Why can't you move items between exchange and completion?

[mrscog]

Just that really, why are you not meant to do this? What are the legal implications? Is it because the person still living in the house could flog all the other person's stuff or something?

You don't own the property until completion, that's the point at which the money is transferred. Exchange is just an exchange of contracts.

Because you don't own the house.

You have only legally undertaken to buy the house, on completion, when you will have paid for it.

You can - with the seller's permission.

We did it last time we bought (popped a few fragile things in their spare room and garage) and the owners of the house we're buying from this time offered to let us move anything we want into their spare rooms right off the bat (I hadn't even thought about asking!).

Of course, it's completely at your own risk. You don't own the house, and if the sale falls through and doesn't complete, you risk losing anything you've stored there.

But if you trust the owners of the house you're buying, and they've got e.g. an empty garage and don't mind - then it can help to move a few things early. We moved e.g. pictures that we were worried might not survive the removal lorry.

Well yes, I understand that, but presumably if both parties are in agreement and trust each other then there is no harm?

Ah cross post with culture thanks, that is helpful.

The background to this is that we're buying off a long term family friend, and also our furniture was all free anyway so if it got lost/damaged etc. there wouldn't be a problem really.

Like said upthread, of course you can move your stuff before completion date with the owner's permission and at your own risk e.g. fire, flood, theft, etc. We moved our piano, some music equipment, heavy books, etc. a day or two before completion.

One house we sold they moved their pet rabbit and hutch into our garden a few days in advance of completion - we are pet free so my kids (small at time) were thrilled.

Our most recent move the new owners had some new Next furniture delivered in advance. We just popped it in the garage.

you can - our buyers did with our permission and at their insurance/risk.

create a clear boundary between yours and theirs to avoid the removal men sweeping it all up!

insurance.

who's insurance policy is covering the goods? what if damage is caused as a result of the these goods being stored - eg mites/fire etc.

I wouldn't allow it. Its only exchange of contracts, no legal title has passed and frankly its not worth the hassle if it goes wrong.

Not worried of the stuff goes in a fire - it's all hand me downs anyway. The removal man for both properties is my Dad so he knows what is mine and what is family friends. And the family friend is only moving next door. Feeling as though it's safe to do a few non valuable big things. Thanks all.

Livingthegoodlife I'd agree with you if I didn't know the person we were buying from.

Because the house (buildings) might not be insured, for example.

My experience is that both the vendor and the purchaser should insure the house between exchange and completion. Anything else is then just a point of negotiation through solicitors.

that's right - both parties insure the house from exchange (the buyer probably buildings only). At completion the seller cancels their insurance and the buyer upgrades to full buildings and contents.

this is necessary because exchange commits the buyer to purchase, even if the place becomes a heap of ashes before completion.

There is no onus on the vendors to insure the house beyond exchange of contracts.

And you may move your stuff in and not complete.