Will I automatically get keys to the property?
No — getting the keys is not automatic, and it may not happen at all on the day of completion unless the seller has made prior arrangements.
HOW DOES IT WORK IN AUCTION SALES?
In traditional sales, it’s common for keys to be handed over via the estate agent. But in auction sales:
- There is often no estate agent involved.
- The seller is usually not present to meet you.
- The auction contract may be silent on key collection arrangements.
You may need to collect the keys from:
- The seller’s solicitor.
- A keyholding agent or site contact.
- A third party such as a property manager or auction house.
IF NO KEYS ARE AVAILABLE
You may need to instruct a locksmith to gain access — at your own cost.
This is especially likely if the property is boarded up, repossessed, or part of a portfolio sale.
SUMMARY
There is no guarantee that keys will be available or handed over on the day of completion. Always check with the seller’s solicitor and be prepared to make your own access arrangements — especially for vacant or unoccupied properties.










