After Completion in Conveyancing UK: What Happens Next
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Completion day often feels like the finish line of a property purchase or sale, but there is still meaningful work happening behind the scenes for several weeks afterwards. The post-completion stage is where legal ownership is formally recorded, tax obligations are dealt with, and various notices are served on third parties.
For most buyers and sellers, this phase is handled almost entirely by their conveyancer, yet understanding what is going on can help you spot any delays and know when to chase for updates. This guide walks through the key tasks carried out after completion in England and Wales, from Stamp Duty Land Tax returns through to Land Registry registration, and explains the duties that fall on the buyer's side and the seller's side respectively.
Overview
Post-completion in conveyancing refers to everything that happens once the purchase monies have changed hands, the keys have been released, and the buyer has legally taken possession of the property. Although the transaction is described as 'complete' at this point, the paperwork is far from finished.
There are statutory deadlines that must be met, tax returns to file, notices to serve where the property is leasehold, and an application to register the new ownership at HM Land Registry. Until registration is finalised, the buyer's name is not yet shown on the official register, which is why this stage matters practically as well as legally.
For sellers, the focus is on discharging the existing mortgage, paying off the estate agent, settling the conveyancer's fees, and handing over any remaining documentation. Depending on the complexity of the transaction, post-completion work can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before everything is tied up.
Key steps
- Submitting the Stamp Duty Land Tax return. Where SDLT is payable on a purchase in England or Northern Ireland, a Land Transaction Return must be filed with HMRC within the statutory deadline after completion, and any tax due must be paid at the same time. The buyer's conveyancer typically prepares and submits this return on the client's behalf, using the information gathered during the transaction. Buyers should check gov.uk for current rates and thresholds.
- Paying off the seller's mortgage and sending funds. On the seller's side, the conveyancer uses the completion monies received from the buyer to redeem any outstanding mortgage on the property, settle the estate agent's commission, and pay their own fees. Any balance is then transferred to the seller. The mortgage lender issues a formal discharge, which is needed before the buyer's ownership can be registered free of the old charge.
- Serving leasehold notices where required. If the property is leasehold, the buyer's conveyancer must notify the freeholder or managing agent of the change of ownership and, where relevant, the new mortgage lender. This is done through a Notice of Assignment and a Notice of Charge. A fee is usually payable to the freeholder for processing these notices, and receipt of the notices is often needed before Land Registry registration can be completed.
- Activating indemnity policies if applicable. Some transactions involve an indemnity policy to cover a specific risk, such as a missing planning consent or a restrictive covenant of uncertain effect. Where one has been agreed between the parties, the conveyancer ensures the policy is in force from completion and that a copy is provided to the buyer. The seller's conveyancer will typically arrange and fund this where it was agreed as part of the deal.
- Registering the new ownership at HM Land Registry. The buyer's conveyancer submits an application to HM Land Registry to update the title, register the buyer as the new proprietor, and note any new mortgage charge. The Land Registry may raise requisitions (follow-up questions) that need answering before registration is completed. Once finalised, an updated title register and title plan are issued and sent to the buyer.
Common questions
Q How long does post-completion take in conveyancing?
The timeframe varies considerably depending on the complexity of the transaction and the current workload at HM Land Registry. Straightforward freehold purchases may be registered within a few weeks, but leasehold registrations and transactions involving first registrations, new builds, or complex title issues can take several months. Your conveyancer should confirm when registration is complete and send you a copy of the updated title.
Q Do I need to do anything myself after completion?
Most of the legal tasks are handled by your conveyancer, but there are practical steps for you too. These include notifying utility providers, updating your address with banks and employers, registering to pay council tax, and arranging buildings insurance if you have not already. If the property is leasehold, make sure you know who to pay ground rent and service charges to going forward.
Q What is a Stamp Duty Land Tax return?
A Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return is the tax document submitted to HMRC by the buyer, or more commonly by their conveyancer, after a qualifying property purchase in England or Northern Ireland. It declares the transaction and calculates any tax payable. Different rules apply in Scotland (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax) and Wales (Land Transaction Tax). Check gov.uk for the current deadline and rates.
Q What is a Notice of Assignment in leasehold property?
A Notice of Assignment is a formal notification sent to the freeholder or managing agent of a leasehold property to inform them that the lease has been transferred to a new owner. Where the buyer is using a mortgage, a Notice of Charge is also served. These notices ensure the landlord's records are updated and that service charge and ground rent demands are sent to the correct person.
Q What happens if the Land Registry raises questions?
The Land Registry sometimes issues requisitions, which are queries about the application to register the transfer. These might relate to missing documents, unclear wording, or inconsistencies with the existing title. Your conveyancer deals with these on your behalf. Requisitions can delay registration, so it is worth asking your conveyancer for an update if you have not heard anything for some time.
Q When will my name appear on the title register?
Your name is only shown on the official title register once the Land Registry has completed its processing of the application submitted by your conveyancer. Until then, the previous owner remains the registered proprietor, even though you have legal ownership from completion day. Your conveyancer will normally send you a copy of the updated title register once registration is confirmed.
Q What documents should I keep after completion?
Keep a copy of the transfer deed (TR1), the completion statement, any indemnity policy documents, the SDLT return and receipt, the updated title register and plan once issued, and any lease and leasehold notice receipts where relevant. These can be important for future sales, remortgages, or dealing with boundary or covenant issues, so store them somewhere safe and accessible.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovHM Land Registry – applying to register propertygov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovStamp Duty Land Tax guidance (HMRC)gov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovHow to buy a home (gov.uk)gov.uk
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.