Selling your home is an exciting step, whether you’re moving somewhere new, finding a little more space or taking the next step for your family. While getting your home ready for photographs and viewings is important, there are a few things to organise behind the scenes to help your sale progress as smoothly as possible.
Being prepared with the right information about your property can make a real difference. From previous alterations to guarantees and shared access arrangements, knowing what paperwork you have – and being open about anything that could affect a buyer’s decision – can help avoid unnecessary delays later on.
So, what should you think about before putting your home on the market?
Every property has its own history, so there isn’t a single checklist that covers every situation. As a general rule, if you know about something that could reasonably influence a buyer’s decision, it’s worth discussing it with your estate agent and solicitor.
This might include previous problems with the property, alterations you’ve made, boundary matters, disputes or restrictions affecting how the property can be used.
Getting the relevant information together early can help buyers make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues emerging during conveyancing.
Has your home ever experienced damp, flooding, subsidence or structural issues? If so, it’s important to be open about this with your solicitor.
A previous problem doesn’t necessarily need to stand in the way of a successful sale, particularly if it has been professionally addressed. Keeping records of any work carried out can be particularly helpful.
Look out invoices, specialist reports, guarantees and details of repairs so you can explain what happened and what has been done to resolve it. Having this information to hand can help answer questions from potential buyers and their solicitors.
From a new kitchen or conservatory to a loft conversion or extension, improvements can make your home more appealing to buyers. However, it’s worth checking that you have the relevant paperwork to support any work undertaken.
Depending on the project, this could include planning permission, building regulations approval, completion certificates or guarantees.
If you’ve made changes to your property over the years, take some time to find these documents before marketing begins. If anything is missing, your solicitor can advise whether further information is needed.
Shared driveways, private roads, rights of way and boundary arrangements can all be relevant when selling a property.
You might have a shared access with a neighbour or an agreement relating to a fence, hedge or section of land. These arrangements may be perfectly straightforward, but it’s important that your solicitor knows about them.
Similarly, if there have been formal disputes concerning boundaries, access, noise or other matters connected with your property, speak to your solicitor about what needs to be disclosed.
Being clear about these details early can help avoid surprises further down the line.
A little organisation before your property goes on the market can save time once you have an offer.
It’s worth gathering any documents you have relating to:
· Extensions, conversions and other alterations
· Planning permission and building regulations
· Windows and doors
· Electrical work and heating systems
· Roofing, structural repairs or damp treatment
· Solar panels and other installations
· Guarantees, warranties and previous surveys
· Party wall agreements, where applicable
You may not need every document listed, as requirements will depend on your property and the work undertaken. Your solicitor will be able to advise on what is relevant.
If your home is leasehold, there may be some additional information to arrange. This can include details of the lease, service charges, ground rent, the managing agent and any planned major works.
Some information will need to come from the freeholder or managing agent, so it’s sensible to establish what is required early rather than waiting until a sale is underway.
Once you’ve accepted an offer, your solicitor or conveyancer will guide you through the legal process and ask you to complete the relevant property information forms.
For many sales, this includes the TA6 Property Information Form, which covers matters such as boundaries, disputes, alterations and services. Leasehold sellers may also need to complete a TA7 form.
It’s important to answer accurately and honestly. If you’re unsure about a question, ask your solicitor for advice rather than guessing.
It’s natural to worry that mentioning a previous issue might put a buyer off. However, discovering a problem several weeks into a transaction can be far more frustrating for everyone involved.
Providing accurate information from the outset helps buyers understand what they’re purchasing and gives their solicitor the opportunity to raise any necessary questions early.
This doesn’t mean worrying about every little imperfection. It simply means being open about anything that could be relevant to a buyer’s decision.
Before putting your home on the market, take a little time to think about its history. Have you carried out any improvements? Do you have the relevant paperwork? Are there any shared arrangements or issues your solicitor should know about?
If you’re unsure where to start, the team at McDonald’s is here to help. We can guide you through the early stages of selling, explain what to expect and help you feel prepared before your property goes to market.
Selling your home is a big step, but with the right preparation and support, you can approach the process with greater confidence.
Fylde Coast Property Hub: 81 - 83 Red Bank Road, Blackpool, FY2 9HZ/ 01253 398498 / [email protected]
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