When it comes to selling your home it is always a good idea to consider all of the things you can do to firstly, make it look appealing to others, therefore making it more likely to sell quickly, and secondly, smarten it up, showing what good condition it is in making it more likely to receive realistic offers that are closer to the asking price.

There are several things you can think about well in advance of putting your house on the market. Every little helps and you could potentially be making your house more appealing to buyers a little more every day. The more you can do before your house hits the market the better. By planning ahead, your house can stand out from the rest in a competitive market, lifting some of the stress involved in selling property.

Why I Am Selling My Property?

Think about why you are moving. This is a question that will definitely be asked by potential buyers, so plan your answer in advance. The reasons you give for selling could impact the negotiating process. For example, if you are relocating and speed is of the essence, unscrupulous buyers might try and lower the price at the last minute. If it is because the house needs repairs you can’t afford or your finances mean you need to downsize, the same applies. Think of the appropriate answers that apply to your house move. Maybe you are starting a family or moving to be closer to work. Whether it’s a matter of space , location, or that you have come into some money, know your reason inside and out.

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Budget: The Cost Of Selling A Property

It might come as a surprise, but the selling process involves several costs/charges. It is important to be aware of these at the very beginning and prepare your finances for moving house. Here is a run down of the most common costs you will encounter as a seller:
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Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

In England and Wales a seller must provide an EPC for the property to potential buyers. This document details the energy efficiency of the home, “A” being the most efficient and “G” being the least efficient. It costs between £60 and £120 to get your property on the EPC register. Since costs vary, shop around and compare a few quotes. Also make sure your assessor is registered.

You can often lower the cost of an energy performance certificate by arranging your assessment directly rather than through an estate agent. You can find an assessor in your area by checking on the EPC register.

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Estate Agent Fees

Estate agent fees vary. Gather as much information as you can before booking a valuation and ask more about the agent’s services on offer.

Estate Agency fees include advertising your property and conducting viewings, as well as liaising with other parties involved to get the sale to completion. When it comes to fees, estate agents often charge a percentage fee, which can be anywhere between 0.75% and 3.0%+VAT of the agreed selling price for your home. This can depend on the type of contract you opt for with your estate agent. Do not worry about trying to negotiate fees, many agents are prepared to be flexible. Also look out for any hidden fees: The estate agent is required by law to tell you what is included.

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Solicitor/Conveyancer Fees

A solicitor or conveyancer will deal with all the legal aspects of selling your home. The cost will depend on the sale value of your property, but is considerably lower than fees involved when buying a property. For a sale and purchase, conveyancing solicitor fees range from around £400-£1,500 and tend to be broken down into standard legal fees and disbursements. Don’t forget to add Stamp Duty onto this.

Disbursements include local searches and can cost up to £300 on top of this as well. The overall cost of conveyancing is payable directly to your conveyancing solicitor. This will generally cover their time, registrations and costs they incur over the course of the transaction. Solicitor fees vary depending on which company you use so shop around and get several quotes.

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Removal costs

Removal companies offer a variety of services such as packing, unpacking, assembly of furniture and so on. If you would like them to do more than just transport your furniture, make sure you determine the cost with the removals assessor. There are a range of additional costs that you might need to consider.

The cost will also vary depending on how much you are moving and how far you have to go. As a ball-park figure you might pay just £300 to simply move your belongings from a 1 bedroom flat or up to £1000 for packing up and moving up a 4 bedroom family home with extras. It is hard to tell without a proper valuation and quote. Get quotes from several removal companies well ahead of time. Ask people for recommendations and look for reviews on review sites as well as social media. Make a shortlist of the best ones for your timeframe and location, then get some of them around to give you a quote.

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Home Report

In Scotland sellers are required to provide a Home Report. This includes three separate reports; a Property Questionnaire; a Single Survey; and an Energy Report. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Scotland has stated that Home Reports will cost between £585 and £820. This will depend on the size of your home and which surveyor you decide to use. You should always ask for quotes from several surveyors to ensure you get a competitive price.