Selling a property involves several steps. For homeowners who have bought and sold before, the process may be familiar, but market conditions, buyer expectations and legal requirements can change over time.

From preparing your home for viewings to instructing legal professionals and completing the transaction, each stage plays an important role in achieving a successful sale. If you’ve decided it’s time to move home, our guide covers key steps, common costs and tips for selling your house.

1. Prepare your home for sale

One of the most important steps when preparing a house for sale is presenting your property in the best possible light. First impressions often influence how buyers feel about a home, both online and during viewings. A few simple changes can improve your property's kerb appeal, such as:

• Exterior maintenance. Tidy front gardens, clean pathways and touch up tired exterior paintwork to create a welcoming first impression before buyers step through the door.
• Decluttering rooms. Make spaces feel larger and allow potential buyers to focus on the property's features rather than your personal belongings by decluttering.
• Interior maintenance. Carry out any small, easy fixes before putting your house on the market, such as repairing dripping taps, touching up paintwork or replacing damaged fixtures.
• Professional photography. Now a key part of the marketing process, so ensure your home is bright, clean and well presented in photographs to help create stronger online listings and generate more interest from potential buyers.

2. Understand the costs of selling

Many homeowners focus primarily on the sale price, but understanding the costs involved throughout the process can help when budgeting for your move.

Common expenses associated with selling a property may include:

• Estate agent fees. These may vary depending on the service provided, with online, hybrid and traditional high street agents often using different pricing structures.
• Conveyancing or solicitor fees. These legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and the services included.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) costs. You’ll need to purchase a new EPC if you don't already have a valid one. This is one of the essential documents you’ll need when selling a home.
• Removal costs. If you are selling your home to purchase another property, you may also need to consider moving expenses.
• Mortgage exit fees or early repayment charges. Check the terms of your mortgage agreement, as these charges apply to some mortgage products.
• Maintenance and repair costs. Factor in any expenses you may incur when preparing the property for sale, such as paint or replacement fixtures.

Understanding these expenses from the outset can help you build a realistic budget and avoid surprises later on.

3. Get an accurate property valuation

Setting the right asking price is one of the most important decisions when selling your home. A realistic valuation can attract more buyer interest and may help the property sell within a reasonable timeframe.

Properties listed significantly above their market value may receive fewer enquiries, resulting in a longer wait to sell your home. On the other hand, pricing your home too low could mean accepting less than its full market potential.

Getting valuations from multiple estate agents can give you a clearer picture of your home's current market value. They will often consider factors such as:

• Local market conditions
• Recent sales of comparable homes
• Property size and layout
• Location
• Transport links
• Nearby schools and amenities
• Your home’s condition and presentation

While online valuation tools can be a useful starting point, professional valuations often offer a more detailed understanding of local market dynamics.

4. Obtain an EPC

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is legally required when selling most residential properties. The certificate provides information about a property's energy efficiency and assigns it a rating from A to G (A being the highest and G the lowest). The EPC also includes recommendations that may improve a property's energy performance.

Buyers often consider running costs and energy efficiency when assessing potential homes. An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, so your home may already have a valid certificate. If not, an accredited assessor can produce one before the property goes on the market. You can find an energy certificate for a property in England, Wales or Northern Ireland using the government portal.

5. Choose the right estate agent

The estate agent you choose can influence how your property is marketed and the level of support you receive throughout the sale. There are generally three main types:

• Traditional high street agents can often provide a full-service approach that may include professional photography, accompanied viewings and local market expertise.
• Online estate agents may offer lower upfront fees and a more self-managed process, including virtual viewings.
• Hybrid estate agents typically combine online convenience with selected local support services.

When comparing estate agents, it can be helpful to consider:

• Their experience in your local area
• Marketing strategies
• Typical selling performance
• Fee structure and contract terms
• Communication and customer service

Local knowledge can also be valuable, as agents who are familiar with the area may better understand buyer demand and pricing trends.

6. Receive and negotiate offers

Once your property is on the market, enquiries and viewings may begin to generate offers. While it can be tempting to focus solely on the highest figure, several factors may influence an offer's strength.

Buyer circumstances can play an important role in determining the likelihood of a successful transaction. For example, buyers who have already sold their property or first-time buyers with a Decision in Principle (DIP) may present fewer complications than those in a chain, who need to wait for their home to sell.

When evaluating offers, sellers may wish to consider:

• Offer value
• Buyer's financial position
• Whether the buyer is part of a property chain
• Proposed timescales
• Mortgage status

Negotiations are common when selling a home and may involve several discussions before an agreement is reached. Maintaining clear communication throughout this stage can help both parties move forward with confidence.

7. Instruct a conveyancer

Once an offer has been accepted, the legal process begins. A conveyancer or solicitor manages the transfer of ownership and ensures the transaction follows legal requirements.

Homeowners often instruct a conveyancer shortly after putting their property on the market to help prepare the necessary legal documentation in advance.

Your conveyancer will typically help with:

• Preparing contract documentation
• Responding to buyer enquiries
• Liaising with mortgage lenders where required
• Coordinating the exchange and completion process

Delays can occasionally occur when information is incomplete or documentation is requested late in the transaction. Having the relevant paperwork ready may help make the selling process smoother.

8. Exchange contracts and complete the sale

After legal checks, searches and mortgage arrangements are complete, your house sale moves toward exchange and completion.

Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding. Both parties commit to the sale, and an agreed completion date is confirmed.

Completion takes place when funds are transferred and ownership officially changes hands. On this day, the seller vacates the property and hands over the keys, usually to the estate agent.

Although the timeframe between exchange and completion varies, some transactions may complete on the same day, while others require a longer period between the two stages.

During this final phase, sellers will often:

• Confirm moving arrangements with removal companies (if required).
• Notify utility providers that you’re moving, which may include transferring or cancelling your current contracts and taking final meter readings on move-out day.
• Redirect post using the Royal Mail redirection service.
• Finalise address changes with banks, the DVLA, utilities companies and any other necessary parties.

If you’re selling your current property and considering buying with Redrow, our Part Exchange and Movemaker schemes could help you move quicker. Contact our Sales Experts to learn more about our developments, schemes and offers.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute mortgage advice. We would always recommend that advice is taken from a regulated mortgage adviser regarding your specific circumstances.