Completing the deal The Completion date (i.e. when you actually move in and the money for the house is handed over) is usually 28 days after the exchange of signed contracts and deposits. So you will be without your deposit money for a month at least. Of course, it will be returned to you, less all the expenses incurred in conveyancing, when you move house. It is worth mentioning here that if you are selling as well as buying, most solicitors will not allow you to use your purchaser's deposit money for your own deposit to your vendor. If you are selling as well as buying mortgages, then the whole business is doubled up -- you have to answer pre-contract enquiries from your purchaser, as well as obtaining them from your vendor, your purchaser will have a survey done and institute a local search on your property. All of this adds to the time involved in the process and certainly adds to the fees.