Article written by Sophie Benson.
1. Essential Paperwork
Before selling your property, it’s important to gather all the documentation that relates to it. This helps provide clarity and reassurance to the buyer, reducing the number of enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitors.
Ask yourself:
- Have you built an extension? If yes, do you have the necessary Planning Permission and Building Control certificates?
- Have you updated the boiler, carried out electrical work, or replaced the windows?
- Do you have a recent service report for your boiler?
Once you make the decision to sell, begin collecting these documents so that they are ready to provide to your conveyancer once a buyer is found.
2. Completing Property Forms
Your conveyancer will ask you to complete various forms regarding your home. Try to do this promptly and ensure every question is answered, as missing information will only lead to further delays when it’s requested later.
If you find the forms confusing or time-consuming, we’re happy to assist you in going through them.
3. Choosing a Conveyancer Early
There’s no need to wait until you receive an offer to appoint a conveyancer.
4. Providing Key Marketing Details
Your estate agent will help promote your property, but you must provide them with accurate details upfront. This should include:
- Whether your home is leasehold or freehold
- Length of lease (for leasehold properties)
- Ground rent and service charge amounts (if applicable)
- Monthly rental income (if the property is currently let)
Having this information ready helps attract serious buyers and reduces the likelihood of complications down the line.
5. How We Stay in Touch
Tell us how you prefer to be contacted, by phone, email, or post, and we’ll make every effort to use your preferred method. If someone else will be acting on your behalf, let us know, and we’ll just need your written consent to communicate with them.
Responding promptly can keep your transaction progressing smoothly.
6. Selling a Leasehold Property
If your property is leasehold, a management pack will be required for the buyer. This pack is typically supplied by your landlord or managing agent, and you’ll be responsible for the fee.
Because it can take time to obtain the relevant contact details and especially if multiple parties are involved, it’s advisable to provide your conveyancer with funds early so the request can be made without delay.
7. Mortgage Details
If you have an existing mortgage on the property, your conveyancer will manage its repayment when the sale completes. To help avoid delays, provide your mortgage lender’s name and your account number early so a redemption statement can be requested.
Also, double-check when your fixed-rate deal ends to avoid incurring early repayment charges where possible.
8. Planning Your Timeline
If there are certain dates you’d like to complete by, or avoid altogether, such as holidays or major commitments, be sure to inform your conveyancer at the start. While specific dates can’t always be guaranteed, knowing your preferences in advance allows everyone to plan accordingly and manage expectations.
9. Handling Enquiries
During the process, the buyer’s solicitor may raise questions based on their review of documents, title deeds, or search results. Your conveyancer will respond to what they can, but you may be asked to assist with certain points.
If that happens, try to respond quickly. We’re always available to help talk you through any enquiries – over the phone or in person.
10. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
By law, your property must have a valid EPC before it can be sold. These certificates are valid for 10 years. If you’re unsure whether yours is still valid, we can check for you. If It’s expired, your estate agent can help arrange a new one.
We’re Here To Support You
At Hart Reade, our Residential Property Team is committed to guiding you through every step of the selling process. With years of experience in conveyancing, we’re here to make things as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Please note the above is for information purposes only and is intended to be a short summary. It should not be treated as a comprehensive guide and should not be acted on without qualified legal advice.
