Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts
Key definition
Completion definition

What does Completion mean? In legal practice, Completion is the point at which a transaction is finally effected, sometimes called 'closing' in cross‑border deals: consideration is paid and title, assets or rights are transferred after all conditions precedent are satisfied or waived and the required completion documents are delivered. Not generally defined by legislation, it is a contractual expression used across conveyancing, corporate/M&A and finance, informed by common law. Key features include a completion date/time; completion mechanics (agenda or checklist); execution and delivery of transfers and ancillary documents; release of funds (often against undertakings); and, where relevant, escrow or virtual completion. Completion usually fixes when...

Read More Right Arrow

Pre-completion searches for property transactions in England and Wales: registered and unregistered land, priority periods, adverse entries, bankruptcy and company checks

Practice notes
imgtext

This Practice Note describes the searches to be completed ahead of Completion (pre-completion searches), namely:

  • official searches with Priority
  • land charges searches
  • Company and bankruptcy searches

It sets out when each search is required, how to carry it out, the aim and effect of each search, the applicable priority period, and the steps to take if adverse entries are uncovered. It also points out that additional pre-completion searches may be necessary where a document is executed under a power of attorney. These searches are undertaken for the buyer, tenant or lender to verify that the title information obtained during due diligence remains correct at completion. If a lender is financing the acquisition and taking a charge over the property, it may perform some or all of the pre-completion searches itself, or insist on conditions precedent relating to the provision of pre-completion searches before allowing the buyer to drawdown funds for completion (see Practice Note: Real estate finance—conditions precedent and the mechanics of drawdown in investment facilities)...

Official search with priority—registered land or seller’s title pending first registration—registrable dispositions for valuable consideration

How and when to search? An official search with priority

An official search with priority...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.
Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow