All that remains after exchanging contracts is to pay over the money needed to buy the property, less any deposit already paid at exchange, on the agreed date. Your solicitor will get the mortgage funds direct from the lender and the remainder (if any) from you, and then pass it all on to the seller. Once payment has been confirmed, you can collect the keys to your new home from the estate agent.

As soon as you know your completion date, book a removal firm if you need one and make sure they are prepared to pack your belongings as well as transport them.

Allow yourself plenty of time to sort out all your things before the removal men arrive. Decide what is going where in your new home and label each container with its contents and the room where you want it to go. Remember to pack important items - such as the kettle - where you will be able to find them quickly and easily.

In the last week or two before the move, contact the companies that supply your gas, electricity water and telephone services to let them know you are moving out (if you are currently renting or own a property). Ask them to arrange for the meters in your old home to be read so that you do not end up paying for services the next occupant uses. You may also want to ask the Post Office to redirect your mail for a while. You will also need to let the Council know you are moving so that you are not liable for Council Tax payments at your old address.

Co-ordinate with the estate agent and the vendor to make sure that the meters are also read at your new home.

Once you move in, ensure that you carefully file away all the important information you have gathered (i.e. addresses and contact details for the utilities and the Council, the original estate agent’s particulars for the property and your mortgage details). They will come in handy should you ever decide to go through the whole process again!

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