Are you feeling overwhelmed about selling your home?
I’ve guided over 1,000 sellers through their moving journey. And many people forget crucial steps when selling their house. Getting everything right can feel impossible.
I understand completely.
This guide shows you every step to take. You’ll learn what to do first. I’ll share my proven selling house checklist.
Plus, discover what most sellers miss.
Complete Selling House Checklist
First here’s the checklist. I’ll dive into each section in more detail later on…
Essential Documents
1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Find existing on government register or book new assessment (£60-£120)
- Must meet minimum rating requirements
- Valid for 10 years
2. Property Title Documents
- Download from HM Land Registry (£3 per document)
- Includes Title Register and Title Plan
- Check with mortgage lender if paper deeds needed
3. Property Information Form (TA6)
- Get from solicitor/conveyancer
- Gather planning records and building work documentation
- Include maintenance history
4. Mortgage Documentation
- Request current statements
- Get redemption figure from lender
- Collect any relevant insurance documents
5. Identity Documents
- Required for anti-money laundering checks
- Photo ID (passport/driving license)
- Proof of address (recent utility bills/bank statements)
Professional Services to Arrange
6. Estate Agent
- Compare at least three agents
- Check local sales records
- Verify commission rates (typically 1-3%)
7. Conveyancer/Solicitor
- Get multiple quotes (basic conveyancing starts ~£800)
- Check completion times
- Verify communication methods
8. Supporting Services
- Removal company quotes
- Professional photographers
- Cleaning service for viewings
Property Preparation
9. Important Maintenance
- HVAC system inspection (£80-£150)
- Roof and gutter check (£100-£200)
- Window repairs if needed (£50-£150 per window)
- Test smoke detectors
10. Optional Improvements
- Interior painting (£300-£500 per room)
- Garden maintenance (£30-£50 per visit)
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Basic repairs and touch-ups
Marketing Preparation
11. Property Presentation
- Declutter all spaces
- Deep clean
- Arrange professional photos
- Consider virtual tours/3D scans
12. Documentation Organization
- Utility bills
- Maintenance records
- Building certificates (if applicable)
- Service histories
Financial Planning
13. Immediate Costs
- EPC certificate
- Estate agent fees
- Conveyancing fees
- Marketing costs
14. Moving Costs
- Removal services
- Storage if needed
- Final utility bills
- Council tax settlement
Completion Process
15. Pre-Completion
- Review draft contract
- Agree completion date
- Verify buyer’s deposit (usually 10%)
- Plan moving schedule
16. Final Steps
- Arrange key handover
- Provide alarm codes/manuals
- Take final meter readings
- Notify utility companies
- Set up mail forwarding
Total Minimum Cost Example:
- For a £300,000 house with minimal preparation needed:
- Essential documents and certificates: ~£200
- Estate agent (1%): £3,000
- Basic conveyancing: £800
- Minimal property preparation: £500
- Removal costs: £500-£1,000
Minimum Total: Around £5,000-£6,000
This could vary significantly depending on:
- Property value (affecting estate agent fees)
- Amount of preparation work needed
- Whether you opt for additional services
- Location (costs vary across regions)
- Any mortgage exit fees
Initial Preparation Steps
Starting your property sale with the right preparation makes everything smoother. Our guide helps you gather what you need. Following these steps helps you sell your house fast without stress.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Arrangement
Find your EPC on the government’s public register website.
Lost certificates need a new assessment. Book through an approved assessor listed on the EPC Register. Most assessments cost £60-£120 and arrive within 48 hours.
Remember there is a minimum EPC rating to sell your property now.
Property Information Form (TA6) Completion
Get this from your solicitor or conveyancer.
Access old planning records through your local council. Request building work records from contractors. Check previous sale paperwork for helpful information.
Title Deeds Verification
Download from HM Land Registry’s website for £3. Lost paper deeds? Check with your mortgage lender. Contact the Land Registry helpline for guidance.Â
Most properties are digitally registered.
Mortgage Papers Organisation
Contact your current lender for copies.
Request statements through online banking. Ask for redemption figures by phone. Most lenders provide free document copies.
Property Ownership Documentation
Order title registers from Land Registry online.
Lost ID? Request new copies from relevant authorities. Banks can provide proof of address. Keep digital copies safe.
Essential Maintenance Assessment
Create a list of improvements from your records. Find old invoices from contractors. Contact previous workers for documentation.
Take photos of current property condition.
Utility Bill Organisation
Request copies through supplier online accounts.
Contact providers directly for missing bills. Use online account history. Most suppliers offer 12 months of statements free.
Choosing Professional Support
I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners sell their properties since 2015. Getting the right professionals makes all the difference.
Start with a skilled estate agent.
I always check their local sales record first. They should know your area’s market inside out. Don’t just pick the cheapest or most expensive agent.
A good property lawyer keeps your sale on track. I recommend getting quotes from at least three conveyancers. Ask about their completion times and communication style. Quick responses matter when you’re selling.
Building Your Support Network
Professional help doesn’t stop at agents and lawyers.
It may be worth to book a reliable cleaning company before viewings start. First impressions count more than you’d think. I’ve seen sparkling homes sell faster.
Your marketing plan needs careful thought too.
Use photographers who understand property selling. Good photos can attract more potential buyers.
Stay organised with a clear timeline. I keep all contact details in one place as regular updates from your team help avoid delays.
Get expert advice about market value.
Property Preparation and Repairs
Getting your property in top condition helps attract serious buyers. Smart preparation can boost your home’s appeal and value.
These are not mandatory but something to consider.
HVAC System Inspection
Book a heating engineer for system checks.
Ask for the service history from previous owners if needed. Find certified engineers through Gas Safe Register. Most inspections cost £80-£150 and include basic maintenance.
Roof and Gutters Maintenance
Contact local roofing companies for inspections.
Get at least three quotes for any repairs. Check insurance coverage for existing issues. Most inspections cost £100-£200 before any repairs.
Window Repairs Assessment
Find FENSA registered window specialists for checks.
Look for condensation between double glazing. Get repair quotes from multiple companies. Simple repairs often cost £50-£150 per window.
Paint and Walls Refresh
Get quotes from local decorators if you don’t want to decorate yourself. Check paint types for each room. Look for damp before painting and go for neutral colours as you want to appeal to as many people as possible.
Always keep paint codes for touch-ups. Basic redecorating costs £300-£500 per room.
Smoke Detector Verification
Test all alarms monthly with the test button. Replace batteries every year. Check installation dates on units.
New detectors cost £15-£30 each from DIY stores.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Start with a new EPC assessment.
Check government grants available. Find approved installers through Simple Energy Advice. Most improvements pay back through lower bills but as you’re selling it’s worth seeing if you’re eligible for a grant first.
Garden Maintenance Schedule
Create a maintenance plan. Find reliable local gardeners if you don’t want to keep up with this yourself during viewings.
Get quotes for major landscaping if needed. Basic garden services cost £30-£50 per visit.
Marketing and Presentation
Professional photos have become essential in today’s digital world.
Virtual tours changed everything for my clients. I always recommend getting them done properly. More buyers now view homes online first.
Creating the Perfect First Impression
Your home needs to shine online and offline. I’ve learned what catches buyers’ eyes.
- Professional photos show your home’s best features
- Virtual tours let buyers explore at their own pace
- 3D scans help serious buyers plan their move
- Digital twins give accurate property measurements
- What else do I need to sell my house?
Open house events still work brilliantly as it can create competition between buyers. Good lighting makes rooms feel more welcoming. I suggest testing different times of day but morning light often works best for photos.
Your online listing needs careful attention too and always focus on key selling points.
Strong descriptions attract more qualified viewers.
Remember to declutter before any marketing starts. This simple step increase offers so clean spaces photograph much better.
Consider seasonal timing for photos.
I plan exterior shots on sunny days as gardens look their best in spring and summer.
Financial Planning and Costs
Moving home always costs more than expected.
Over the years, countless sellers have shared their surprise at hidden fees.
Estate agent fees vary widely across the UK. Checking multiple quotes helps find the right balance between cost and service as the cheapest option rarely delivers the best results.
- Agent commission ranges from 1% to 3%
- Basic conveyancing starts around £800
- Removal costs depend on distance and volume
- Energy Performance Certificate costs about £75
- Early mortgage repayment fees can reach thousands
Smart planning makes all the difference.
Setting aside extra funds for unexpected costs provides peace of mind. Experience shows that sales often have surprise expenses.
Some costs catch sellers off guard.
Early mortgage repayment charges need careful consideration as well as capital gains tax, which applies when selling second homes.
Planning ahead saves both money and stress. Local removal companies often offer better rates than national firms.
The right timing can reduce costs significantly.
Also, remember those essential final bills. Council tax payments need settling before completion. Utility companies require final meter readings.
Start saving early for moving costs. Having funds ready speeds up the whole process.
Remember, rushed decisions often lead to higher expenses.
Completion and Final Steps
Reaching the final stages of your property sale is exciting but needs careful attention.
Understanding these steps helps ensure a smooth completion. Knowing how much your house is worth helps with final negotiations.
Draft Contract Review
Your solicitor sends this for checking.
Read every detail carefully. Ask questions about unclear terms. Most reviews take 1-2 days with your solicitor’s help.
Official Contract Exchange
Solicitors handle this crucial legal step.
Both parties commit to the sale. Your deposit is now protected. Exchange usually happens by phone between solicitors.
Completion Date Confirmation
Agree this with your buyer through solicitors. Plan your moving schedule around it. Book removal services early.
Most completions happen at midday.
Buyer’s Deposit Verification
Your solicitor confirms deposit receipt.
Usually 10% of sale price. Funds must clear before exchange. Solicitors hold this in secure client accounts.
Property Deed Transfer
Solicitors handle all paperwork transfers. New deeds are registered digitally. Keep copies for your records.
This happens automatically after completion.
House Keys Handover
Arrange this through estate agents.
Check all keys are labelled. Include window and garage keys. Make a list of alarm codes.
Seller Proceeds Arrangement
Tell your solicitor where to send funds. Money arrives on completion day. Keep your bank informed.
Most transfers happen through CHAPS payments.
Why Choose Property Buyers Today?
Want to avoid the headache of ticking off this whole checklist?
Our services offer more than a hands off approach. We can complete in days not months and we take away most of the costs that you can see above.
Here are some reasons why so many people work with us…
Speed
Most house sales take months, but we can buy your property in as little as 7 days.
This quick process is perfect if you need to move soon or want to avoid being stuck in a long chain of buyers and sellers. We have the cash on hand so don’t need to wait for mortgages or a chain to collapse.
Guaranteed Sale
Did you know 1 in 3 sales fall through on the open market?
We know how frustrating it is to get 6 months into a process and have a buyer pull out.
When we give you the final price for your house, that’s the amount you’ll get. Guaranteed!
No Costs
You won’t face any costs with us.
We handle all the expenses involved in buying your property, including legal fees and surveys. You get cash in your bank when the sale is complete, and there are no surprise estate agent commissions to worry about.
No Stress Or Hassle
Our team supports you through the whole selling process.
We keep you updated about what’s happening and answer any questions quickly. You’ll always understand what’s going on with your sale and what happens next.
Free Property Valuation
Our property experts will value your house at no cost to you.
They look carefully at your property and check local market prices to give you an accurate figure. This professional service comes with no obligations.
No Viewings Required
Forget about cleaning and tidying for viewings.
We don’t need multiple visits or open houses to make our offer. This means no strangers walking through your home, and no disruption to your daily life.
All Properties Welcome
Whether your house needs work or is in perfect condition, we’ll buy it.
We have experience with all types of properties and conditions. This means you can sell your house to us no matter what state it’s in.
Professional Legal Service
Our expert team manages all the legal requirements for you.
We work with experienced property lawyers who make sure everything runs smoothly, and put your property at the top of their list. This gives you peace of mind that your sale is being handled properly from start to finish.
