When do I get the keys to my new home?
“When do I actually get the keys to my new home?” — stop guessing and get a clear, practical answer tailored to Milton, Ontario buyers and sellers.
Quick answer up front
You get the keys when legal title and possession move from seller to buyer. In most Milton resale deals that means: once your lawyer registers the transfer at the Land Registry and funds clear, keys are released the same day. For new builds, keys may come at occupancy or after closing depending on the builder’s terms.
If you want certainty on closing day, this post tells you exactly how that process flows in Milton, what can slow it down, and what sellers must do to avoid last-minute headaches.
Why this matters for home sellers in Milton
Milton‘s market moves fast. Buyers expect quick possession. Sellers face local realities — busy movers, condo move-in windows, municipal parking rules and end-of-month closing surges. A smooth keys handoff protects your sale, avoids legal claims, and keeps your reputation intact.
Be direct: if you want the deal to close and the keys to leave on schedule, plan the legal steps and logistics ahead of time.
How keys, title and possession relate (plain language)
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale sets the possession date and time. That controls when the buyer should physically move in.
- Closing (completion) is the legal transfer: lawyers exchange funds, register the transfer, and pay out mortgages.
- Once registration confirms and funds clear, possession occurs. Keys typically move from seller to seller’s lawyer to buyer’s lawyer to buyer.
In practice: sellers usually hand keys to their listing agent or lawyer, who gives them to the buyer (or buyer’s agent) after registration. This prevents keys being released before the sale is legally complete.
Typical timeline for Milton resale transactions
- Offer accepted and conditions removed. Possession date agreed.
- Buyer’s lender issues instructions; lawyers start preparing closing documents.
- A few days before closing: final adjustments (property taxes, utilities) are calculated.
- Closing day morning: buyers’ lawyer gets mortgage funds wired; seller’s lawyer confirms payout figures.
- Registration at Land Registry — usually same day.
- Keys released once registration and funds confirmation occur.
Pro tip: Most closings target mid-day (noon–2pm) to allow funds to be confirmed. Buyers should not expect keys at 8am.
New builds vs resale — important differences
- Resale: closing and possession often happen the same day. Lawyers register and keys go once funds clear.
- New build: builders sometimes use “interim occupancy”. That’s when buyers move in before title transfers and ongoing occupancy fees apply. Final closing (title transfer) and keys might happen later.
If you sell a resale home and buy a new build in Milton, plan for potential gaps. Ask the builder, and get dates in writing.
Common causes of delayed key handoff (and how to prevent them)
- Financing hiccups: buyer’s mortgage doesn’t fund. Prevention: confirm lender commitment and wire deadlines 48–72 hours ahead.
- Title or lien issues: undisclosed mortgages or liens slow registration. Prevention: clear encumbrances early and share statements with your lawyer.
- Missing paperwork: ID, signatures, condo status certificates. Prevention: have all documents ready a week before closing.
- Courier or bank delay: funds attached to slow banking windows. Prevention: confirm wiring times and build buffer into closing date.
- Builder delays: construction or occupancy permit issues. Prevention: demand clear timelines and occupancy terms in your purchase agreement.
Specific tips for sellers in Milton, ON
- Choose a local real estate lawyer experienced with Halton Region and Milton closings. Local knowledge speeds things up.
- Avoid end-of-month closings if you can. Movers and lawyers are busier, and municipal filings take longer.
- If selling a condo in Milton, order the status certificate early. Delays here kill closings.
- Confirm where the keys will be held. State whether keys go to the seller’s lawyer, listing agent, or lockbox — and note who releases them.
- Schedule the movers for after the possession time. If possession is noon, block 1–4pm for unloading.
What sellers must hand over at possession
- All keys (front, back, garage, mailbox) and remotes.
- Security codes and alarm instructions.
- Manual or warranty info for appliances left behind.
- Garage door openers and gate remotes.
- Any required builder or condo move-in forms.
Leave a signed list of what you left behind. This prevents disputes the day after closing.
How lawyers handle keys on closing day
Lawyers do not hand keys over before registration and funds confirmation. Once the buyer’s lawyer confirms registration and that mortgage funds cleared, the seller’s lawyer will instruct the listing agent or key holder to release keys. If keys are released early and something fails with registration, the seller could face legal exposure. Don’t let emotions pressure you into handing keys over before the lawyers say go.
Practical checklist for sellers in Milton (7 days before closing)
- Confirm closing date and exact possession time in writing.
- Provide lawyer with mortgage payoff information and any condo documents.
- Book movers for after possession time.
- Order final utility meter readings and arrange transfer or termination.
- Collect all keys, remotes and manuals into a labelled envelope.
- Provide the buyer’s agent contact for key release.
- Keep a copy of ID and that envelope sealed until handoff.
What to do if closing day stalls
If the buyer can’t close:
- Your lawyer will advise whether funds were deposited or if buyer is in breach.
- Often parties agree on a short extension. Get it in writing and set new wire deadlines.
- Don’t hand over keys until funds and registration are confirmed.
If a buyer defaults and you have no extension, consult your lawyer immediately about remedies including deposit forfeiture or suing for specific performance. Local counsel is critical.
Movers and municipal rules in Milton — quick reminders
- Milton has specific parking rules and condo move-in windows. Book moving trucks early and confirm parking permits if required.
- Many neighbourhoods restrict large trucks on narrow streets. Use local movers who know Milton routes.
- Winter closings require snow clearing and contingency time — plan more buffer.
Why local agents and lawyers matter
A lawyer and agent who do Milton closings frequently will spot issues fast: lapses in condo documents, municipal tax adjustments, builder occupancy quirks, or lender idiosyncrasies. That experience reduces surprises that delay keys.
Bottom line — control the process, don’t let it control you
Keys are an outcome of legal steps. Follow the timeline. Use local pros. Confirm possession in writing. Don’t hand over keys early. If you control the legal and logistical details, you control when the keys change hands.
If you want a tailored closing and moving plan for your Milton sale, get direct help. I work with local lawyers, movers and lenders who close transactions cleanly and on schedule.
Contact:
Tony Sousa — Local Realtor, Milton, ON
Email: tony@sousasells.ca
Phone: 416-477-2620
Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Common seller questions in Milton about closing & moving
Q: When exactly do I hand over the keys?
A: At possession time after the buyer’s lawyer confirms registration and funds. Possession time is set in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
Q: Can the buyer get keys early?
A: Only if you and your lawyer sign a written early possession agreement. It’s risky—get legal advice and consider a holdback.
Q: What if the buyer’s mortgage doesn’t come through on closing day?
A: Closing may be delayed. Your lawyer will advise whether to accept an extension, keep the deposit, or pursue remedies. Don’t release keys.
Q: Do I need to be completely moved out by possession time?
A: Yes. Possession means the buyer has legal right to the property. If you have an agreed later move-out, it must be written into the purchase agreement.
Q: Who pays for moving costs?
A: Sellers pay their own moving costs. Any negotiated credit should be in the agreement.
Q: What if the home is a new build in Milton?
A: New builds often use interim occupancy. Read your builder agreement carefully. Keys and full title may come later. Get dates in writing and consult your lawyer.
Q: Are there extra steps for Milton condos?
A: Yes. Order the status certificate early. Condo boards may require move-in bookings and fees. Failure to produce a status certificate can delay closing.
Q: How can I avoid last-minute surprises?
A: Use experienced local counsel, confirm wire deadlines, prepare all documents early, and schedule movers after possession.
Q: Who holds the keys before closing?
A: Usually the seller, seller’s agent, or seller’s lawyer. Decide in advance where keys will be kept and who will release them.
Q: What if I’m buying and selling on the same day?
A: Coordinate both closings with your lawyer and lenders. Consider temporary storage and a buffer between closings to avoid being locked out.
Ready to close on time without drama? I help Milton home sellers get predictable possession results and organized moving plans. Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620 for a free closing checklist and personal plan.
