completion/moving date-stamp duty looming

[pharmvrs]

Long story short but i'm a FTB, my offer was accepted at £205k, house is now off the market and mortgage arranged, i am currently renting. The vendors (very friendly and honest retired couple) are moving to a new build property which is due to be completed on 30th March.

With stamp duty looming for FTB above £125k on 25th March i am encouraging the estate agents, solicitors and vendor along as best i can as its another £2k out of my pocket.

So the question i'm asking the experts is can we complete before 25th March and handover keys etc but the vendor not actually move until 30th march or later and thus save my £2k? or am i going to have to MTFU and absorb it?

I already have my thoughts but want to see what the PH panel think.

[Diablos-666]

Sounds a bit tight and these things usually have a habit of taking its time.

Good luck

[gtrracer]

I bought a house and completed in 3 weeks to avoid stamp duty for first time buyers.

It can be done - make sure you push for it. Tell your solicitor you will give him a £250 bonus if he does is what I would do

[scotal]

pharmvrs said:

So the question i'm asking the experts is can we complete before 25th March and handover keys etc but the vendor not actually move until 30th march or later and thus save my £2k? or am i going to have to MTFU and absorb it?

I'm no lawyer, but I believe there is no legal reason why you can't complete prior to the end of the SDLT exemption then the move out a week later.... however I think any solicitor would recommend against it.
I guess they will mention vacant posession on completion, which may cause you problem's with your mortgage lender.

Lawyers question.