A comprehensive checklist for selling your home in the UK

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Selling a property can be a demanding and intricate process. This article aims to simplify this task for you by providing a comprehensive checklist for selling your home that covers all the crucial aspects – from initial preparation and required documentation to understanding various fees. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Full Property Selling Checklist

These are all the elements that you need to consider when you decide to sell your property.

Initial Preparation:

Property assessment

Home Improvements

Cleaning and de-cluttering

Home staging

Documentation:

Title deeds

EPC certificate

Leasehold/Freehold documents

Building Regulations Certificates

Planning Permission

Fittings and Contents Form (TA10):

Property Information Form (TA6):

Fees:

Estate agent fees

Conveyancing fees

Removal costs

Mortgage early repayment fees

Capital gains tax

2. Initial Preparation:

A. Property Assessment: Consider getting a property valuation to determine an accurate price for your property. Several estate agents offer free valuations, but it is essential to get multiple opinions to establish an accurate price range.

B. Home Improvements: Ensure that the property is in its best possible condition. Small enhancements like fixing minor repairs, a fresh coat of paint, or a tidy garden can add significant value to your property.

C. Cleaning and De-cluttering: A clean, clutter-free home is more attractive to potential buyers. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service if necessary.

D. Home staging: This involves arranging your furniture and décor in a way that maximises your home’s appeal to buyers. If this sounds daunting, consider hiring a professional home stager.

3. Documentation:

A. Title Deeds: These documents prove your ownership of the property. If you can’t find them, your solicitor can obtain copies from the Land Registry.

B. EPC Certificate: You’re legally required to provide an EPC when you sell your home. It rates the energy efficiency of your property and can affect its attractiveness to prospective buyers.  If you don’t already have a valid EPC, you’ll need to get one. Costs typically range between £60 – £120.

C. Leasehold/Freehold documents: If your property is a leasehold, you’ll need the lease. If it’s freehold, you should provide any relevant details about services or obligations.

D. Building Regulations Certificates: If you’ve had any major work done on the property, such as extensions or conversions, you must provide documentation proving it complies with building regulations.

E. Planning Permission: If you’ve made significant changes to the property, documentation of planning permission is required.

F. Fittings and Contents Form (TA10): This form outlines what is included in the sale, like appliances, fixtures, etc.

G. Property Information Form (TA6): The form includes information about boundaries, disputes, known proposed developments, etc.

# Please note that the TA6 and TA10 forms don’t apply in Scotland.

4. Fees:

A. Estate Agent Fees: They usually charge a percentage of the selling price, typically between 1-3%. Shop around to find the best value and service.

B. Conveyancing Fees: This covers the legal work associated with selling a property. It deals with the process of transferring ownership of a property from one party to another.  Prices can vary depending on whether your property is leasehold or freehold.

C. Removal Costs: If you’re moving to a new house, don’t forget the cost of a removal company. This will vary depending on how much furniture and belongings you need to move as well as the distance travelled by the removal company. 

D. Mortgage Early Repayment Fees: If you’re still within your mortgage term, you might have to pay an early repayment charge. This will be outlined in your mortgage agreement.

E. Capital Gains Tax: If the property isn’t your main home, you may have to pay capital gains tax on any profit you make. Capital gains tax applies when you sell an asset that has appreciated in value. The tax paid is a percentage of the amount that the asset appreciated while you owned it.

Remember, selling a property is a major undertaking. Be prepared for it to take time, and don’t rush decisions. Keep this checklist handy to guide you through the process.