost control of the property. The seller's conveyancer won't authorize key release until they know the funds have actually cleared and aren't going to bounce back.

CHAPS transfers usually clear the same day but take a few hours. During that time, there's a tiny risk (extremely tiny) that the transfer fails. Only once it's confirmed received do they release the keys.

If You Don't Hear by 3pm

If you haven't heard from the estate agent by 3pm, it doesn't necessarily mean something's wrong. It might just mean:

• The estate agent's office is busy
• There was a delay with the lender sending funds
• The conveyancers are processing slowly
• There's been a minor query that needed resolving

Contact your conveyancer and ask for an update. Ask whether funds have cleared and whether key release has been authorized. Usually they'll tell you it's happening "soon" or "we're just waiting for the bank to confirm."

Very occasionally, completion is delayed to the next business day. If this happens, your conveyancer will tell you. They'll reschedule the key collection. It's rare, but it does happen.

Collecting the Keys

The estate agent will call (or email, depending on their process) to say your keys are ready. You then arrange to visit their office and collect them.

When you arrive at the estate agent's office:

• Check you have all keys for all external doors
• Test keys work in the locks (don't just take their word for it)
• Ask for a list of which keys are for which locks
• Request any garage remote controls, alarm codes, or access equipment
• Get a receipt confirming keys collected

The estate agent will have a completion pack with keys, codes, and any property information. Take all of it.

Taking Possession

Once you have the keys in your hand, you're in legal possession. You own the property. You can enter it, occupy it, and control it.

The first thing most people do is walk through the house checking everything's okay. Take meter readings (electricity, gas, water). Check that all agreed items are still there. Verify there's no unexpected damage.

Take photos of meter readings and any issues. Contact your conveyancer if you find significant problems. For minor things (missing light bulbs, a radiator not quite as hot as it should be), you can sort them later.

Special Cases: Keys Not Available Same Day

If the seller is still occupying the property: Very occasionally, the seller is still moving out on completion day. They've had a delay with their own removal. The property isn't empty yet. Keys can't be released until they're gone.

In this case, the estate agent will tell you keys will be available "later today" or "tomorrow morning." You wait a bit longer. Your removal company might need rescheduling. It's frustrating but it does happen.

If the estate agent is closed before funds clear: If funds clear at 4pm and the estate agent closes at 5pm, keys might be released same day. If funds clear at 5:30pm and the agent closes at 5pm, you might get keys posted that evening or next morning.

If you can't collect same day: Some buyers arrange for the estate agent to post keys. This is less common (keys going through the post creates security concerns) but it's possible. The agent would use special courier delivery or registered post.

After You Get the Keys

First hour: Walkthrough and meter readings (as covered in the completion day checklist).

Same evening: Contact utilities with meter readings so you're registered as the new customer.

Within 48 hours: Update your address with councils, insurance, banks, etc. The first week checklist covers all these tasks.

Within 1 week: Contact your conveyancer to ask about the HM Land Registry registration (officially recording you as the owner).

Getting the keys is the moment it becomes real. You own a house. You have the keys. You can go there whenever you want. It's yours.

Can I get the keys posted to me instead of collecting them?

Yes, though it's less common. Using registered post or special courier reduces risk. But most buyers prefer collecting keys in person to verify they have them all working correctly.

What if the estate agent has closed by the time keys are ready?

Your conveyancer and the estate agent coordinate this. If funds clear late in the day, keys might be posted that evening or held for collection next morning. You'll be informed of the arrangement.

What should I check when collecting the keys?

Count all keys (front door, back door, garage, utility room, etc.). Test that they work. Ask for a list of which key opens which lock. Request garage remotes, alarm codes, and any other access equipment. Get a receipt.

What's my first priority when I get the keys?

Take meter readings (electricity, gas, water) with date visible in photos. These mark the boundary between seller and buyer responsibility. Don't unpack or arrange furniture until you've done this.

Should I ring my utilities immediately after getting the keys?

Yes, same evening. Provide meter readings so you're registered as the new customer from completion day onwards. This ensures bills are in your name and the seller's account is closed.