Selling a property can be complex, and unexpected issues often cause delays. The good news? With some early planning, many of these problems can be avoided. Here are five tips to help keep your sale on track:

1.    Instruct a solicitor early

Ideally, engage your solicitor as soon as your property goes on the market. This allows them to begin the groundwork so they are ready to issue the contract papers to the buyer’s solicitor as soon as the buyer’s instructions are confirmed. Your solicitor must verify your ID before starting the work, and having them in place signals to buyers that you are serious about selling.

2.    Locate any title deeds

You may have these, or they may be stored by your lender or another solicitor. You should pass these on to your solicitor as soon as possible, as they may have relevant documents within them.

3.    Complete key forms thoroughly

You’ll be asked to complete a Property Information Form and a Fittings and Contents Form. These provide helpful information not usually obtainable by other means. Complete them as thoroughly as possible, and give them to buyers and their solicitor at the outset within the contract package. This should reduce the number of enquiries your buyer’s solicitor may raise. Go through any questions you have with your solicitor and provide supporting documents such as guarantees, heating service reports, planning permissions and building regulations approvals.

The Fittings and Contents Form details what is and is not included in the purchase price and forms part of the contract. You should take time to go through this and make decisions on what you plan to take with you or leave behind. You can also note any additional items you are prepared to sell to the buyers and for what price.

4.    Obtain a Mortgage Redemption Statement

Request a redemption form from your lender for information purposes at this stage. The statement will detail what the redemption charges are and if there are any penalties – this saves any surprises and misunderstandings later on. Often the penalty is waived if you are transferring the mortgage to a new property, but many lenders require it to be paid and then refunded later. Alternatively, give your solicitor the full mortgage account details so they can request this directly.

5.    Be realistic about completion dates

Think about preferred completion dates, but be mindful of your own commitments as well as those of others in the chain. The estate agents have access to all parties in the chain and can help with this. Remember that any dates until exchange are just target dates – your buyer is not obliged to complete on a certain date until exchange of contracts has taken place. Do let your solicitor know if there are any dates to avoid, or times you will be uncontactable, so that authorities to sign on your behalf can be arranged if necessary. Finally, try to return documents promptly so that delays can be avoided. Bear in mind that the progress of a transaction depends on various factors such as the behaviour of those involved, the length of the chain, and the time for search results to come back and mortgage offers issued, to name but a few!

At TWM Solicitors, our experienced Residential Property team is here to guide you through every step of the sale process. We aim to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible – and are happy to discuss your requirements without obligation.