Can there be a set time for completing on house we are buying?

[Willow33]

We have exchanged and are due to complete next week. The chain is short- first time buyers buying ours and we are buying an unoccupied house. My lawyer was very vague about times but he has been pretty difficult to deal with.
We need to work things out with the removal firm though. Can the lawyer give me time for completion?

Your solicitor could ask the lender to release the funds the day before so they are available first thing however I think before midday is usual.

I didn't think a time could be given for completion. The money will be released via the bank (if mortgages are involved) and passed up the chain along with money held by the solicitor, but it's not an exact science as to the actual time it will happen.

But aren't most removal firms are used to this? They go in and clear one house and then drive to new house and know they need to wait until completion?

Can't be many firms trying to fit in more than one removal in a day surely?

Yes, Silas is right. Removal men wait outside until the Estate Agent has heard via the solicitors that the money has reached the vendor and the keys can be released. You need to hope for no computer glitches on the day....

So many removal firms I have spoken to say they charge by the hour whilst/ if they have to wait. Most are £75 per hr. Ouch.

I have never heard of the removal firm charging waiting time. They usually just quote for the job and as Silas says, a removal team would only do one a day (usually an 8am-4pm day)