Selling your home can feel like a big job — but don’t worry. With the right steps, you can make the process smooth, fast, and less stressful. Whether you’re moving to a new city, upsizing, or downsizing, this guide will help you understand exactly what to do and when.
1. Know How Much Your Home is Worth
Before you do anything else, find out how much your house is worth. This helps you plan your next steps and set the right price.
You can:
- Use online tools to get a rough estimate.
- Compare prices of homes like yours in your area.
- Ask a local real estate agent to visit and give you a professional valuation.
💡 Tip: A real estate agent can notice things that add value to your home — like a new kitchen or extra storage.
2. Get Your Home Ready for Sale
A clean, tidy, and fresh-looking home sells faster and at a better price.
Here’s a simple checklist to get ready:
| Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Deep clean every room | Makes your home look cared for |
| Declutter | Helps rooms look bigger |
| Repaint walls (if needed) | Gives a fresh, new feel |
| Fix small issues (leaks, cracks) | Builds buyer confidence |
| Tidy up the garden | Curb appeal counts! |
Remove any extra furniture or personal items during viewings. Buyers like clean, light, and open spaces.
3. Choose How You Want to Sell
There are a few ways to sell your home:
| Selling Option | What It Means | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estate Agent | A professional sells for you | They handle everything | You pay a fee (1%–3%) |
| Online Agent | Mostly done online | Cheaper fees | Less personal support |
| Sell it yourself | You handle everything | Save money | More work for you |
💡 Pro Tip: A local estate agent knows your area well and can highlight nearby schools, parks, and transport options.
4. Pick the Best Time to Sell
The time of year matters when selling. Here’s a helpful guide:
| Season | Best or Not? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Feb–June) | ✅ Best | More buyers are active |
| Autumn (Sept–Oct) | 👍 Good | People want to move before winter |
| Summer (July–Aug) | ❌ Slow | Many people are on holiday |
| Winter (Nov–Dec) | ❌ Slow | Buyers are focused on holidays |
If you list your home at a quiet time, it may take longer to sell and you may get lower offers.
5. Get All Your Documents Ready
To sell your home legally, you’ll need the following documents:
- ✅ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- ✅ Boiler safety record
- ✅ Gas and electrical certificates
- ✅ Planning permissions for any extensions
- ✅ FENSA certificate for windows
- ✅ Details of what’s included in the sale (like appliances)
Having these ready can save weeks of delays during the selling process.
6. Accepting the Right Offer
Once offers come in, don’t rush to accept the first one. Here’s how to choose wisely:
- Check if the offer is close to your asking price.
- Ask how quickly the buyer can complete the deal.
- Are they in a chain? (Buying or selling another house at the same time)
- You can negotiate or ask for sealed bids if there are multiple offers.
💡 A good agent can help you pick the best buyer — not just the highest offer.
7. Manage the Chain and Legal Work
When your home is “under offer,” things get busy.
- Solicitors or conveyancers handle legal work.
- Buyers will order a survey to check your home.
- Property searches happen (like checking for planning issues).
This step usually takes 8–12 weeks depending on the chain.
Stay in touch with your solicitor and reply quickly to emails to avoid delays.
8. Paying Off Your Mortgage or Porting It
At exchange and completion:
- Your buyer pays a deposit (usually 10%).
- Your solicitor uses the money to pay off your old mortgage.
- You can port (move) your mortgage to your new home if allowed.
Once everything is paid, your estate agent will hand over the keys!
9. Plan Your Move
Time to pack up!
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full moving service | £1,000–£1,800 | Families or large homes |
| DIY van hire | £200–£500 | Small homes or short moves |
| Friends help + van | Cheapest | Budget moves |
Book removals early, especially on weekends or during busy times.
10. How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home?
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Estate Agent Fees | 1%–3% of sale price |
| Solicitor/Conveyancer | £800–£1,800 |
| EPC (Energy Certificate) | £60–£120 |
| Removals | £400–£1,800 |
| Mortgage Exit Fees | £0–£1,000 |
So, if your house sells for £250,000, total costs might range between £5,000 and £9,000.
How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?
Selling a house usually takes 4 to 6 months.
| Stage | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Listing to Offer | 4–6 weeks |
| Offer to Exchange | 8–10 weeks |
| Exchange to Completion | 1–2 weeks |
What If You’re Buying at the Same Time?
Buying and selling together means:
- You need a good solicitor from the start.
- Be ready with your documents early.
- Respond quickly to questions from both sides.
It’s a juggling act, but staying organized helps things go smoothly.
What About Special Cases?
If you’re selling a:
- Shared Ownership home
- Help to Buy home
- Leasehold property
Then some extra rules apply. Your solicitor and housing provider will explain the steps.
Also, if you’re selling in Scotland, the process is a bit different, with fixed offers and Home Reports.
Final Thoughts: Selling Made Simple
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right plan, a good agent, and some preparation, you can move on to your next chapter easily.
Remember:
- Price it right
- Keep it clean and bright
- Be ready for legal paperwork
- Move at the right time
Good luck! And when you’re ready, check more home selling tips at Housing Market News — your trusted source for real estate advice.
