Why You Shouldn't Close on a Friday

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Today’s topic isn’t a nuanced legal concept—but practical advice from a closing lawyer’s point of view.

We see a lot of deals with the Completion Date set for a Friday, and I get it. Most people work during the week, so picking up your keys Friday night and having the weekend to move seems ideal.

But while Friday might seem like the perfect day to close, it comes with risks that can lead to unnecessary stress and extra costs if something doesn’t go as planned.

The main issue? The clock.

Mortgage lenders and the land registry only operate until 5:00 PM. If any part of the process isn’t completed by then—whether it’s funds or registration—the deal gets pushed to the next business day, which is Monday.

And a lot has to happen on closing day: the buyer’s funds need to reach their lawyer, the lender funds need to reach the lawyer, and these are then paid out to the seller's lawyer.

Only once the money reaches it's final destination can the deal be registered and the keys released.

With so many moving parts, even a small delay can make or break a Friday closing. And lately, tighter banking regulations and system issues—especially with a couple of the big banks—have caused more frequent hold-ups.

It’s not as uncommon as you’d think for funds to get delayed.

So, missing that 5:00 PM deadline doesn’t just delay possession; it can bring unexpected costs and headaches. Movers might need to be rescheduled, temporary accommodations arranged, or interest penalties paid.

Now, of course, plenty of deals still close on Fridays, and if it’s the only option, it’s not the end of the world. But if you can, suggest closing earlier in the week.

It’s a small adjustment that can make the entire process smoother and ensure your clients have a positive, stress-free experience.