Step 7 - Complete contracts

The completion date is generally set a few days to a few weeks after exchanging contracts, depending on your circumstances and whether the property is ready to move into.

Any money that you still need to pay is now transferred from your solicitor to our solicitor's account. Your solicitor will ask for the mortgage funds from your lender and also carry out a final search at the Land Registry.

Pay any outstanding money

If there is an outstanding balance, you will need to pay this to your solicitor at this time. This includes the stamp duty, which is a government tax charged on the purchase price of all properties above a set level. Ask your solicitor to explain your options with New Build HomeBuy (shared ownership).

If you buy the property under a New Build HomeBuy scheme, you will need to pay rent to Notting Hill (your housing association). This will include rent for the rest of the month in which your completion date falls, plus one month's rent for the month to come. Your direct debit payment will then begin on the first day of the following month.

Make other arrangements

You will also need to:

• arrange for a removals van
• contact the local authority to register to pay council tax
• contact the utility companies to arrange to connect gas, electricity, water and phone supplies
• get your mail re-directed.

The completion date is the day you pay for the property and we give you the keys – it's your moving-in date!

More information

To find out more about the completing contracts step contact us on 020 8357 4444 or cst@nhhg.org.uk.