Selling a House Solicitors

Whether you’re selling a property privately or through an estate agent, our team of experts is here to help you with that process.

Our residential conveyancing solicitors will make the process of selling your property as streamlined as possible.

Embarking on the journey of selling your property shouldn’t be daunting or stressful. At Shakespeare Martineau, our dedicated team of residential conveyancing solicitors is committed to making the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible.

What do you legally need to sell a house?

There are a number of documents you’ll need if you’re planning to sell your house:

  • Proof of identity and address
  • Land Registry title documents (i.e. property deeds)
  • Leasehold documents (if applicable)
  • Planning permission and building regulation certificates (if applicable)
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Gas checks completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer
  • Electrical checks
  • FENSA or CERTASS certificates for windows
  • New build warranties (if applicable)
  • Guarantees and other warranties for any repair work you may have carried out to the property
  • “Material facts”, such as if the property regularly floods, any issues with damp, etc.

We understand the importance of a smooth transition when selling your home. Whether you’re upgrading to a new property, adjusting to changes in your financial situation, or navigating shifts in relationship status, our goal is to alleviate your concerns and guide you through every stage of the process with efficiency and reliability.

From the moment you decide to sell to the final completion, our team will be by your side, handling all aspects of the transaction with precision and care. Whether it’s negotiating the sale, addressing buyer inquiries, or ensuring a timely and successful closing, we’ll work tirelessly to support you and ensure a positive experience as you take the next step in your journey.

Wherever you are on your journey, our legal advisors can help. Call us today on 0330 024 0333 or use the button below to complete our contact form.

Our Selling a House Team

See More Team Members
Richard Hill

Partner & Head of Bristol

Helen Walczak

Chartered Legal Executive

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How Our Selling a House Experts Can Help

Comprehensive Legal Documentation Services

Entrust us with the meticulous drafting and thorough review of all your legal documentation and contracts, ensuring a seamless process for the sale of your property. Our expert team specialises in crafting legally sound agreements tailored to your specific needs, providing you with peace of mind and confidence throughout the transaction.

Effortless Fund Transfers

Trust our dedicated team to manage the intricate process of fund transfers, ensuring that your home sale proceeds smoothly and on schedule. With our meticulous attention to detail, rest assured that every penny will be seamlessly transitioned at precisely the right moment, guaranteeing that your transaction concludes within the agreed-upon timelines.

Property Sale & Purchase

Simplify your property journey with our all-in-one service. Whether you’re selling your current home or buying a new one or both, we handle property transactions smoothly. Experience the ease of a single solution for all your property needs. Trust us to navigate buying and selling, so you can move forward confidently.

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Liaising With Interested Parties

We specialise in seamless coordination to ensure your home sale is completed within agreed timeframes. Our expert team manages fund transfers and liaises with all parties involved, guaranteeing a smooth and stress-free transaction process.

Expert Tax Advice & Management

We provide tailored advice and handle all tax-related tasks, ensuring compliance and peace of mind. From planning to payment, trust us to navigate the complexities efficiently, leaving you free to focus on your financial success.

Why Choose Us?

We simplify the selling process for you, ensuring it's stress-free. With a dedicated point of contact, discussing your requirements and details from the start becomes effortless. Say goodbye to hassle – let us handle it for you.
We believe in upfront transparency with our pricing. You'll receive a clear breakdown of costs from the start, ensuring no surprises later on. With us, there are no hidden fees—just straightforward information empowering you to make informed decisions.
With a wealth of expertise, we guide you seamlessly through the selling process. From legal intricacies to maximising your property's value, we've got you covered. Choose us for personalised attention, clear communication, and unwavering support. Sell your home with confidence.

Selling a House Frequently Asked Questions

  • Find out how much your home is worth (we recommend inviting three estate agents to come and value your property before deciding on a selling price, or who you want to list your home with).
  • Put your house on the market.
  • Prepare for viewings from potential buyers.
  • Accept an offer.
  • Find and instruct a solicitor/residential conveyancer once you’ve accepted an offer, who will then begin drafting the contracts.
  • Your buyer’s solicitor will begin property searches.
  • Once all the searches have been carried out and everyone is happy, you and your buyer will each sign your contracts and agree a moving date.
  • Exchange of contracts.

The length of time for the sale of a house to go through will vary depending on each specific situation, e.g. whether there are multiple properties in the chain, or complex legal issues involved, etc. However, the average time from accepting an offer to completion is around 8-12 weeks.

You should receive your money once the sale of your house has completed, i.e. once the legal ownership has transferred to the buyer. This is usually the same day (or within 24 hours) assuming all final legal checks have been made and the buyer used a bank transfer for the funds. If a cheque was used to purchase the property (which is not common practice these days), then the money from the sale of the property will only be transferred to you once those funds have been cleared.

As well as giving you an expert view on the value of your home (i.e. how much you can realistically look to sell it for), an estate agent will also market your property by taking professional photos, creating detailed floor plans and drafting the write-up of your home that will be used in their marketing collateral.  They will also coordinate and conduct viewings for potential buyers and manage negotiations if someone wishes to put in an offer for your home. Once you’ve accepted an offer they will also be on hand to ensure the sale of the property progresses smoothly.

What Our Clients Say About Us

How The Selling a House Process Works

Not everyone is aware of how the process of engaging Selling a House solicitors works, so we’ve provided an overview below to give you some peace of mind
  1. The first stage is to get in touch with us using the button below – you will then be assigned to one of our Selling a House specialists. Alternatively, you can reach us on 0330 024 0333.

  2. You’ll then receive a free 15-minute consultation within 24 hours via Zoom or telephone to discuss the issues you’re facing.

  3. You are then provided with a transparent breakdown of our costs and, if you would like to proceed, we send you a pack of onboarding documents

  4. Following this, we will guide and support you through the process of achieving a resolution that works for you and your family.

Free Guide

How do I prepare my house for sale?

  • Ensure the property is clean and tidy – First impressions count, so it is worth having a spring-clean to ensure your home is in the best condition for any marketing photos and viewings. Curb-appeal is so important for many buyers, so ensure the driveway is tidy and the windows and front door are clean.

  • Carry out any essential repairs – Obviously you don’t want to spend additional money just for the sake of it, but quick and cheap wins can make a huge difference. For example, check and replace any broken lightbulbs or switches, tighten any loose cupboard handles or drawers, or apply a fresh coat of paint to grubby walls.

  • Declutter - Prospective buyers will want to visualise where their own furniture and belongings will go, and they may find it harder to do this if rooms look cluttered or are full of furniture (this can also make rooms appear smaller too).

  • Keep decor neutral – Having bright and bold colours or patterns may be off-putting to some prospective buyers if it’s not to their own taste. By painting the walls a neutral colour you’ll be able to offer a blank canvas, giving potential buyers the opportunity to imagine how they could put their own stamp on things. 

  • Pets – While you obviously love your pets, not everyone does! A house that smells of pets can be a real turn-off, so it is worth washing any pet bedding or upholstery before you conduct any viewings. And consider keeping any pets out of the way during viewings too.

  • Garden upkeep - Your garden is an extension to your home, so it’s important that this is just as clean and tidy. Therefore, ensure the lawn is mowed and cut back any overgrown trees and bushes.

Featured Property Services

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Our partner-led team is one of the UK’s most experienced teams advising on the complex areas of wills, trusts and estates.  Much of our work involves high value estates, high net worth individuals and their families and an increasing amount of matters involving international estates – which bring with them a whole additional set of challenges.

Buying a Property

Buying a house and moving home can be a stressful process. Our specialist team will make your journey as straightforward as possible and guide you through one of the most important moments in your life.

Wherever you are on your journey, our Selling a House specialists are here to answer any questions you might have

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours

Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below

Call Us: 0330 024 0333

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