Seller's FAQs
I’d like to sell my property. What do I need to do first?
When selling a property, the first thing to do is get a valuation. We offer a free valuation service and will provide you with an honest appraisal of the value of your home and decide if you’d like us to sell your home for you or not.
How much does it cost to sell a property?
When you’re selling your property, there are a few costs to factor into your budget, such as; estate agent’s fees, remortgaging costs (if required), solicitor’s fees, arranging an EPC, and removals company costs.
How will you market my property?
As expert local estate agents, it’s our job to ensure your home is marketed to as many prospective buyers as possible.
Our professional photos, floorplans and descriptions are mailed out to our extensive database and will also be added to the main property portals, such as Rightmove, Onthemarket and Zoopla.
We’re focused on generating as much interest as possible, with a view to selling your home quickly and at the right price.
Who carries out the viewings, and what does the process involve?
One of our team will carry out the viewing for you. We’ll arrange a time that suits all parties, then meet the prospective buyer at your property. Most sellers prefer to go out while the viewing is happening, but if that’s a problem, just let us know. During the viewing, we’ll point out all your home’s great features, and answer any questions that the buyer might have. We’ll also obtain feedback from the viewing afterwards, and pass this on to you.
Do I require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
It’s a legal requirement to provide your buyer with an EPC. This gives them information about your home’s energy usage, plus an idea of average energy costs.
You can learn more about EPCs here.
How long will it take to complete the sale?
The length of time it takes to complete depends on several factors. If you’re part of a long chain, for example, this will make the process take longer. The same is true if the survey raises any issues that need to be discussed and negotiated. On average, you can expect the sale to take between eight and twelve weeks to complete.
What does ‘exchange of contracts’ mean?
The term ‘exchange of contracts’ refers to the moment when both the seller’s and buyer’s solicitor receive the signed contracts from their clients, then exchange them with one another. It also marks the point when the sale is legally binding. You can still pull out after you’ve exchanged, but it will cost you a lot of money to do so and rarely happens in practice. Our M.D. has only witnessed it twice in almost 40 years in the business.
What happens when the sale is complete?
In most instances, the completion date is the day you’ll move out of your home.
You’ll need to give your keys to us, so we can pass them on to the buyers.
On the moving day, you’ll be expected to vacate the property by a pre-agreed time, which is typically midday.
Will I have to pay any Capital Gains Tax?
If the home you’re selling is your only property, and it’s been your main residence for the duration of your ownership, you won’t owe any Capital Gains Tax. However, if you’ve let part of your home out for any length of time, or if you bought the property to generate profit from it, you will.
Will I have to pay Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty tax is only payable when you’re purchasing a home, not when you’re selling at the present time but there have been calls for this to change, we will have to wait and see.