Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does completion have to take place on a working day?
- How will I obtain my keys to my new property?
- Should I have a survey carried out?
- What can I expect to happen during my sale or purchase?
- Who do I need to contact to advise them of my new address?
- How far in advance do I need to book a removal company?
- How long will my removal take?
- If moving long distance what happens when they cannot make it in a day?
- Is the cost of this usually included in the quote?
- How do removal companies come up with quotation prices?
Why does completion have to take place on a working day?
When the purchase monies are paid to the seller’s lawyer, you and any lender will expect a vacant property in return on the same day. At the present time the banks only transfer monies electronically on a weekday, therefore completion cannot take place at weekend.
How will I obtain my keys to my new property?
Normally, the keys will be handed to the estate agent by the seller and these will be released to you once the seller’s lawyer has received all monies for the property. Sometimes the seller is unable to leave the keys with the estate agent and may wish to hand them to you. It is important that you find out how the keys are to be handed over. There is nothing worse than waiting outside a new house with a removal van and not being able to get in.
Should I have a survey carried out?
The phrase “buyer beware” applies to purchasing a property. If you find anything wrong with a property once exchange of contracts has taken place, the seller is not liable and you will have to pay for any necessary repairs.
If you have a mortgage, a valuer will inspect the property, on behalf of the lender. It is not advisable to rely upon the valuation report alone because the condition of the property is not considered in detail. However, it is often possible, for an extra fee, to arrange for the same valuer to carry out a more detailed inspection called a “Home Buyers Report and Survey” or even a full structural survey, if the property is very old and needs extensive repairs or alterations.
What can I expect to happen during my sale or purchase?
We have created a guide for both a sale and purchase transaction, which you may find useful to refer to as your transaction progresses.
Contact us to request a copy.
Who do I need to contact to advise them of my new address?
You will need to contact the utility companies, post office and local authority to inform them of your new address. You may also wish to contact DVLA and update your details for television licensing.
See our Resources page to find some useful links to help you with this.
How far in advance do I need to book a removal company?
As soon as possible. Get a number of quotes and once you are happy and comfortable with the company book a provisional date as soon as possible, this way you will get the removal company of your choice. Remember a good removal company will get booked up well in advance. The end of the month and Friday is the most popular time so try to book mid-week and mid month, some removal companies will give you a discount if you pick this time.
How long will my removal take?
How long is a piece of string? Removals differ greatly depending on many factors. The average move (if such a thing exists) will take up to lunch time to load, at which point you hand over your keys and, all being well, pick up the keys to your new house. After a break for lunch the removal men will then unload your possessions into your new house. Unloading is usually quicker because the removal men aren’t trying to pack everything into a small space (the van) and could be finished around 4 o’clock. Just remember there is no such thing as the average move so ask your removal company on their estimated times for being loaded and unloaded.
If moving long distance what happens when they cannot make it in a day?
The logistics of a long distance move should be confirmed with your mover before the day. If you are not picking up your keys until the middle of the day, you don’t want the company turning up at your new address first thing in the morning. Talk to your mover as they can nearly always work around your situation. If you are using a removal company local to your area you are moving from then they may be able to pack the majority of your items the day before and then travel the next day so that they can unload that day. Remember a removal wagon fully loaded cannot travel very fast. A driver of a vehicle over 3.5t can only legally drive for 41/2 hours after which he/she then has to stop for a break for a minimum of 45 minutes before driving for another 41/2 hours. They then have to park in a safe place and not move the vehicle for 10 hours.
Is the cost of this usually included in the quote?
Yes the cost of travelling a long distance will be included in the quotation you have received assuming of course that you informed them of the distance involved.
How do removal companies come up with quotation prices?
A removal cost is calculated by estimating loading, unloading and time travelling to the destination, as well as how many porters it will take to clear the property in the given time frame. Long distances can considerably increase the price of a removal, this is because of the high fuel prices with a removal vehicle only managing around 10 miles to the gallon (around 60p per mile). Labour costs also contribute as wages still have to be paid even though the porters are not working just travelling and enjoying the view.
Restrictions on driver’s hours will also come into play. There is also subsistence, parking costs and wear and tear on a vehicle to include as well. If you do have a long distance to move have a cup of tea ready for your movers when they arrive, after all they have just spent the night sleeping in the van protecting your belongings.