Selling Your Home Isn’t Just About Going on the Market — It’s About Being Ready for the Process
Selling a property isn’t just photos and viewings. The real success comes from preparation and paperwork. Vendors who understand the process early reduce delays, avoid fall-throughs, and achieve smoother sales. Here’s what to do before listing, and what information you’ll need ready.
Many sellers think the sale starts when the property goes live online.
In reality, a successful sale starts weeks before marketing: with preparation, organisation, and understanding the legal process ahead. The smoother your preparation, the smoother your transaction.
Part 1: Preparing Your Property for the Market
This isn’t about expensive renovations. It’s about presenting a property that buyers feel confident offering on.
Key preparation steps:
✔ First impressions matter
Tidy gardens, clean windows, working lights, and clutter-free rooms make a huge difference.
✔ Fix small issues early
Dripping taps, loose handles, broken seals, cracked tiles - these raise red flags during viewings and surveys.
✔ Heating, electrics, and general condition
Buyers worry about hidden costs. If systems are old or problematic, expect questions.
✔ Price realistically
The right price creates competition. Overpricing causes stagnation and later price reductions.
Part 2: The Paperwork Every Seller Needs
This is where many transactions slow down. Buyers and solicitors cannot proceed without accurate information.
Core documents include:
- Property Information Form (TA6)
- Fittings & Contents Form (TA10)
- Details of any works carried out
- Planning permissions & building regulations
- Guarantees and certificates (windows, damp proofing, roofing, boiler, electrics)
- Details of boundaries, access, or disputes
Having these ready early can save weeks.
Freehold vs Leasehold — Why It Matters
If you are selling a freehold house, the legal process is generally more straightforward.
If you are selling a leasehold flat, there is additional information required, and this is one of the biggest causes of delays in flat sales.
Leasehold sellers should prepare:
• Lease details
Length of lease remaining — short leases can affect mortgages.
• Ground rent and service charge
Current amounts and payment records.
• Management company or freeholder details
Your solicitor will request a management information pack (often called an LPE1 pack).
• Building insurance information
Usually arranged through the management company.
• Planned works
Any upcoming major works or Section 20 notices.
• Regulations or restrictions
Rules on pets, subletting, alterations, flooring, etc.
Management packs can take weeks to obtain, so requesting this early is crucial.
Understanding the Process
1.Your estate agent markets and negotiates.
2.Your solicitor handles the legal work.
3.You provide the information that keeps everything moving.
Delays usually happen because documents are missing or forms are incomplete.
The Sellers Who Move Smoothly
Successful sellers:
✔ Prepare their home before marketing
✔ Organise paperwork early
✔ Leaseholders request management packs quickly
✔ Choose an experienced solicitor
✔ Respond fast to enquiries
Selling isn’t just about finding a buyer. Preparation is what protects your sale, and your timeline.
