Guide to selling property

1. Find out the estimated value of your home and arrange a property valuation - When you decide you’re ready to put your home on the market, you can arrange a free, no-obligation expert valuation with a local estate agent. It's good to speak to different types of agents, maybe an independent local agent like us, a corporate or an online agent.

An in-person valuation allows an estate agent to see the property’s condition first-hand, and to get a feel for the space and size of the rooms, as well as your immediate local area.

This type of valuation will take into account any renovations or changes you’ve made to your property, and will help you to confirm how much you can afford when you’re planning your next move.

2. Speak to a mortgage broker if you are buying on – it's imperative you understand how much you can borrow and also what it will cost you to move. You can do that here by arranging an appointment with our sister company Allison Mortgage Services below.

3. Choose the right agent – Look for things like their approach and methods of selling, also their track record -are they any good. Don’t just look at fees, think about whether or not that agent will get you the right money for your house versus the other agents on offer.

4. Prepare your home – Get your home ready for viewings, try to show it in its best possible light. Ensure the front garden or entrance is welcoming and neat and address any peeling paint or piles of mail. This can go a long way towards capturing a potential buyer’s imagination in those first few moments.

5. Choose the correct marketing and pricing strategy – this is super important – how you come to market and what price suits your timeline.

6. Check your Energy Performance Certificate - You’ll need to provide your estate agent with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) within a week of listing your home for sale. An EPC provides information about your property’s energy use. If you don’t have a current certificate, they cost anywhere between £60 and £120, depending on where you live and how big the property is.

You can check here if your certificate is still valid in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or here if the property you’re selling is in Scotland.

7. Find a solicitor – this is super important and if you are selling, instruct your solicitor on day one, not when you sell – it saves time later on and sellers and purchasers instructing their solicitor in our experience is one of the top delays in house sales progressing. They will need information from you, things like, title deeds, and building control certificates for work you’ve had done, management packs and boiler service history. It’s a great idea to start digging them out and sending them to your solicitor nice and early.

8. List your home! Make sure you are on the major portals for selling for as much exposure as possible and get ready for viewings!