Sellers Checklist

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of any nasty surprises or complications when you are thinking of selling your property.

Follow our guide below to help you a long the way to ensure a fast and smooth sale of your property.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

It is a legal requirement to have a EPC before you market your property to sell or rent. Open House can  arrange for an EPC for you through an accredited energy assessor. An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and suggests recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money.

Planing permission & Building Regulations (if applicable)

• For works carried out to the property which are are subject to  planning and building regulations gather copies of any certificates or guarantees. These will be requested later as part of the legal process

If you’ve made major changes to your property and can’t produce the relevant paperwork, or haven’t adhered to the building regulations, then a buyer may not even be able to get a mortgage to buy your property.

Guarantees

• Find long-term warranties covering your property’s timber, damp-proofing, and roof.
• Check shorter-term guarantees covering ongoing repairs to your property.
• File ongoing service agreements for boiler repairs, central heating etc.

Solicitors

• Get legal advice and inform your solicitor of your intention to sell as early as possible.
• Instruct your solicitor to apply for your title deeds (this can take up to two weeks)
• Before you start the process of selling your property, discuss transaction protocol with your solicitor (this ensures buyers have comprehensive information about your property from the outset).
• Complete any standard forms required.

Managing Agents (if applicable)

 

• Ask your managing agents for service charge/ insurance details regarding the property you will be selling.

 

Leasehold Properties

• Gather written confirmation of when the lease for the property was granted and how long it is.
• Locate documents confirming annual ground rent.
• Collect service charge documents including details of annual amount, percentage share you pay and any accounts from recent years.
• Make copies of freehold certificates.