What Happens on the Date of Entry

“What Time Do We Get the Keys?” This is one of the most common questions we’re asked – and understandably so. The honest answer is: there is no fixed time.

The timing depends on three key factors:

1. The seller moving out of your new property and on to his or her new property.
2. Your mortgage funds arriving with us
3. If you’re selling, your purchaser’s funds arriving with us

We do not have direct control over these elements, so we can’t confirm an exact time until everything aligns on the day of entry. That said, we do everything possible to avoid delays – including arranging for mortgage funds to arrive the day before entry wherever possible.

How the Key Release Process Works

Here’s what happens behind the scenes before and  on the date of entry:

• You sign your legal documents and pay us any balance due from you a few days before the date of entry.
• If selling, you leave one key with us. You leave the remaining keys in the property when you leave it for the last time.
• Keys and funds are exchanged between Solicitors and “held as undelivered.”

“Held as undelivered” means the keys or funds cannot be released until both sides formally confirm completion.

On the date of entry:

• You take your meter readings and photograph them for your records
• You load up in the morning  and wait for our call.
• Once all funds are received and confirmed, we authorise release.
• We call you to ask you to  collect the keys to your new property.
• You confirm what time  you will be fully clear of your old property.
• We then authorise your purchaser to collect their keys – but not to attempt access until  after your confirmed time.

It’s a carefully coordinated legal process to ensure everyone is protected.

When You Get the Keys – Important Next Steps

1. Take Meter Readings Immediately

As soon as you enter your new property:

• Take gas and electricity meter readings
• Photograph them for your records

The suppliers will be listed at the back of the Home Report for the Property in the Property Questionnaire which is a Questionnaire completed by the previous owners.

If you don’t know the supplier:

• Gas: www.findmysupplier.energy
• Electricity (Scotland): SP Energy Networks

Providing readings on the day avoids billing disputes.

2. Check the Property

 You have 5 working days to report certain defects under the Scottish Standard Clauses.

However, you cannot claim:

• If something works but doesn’t meet modern regulations
• If missives exclude liability
• If the aggregate value of your claims are under £500
• If the issue does not relate to a “system”
• For appliances not working  (not covered under Standard Clauses)

If damage occurred after you viewed the property and before entry, the seller may be liable – depending on the circumstances.

If you have concerns, contact us promptly.

3. Council Tax

We notify the Council regarding your sale.

The seller’s solicitor (or seller) should notify the Council regarding your purchase – but we recommend you follow up directly if you haven’t heard within 6 weeks.