Is it likely we will move in by this date?

[SugarandSpiceLatte]

I have a potential completion date of 22nd March (vendors own house sale is delayed and is willing to move in with family) but we still haven’t got a date for exchange, haven’t signed any contracts or anything like that.

I am slightly panicking as that is only two weeks away and a lot of things to do and the vendors solicitor is slower than mine. My solicitor is awaiting a response from vendors solicitor regarding completion date (email was sent Friday morning).

what does everyone think?

Didnt you already ask this on Friday?

To copy my comments from that thread-

You don't officially set a completion date until you exchange- before that its just a target.

Once you exchange you can complete very quickly (same day even) but most people leave a 1-2 week gap between them to sort movers etc.

You don't plan an exchange date- the solicitor will just confirm when everything is ready to go, all enquiries have been answered etc, and then ask everyone for consent to exchange. They'll then exchange that day or within a couple of days.

However everyone in the chain has to agree to the completion date, so if 22nd March doesn't work for you then say so!

If Solicitors and vendors are all happy with 22 March, yes it's totally doable.
The gap between exchange and completion only needs to be long enough to get money off the mortgage company.
Exchange is when this date gets fixed.

Myself and the sellers are both prepared to move 22nd but it is hard planning removal companies etc without an official date.

How long does the money take to come off the mortgage company?

Do you know if everyone is ready to exchange- ie have all enquiries been satisfied, all searches back etc?

I'm aiming to complete on the 22nd and we haven't exchanged yet- I have movers lined up but and will confirm the booking on exchange.

We're also working towards the 22nd March, so I bloody hope so!

When we last sold, we completed the day after exchange. It was all a bit last minute and I would have preferred to exchange at least a few days, if not a week, before, but as the house was already vacant it didn't cause too much hassle. Funds were cleared very quickly.

Hoping for less stress this time though. We also asked our sellers for confirmation they're ready to go on Friday, hoping to hear today or tomorrow that we can press on and get it all official.

I’ve just received this from the estate agent, does this sound hopeful we will have a date by the end of the week? First time Buyer and in full panic mode, I need to book the moving van and change my WiFi and order a washing machine so stressed to the max lol

Honestly OP that could mean its all sorted tomorrow or it will all be sorted a month from now- "waiting for a response on a query" can mean so many things! None of us will be able to tell you.

I know it seems like a lot, especially when you are a FTB, but the timeframes you're currently working to are very normal! As I said, lots of people exchange and complete on the same day- I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but it happens, and everyone manages to get things sorted.

From what you've listed, there isn't loads to be too stressed about-

• Movers- have you had quotes? Then pick your company now, then just give them the okay when you exchange (some will let you hold a date for a small deposit and allow you to move it if things change)
• Wifi- this can be sorted quite quickly if there is already an internet line in the property, if not then most providers will supply a temp dongle or similar to tide you over
• Washing machine- AO do next day delivery, and even then do you need a washing machine from the second you move in?

However you have some agency in all this- if the exchange gets pushed too close to the 22nd you can just say you'd like a later completion date. Everyone in a chain has to agree to a date.

Yes I've received quotes for movers. My WiFi company needs 2 weeks notice for moving house. AO do not deliver to my country, I only have Argos and currys which can have long delivery times. I have a baby who uses reusable nappies so washing machine is important

Fair enough- I shouldn't have assumed your location and circumstances!

I still think you'll be okay though. I get it's not ideal not having loads of notice, but 1-2 weeks between exchange and completion is very common.

OP, it is stressful, and IMO the first couple of weeks after moving can be a bit like camping out.

I had to use data / a dongle for 3 weeks last time I moved as the Broadband provider was so deeply crap (Open Reach were the main problem).

Likewise prepare yourself with as many clean nappies as possible or prepare to make do with disposable or the launderette for a week.

Unless your circumstances are extreme all would be better than delaying exchange or completion. IMO.

It is stressful, no doubt about it!

Fingers crossed the current queries get dealt with swiftly.

Talk to your solicitor about why the contracts aren’t for signing: usually you can sign the check trace early in the process, then all the solicitor has to do is put in the date and exchange, once everything else is in place.