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How Long After Closing Can You Move In?

How Long After Closing Can You Move In?
Jennifer Lyons
Written by|August 5, 2025

Closing day is when all the paperwork gets signed, money changes hands, and the home officially becomes yours. Does that mean you can move in right then and there? Not always. The timeline for moving in after closing depends on a few things, like what you and the seller agreed to, whether the home is already empty, and whether you're buying a new construction or previously owned home.

In many cases, you can move in the same day you close, especially if the seller has already moved out and everything goes smoothly. Once the deal is finalized, you’ll get the keys and can start unloading the moving truck. But sometimes the contract includes things like a rent-back agreement, where the seller stays a little longer, or the closing gets delayed. To keep things on track, make sure you check the move-in details with your agent or attorney ahead of time.

Moving into a newly built home

One of the perks of buying new construction is not having to wait for a seller to move out, but that doesn’t always mean everything is ready the moment you close. In many cases, builders are putting on the finishing touches right up until the last minute, which can make timing a bit unpredictable.

Immediate move-in 

If your new home is a move-in-ready property, congratulations! These homes are fully constructed, inspected, and often staged for immediate occupancy. Once you’ve signed the closing papers and finalized payments, you can collect your keys and move in right away. 

Homes under construction 

If you’ve purchased a new construction home that is still in progress, your move-in timeline will depend on your builder's schedule. Keep in touch with your builder, as they will provide updates on completion, final walkthroughs, and inspections. It’s common for progress to shift slightly due to materials, weather, or other factors, so stay flexible and regularly check in to ensure a smooth handover. 

Final inspections and punch lists 

Even for brand-new, move-in-ready homes, there’s often a short “punch list” of final touch-ups that comes out of the final walkthrough. These can include things like paint touch-ups, missing hardware, or small fixes the builder still needs to complete. Most builders aim to finish these before you get the keys, but occasionally they may ask for extra time after closing to wrap things up. It’s important to go over the timeline in detail with your builder so everyone’s on the same page.

Your real estate agent can be a huge help when it comes to coordinating with builders and negotiating timelines. If you don’t have one yet, use our directory to find a local agent with new construction experience.

Moving into an existing home 

Unlike new construction, moving into a previously owned home comes with a few more moving parts…literally. You’re buying from someone who’s also juggling their own move, which means the process often requires a bit of coordination and compromise on both sides. 

Possession timelines in closing contracts 

When you're buying an existing home, your move-in timing mostly comes down to what’s in the closing contract. Some contracts say you can take possession as soon as the deal is done. Others give the seller a little wiggle room, like 24 hours or a few extra days, to finish moving out. It all depends on what was agreed to ahead of time, so be sure to read the possession clause carefully.

If you’re unsure about anything, your real estate agent is a great resource. They can explain the fine print, help negotiate the timeline, and make sure the seller sticks to the agreement. They’ll also help coordinate the final walkthrough, key pickup, and confirm the home is fully ready for you to move in.

Immediate move-in scenario

If the home was vacant at the time of purchase or the seller has already relocated, you may be able to start moving in as soon as the transaction is complete.

Delayed move-in scenario

If the current owner negotiated post-closing occupancy, like a leaseback or rent-back agreement, the timeline will be adjusted. Typically rent-back agreements are where the seller stays for a few weeks or months, but some leaseback agreements may be as long as a year. Ensure these terms are clear in your contract and prepare for interim housing, if necessary.

Terms to know after closing

Even after you’ve signed the papers and picked up the keys, there are a few important real estate terms worth knowing. These come up throughout the buying process and can help you understand what to expect as you transition into your new home.

Occupancy date

This is the official date you’re allowed to move in and start living in your new place. It might be the same day as closing or a few days later, depending on what was agreed to in the contract.

Final walkthrough

Your final walkthrough is the last chance to check out the home before closing. It’s a quick visit to make sure everything’s in the condition you agreed to and that any promised repairs are done. 

Closing day

This is when everything becomes official. You’ll sign the final paperwork, transfer the funds, and, if all goes smoothly, get the keys. Here’s what could cause delays on closing day and how to avoid them.

Leaseback or rent-back agreement

Sometimes the seller needs to stay in the home a little longer after closing. A rent-back agreement lets sellers stay in the home by paying rent to the buyer for a short period after the sale closes. A leaseback is when the seller leases the property back from the buyer for a longer period, potentially years. Both arrangements are worked into the purchase agreement and include a move-out date and rental terms both sides agree to.

Making the move-in process as stress-free as possible 

Moving into your new home is a big moment, and with the right prep, it can feel a lot less overwhelming. Whether you're settling into a brand-new build or an older home with character, knowing what to expect after closing helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent, lender, and closing agent — they’re there to guide you through the details. Clear communication and a little planning go a long way toward making move-in day feel like the fresh start it should be. You can work with a Zillow partner agent who can guide you through the home-buying process from finding to closing on a new home.

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