A completion statement is a financial summary produced by your solicitor shortly before completion day. It sets out every figure involved in the transaction and tells you exactly how much money you need to transfer to your solicitor's client account before completion.
What appears on a completion statement
Debits (amounts owed):
- Purchase price
- Solicitor's legal fees
- Search fees
- Land Registry registration fee
- SDLT (stamp duty)
- Bank transfer (CHAPS) fee
- Any other disbursements
Credits (amounts already received or applied):
- Your exchange deposit (already held by the seller's solicitor)
- Your mortgage advance (sent directly from your lender on completion day)
- Any other credits
Balance required from you = Debits minus Credits
What to check
Review the statement before transferring any funds:
- Is the purchase price correct?
- Are all fees as quoted?
- Is the SDLT calculated correctly (including any first-time buyer relief)?
- Is the deposit amount correct?
- Are there any charges you weren't told about?
If anything is unclear or doesn't match what you were quoted, contact your solicitor before transferring funds.
When you receive it
Usually 1–3 days before completion. Some solicitors send it earlier. Transfer the balance to your solicitor's client account by the morning of completion day — typically by 9am.
This glossary entry is for general information. Always consult your solicitor for advice specific to your transaction.