FTB - can we give solicitor a move-in date we're 'working towards'?

[MissPollyEstherCardigan]

Hi all,

DP and I are FTB and looking for some advice. We're almost at exchange (we think), and there's no chain at our end or the vendor's. A family friend's advised that we should give our solicitor a date that we are 'working towards' (or aiming for) to move in. Has anyone done this? Does it work?! DP is a teacher, so ideally we'd be looking for a February half-term moving-in date.

Really grateful for any advice you can offer!

We did, although we ended up being a week later than that because our buyer was a pain in the arse. But if you're both chain free then it should be relatively simple!

You can but the date will be dictated more by the legal work than your desire to be in by a particular date

Yes and it does drive everything toward that date but it's really only a guide, can't be set in stone due to various vagaries of law and waiting on responses!

Thank you everyone, that's helpful to know! I really appreciate your answers

More importantly, have you had that conversation with the people you're buying from?!

If so, definitely speak to the sol and explain the timings. They should (hopefully) let you know if they are unworkable from the outset but if they're feasible then hopefully everyone will work to that. Doesn't mean to say that things won't get in the way but if you don't tell the solicitor what you're aiming for then they won't be able to guess!