8 Tips for Selling Your House

Many would-be property sellers believe others are to blame for the difficulties they face in trying to sell their homes. In fact, there's plenty home sellers can do to improve their chances.

Here are the essential tips to selling your property:

1. Get your home ready

Make sure your property is clean, tidy and clutter-free, with ‘kerb appeal’. Consider getting a survey done on your property - so you can either fix any problems, or use it to attract buyers by demonstrating how good the condition of your house is.

If you are selling privately, create an information pack with property details plus facts and leaflets about local amenities - including leisure facilities, transport and schools. Also take high-quality photos of your house that capture all its best features.

2. Decide on your house price

Set a realistic asking price by researching similar properties for sale in your area. See the page of this guide on your house price for more.

In a slow market, use price points or offers to attract buyers. For example, if your property is priced at £265,000, offer to pay the additional 2% stamp duty, or make sure that your property is the best value for its kind in your location.

3. Pick a good buyer

If several prospective buyers are interested in your home, pick the one who’s most likely to see the process through, not necessarily the one who makes the highest offer.

In order of preference, the safest buyers are buyers who’ve already sold their house, first-time buyers, buyers who have sold their home subject to contract and buyers who have not yet sold their home.

4. Be clear what’s included in the price

After you've attracted a buyer, make sure they understand exactly what’s included in the price. This means things like fixtures and fittings. What exactly are they getting for their purchase price?

5. Agree a completion date

Establish a likely completion date that suits both parties. This will avoid arguments further down the line. While this doesn't need to be set in stone, it will give both parties something to work towards.

6. Get it in writing

Although not legally binding, this will record your intentions on matters such as finance and date of completion.

7. Choose a conveyancer

Conveyancing is the legal paperwork to transfer the home to or from your name. Use a recommended solicitor or licensed conveyancer.  If you end up using a solicitor, make sure they’re a specialist conveyancer and have a good reputation for moving quickly.

8. Keep in touch

Keep communications going. Don't disappear on holiday for two weeks without informing all interested parties, such as your estate agent and the buyer.

More seller advice at Which?