Home  /  Insights  /  Residential Property Services in London
Residential Property Services in London  

Failing to Give Vacant Possession on Completion

It's a breach of contract with real costs.

Failing to Give Vacant Possession on Completion Residential Property Services in London

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Conveyancing · Completion

Vacant possession

Breachof contract
Interest& damages
Occupiersmust leave
Removebelongings
In short: If a sale contract promises vacant possession, the seller must hand over the property empty of people and, usually, of belongings and rubbish on completion. Failing to do so is a breach of contract: the buyer can delay completion, claim interest under the contract, and sue for costs such as temporary accommodation and storage. Avoid it by making sure tenants or relatives have legally left before exchange, getting occupiers to sign the contract where required, and clearing the property in good time.

Frequently asked questions

What if a tenant is still there?

You may not be able to complete.

Can I leave furniture?

Only if the buyer agrees.

Selling in London?

Talk to our team or get a free valuation.

Speak to our teamGet a free valuation

Related guides

Next step

You are one message away from an answer.

If you have a question

Send it to us and get a straight answer.

Describe the property and the problem. We will tell you what we would do, what it should cost, and if we are not the right people, who is.

  • Replies the same working day
  • The person who answers is the person who handles it
  • No fee, and no obligation to instruct us
If you are looking for a property

See everything we are instructed on.

Sales and lettings across Prime Central London and the wider UK, with the same team behind every listing.

  • Residential and commercial in one search
  • Filter by borough, budget and size
  • Register once and we will send matches first