How to sell your home

Budget beforehand

Before you do anything else, it’s important to be prepared for the costs that come with selling your home. In addition to estate agent fees, there are others which you might not have accounted for. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical costs of selling a house:

• Estate agent fees: High street agents typically charge 1% - 3.5% of the property’s value, which could be anything from around £2,500 to £9,000. Online agents such as Purplebricks and Yopa often have a fixed price of up to £1,000.
• Conveyancing fees: Typically between £500 and £1,500, depending on factors such as who you are using, the price of the property and whether any additional searches are required.
• EPC: If you don’t already have one, an Energy Performance Certificate can cost anywhere from £60 to £100.
• Removal costs: Essential but very individual, removal costs can range anywhere from £400 - £1,200 depending on how many belongings you have, how far you’re moving, and if you’re doing your own packing.

Style to sell

Prior to getting your house on the market and ready for viewings, it needs to look appealing to potential buyers. Start on the outside and work in – the exterior can speak volumes and first impressions count. A well-kept garden, fresh-looking windows and doors and a tidy driveway could make all the difference.

Think about the type of buyer you’re trying to attract. If it’s young professionals perhaps clear some belongings and stripping it back for a more clean and minimal look. If it’s a family, show off the storage spaces in a neat and tidy way.

Either way, it’s a good idea to declutter (this will serve you well when it comes to the move) and give the place a bit of TLC – paint over that scuff on the wall you’ve been meaning to get to, replace the chipped tiles in the bathroom and give the carpets a good clean. You could also hang mirrors and consider painting dark rooms in a paler colour to maximise the light.

Think about removing personal items such as photos, sentimental decorations and toys – the buyer needs to be able to forget they are in someone else’s space, and see it as a blank canvas for themselves.

Valuations and estate agents

Before you approach any estate agents for valuations, do some research on property websites such as Zoopla and Rightmove to see what similar houses in your area are selling for.

The general consensus when selling is to get at least three valuations. If one is especially high ask why. This could be purely a ruse to attract your business. If in doubt, keep an eye on the property pages and look at similar houses for sale on the internet. Before choosing an agent, double-check the small print and don’t be afraid to negotiate on fees and levels of service. Local newspapers will give you a clear idea of the estate agents in your area and the type of houses they are used to selling.

Selling through an estate agent isn’t your only option – some people opt to sell their houses themselves, or use a cheaper online agent such as Purplebricks – but a high street estate agent will look after the whole process for you and have more knowledge of the local market.