Selling your home can be an emotional process. For some, it’s the excitement of moving on to a new chapter; for others, it’s saying goodbye to a place full of memories. Whatever your reason, one thing’s for sure — you want the process to run as smoothly and quickly as possible.
At Susan Howarth & Co Solicitors, we understand that selling a property isn’t just a legal transaction — it’s a major life event. Our role is to take care of the legal details, keep you informed, and help you avoid unnecessary stress along the way.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to selling a home in England and Wales.
Stage 1 – Getting Started (Instruction Stage)
Once you’ve accepted an offer on your property, it’s time to instruct a solicitor to handle the conveyancing. This is where we start.
We will:
- Open your file and carry out ID checks.
- Ask you to complete standard property information forms (e.g., TA6 Property Information Form, TA10 Fittings and Contents Form, and — if applicable — a TA7 Leasehold Information Form).
- Request details of your existing mortgage so we can get a redemption statement later.
If you have important paperwork such as guarantees, planning permissions, or building regulation certificates, now’s the time to gather them. Providing these early can prevent delays later.
Stage 2 – Preparing the Contract Pack
We’ll obtain your property’s title deeds from the Land Registry and prepare a draft contract pack for the buyer’s solicitor.
This pack includes:
- The draft contract.
- The completed property information forms.
- Supporting documents (e.g., warranties for windows, boiler service records, planning permission documents).
If your property is leasehold, we’ll also request a management information pack from the freeholder or managing agent — this can take time to arrive, so we request it early.
Stage 3 – Handling Enquiries
Once the buyer’s solicitor has reviewed the contract pack, they’ll raise enquiries. These can be:
- Basic – e.g., clarifying who maintains a shared fence.
- Detailed – e.g., requesting missing certificates or documents.
We’ll liaise with you to ensure the responses are accurate and provided promptly. This stage is often where delays can occur, so the faster we work together, the quicker you can move forward.
Stage 4 – Agreeing the Completion Date & Signing Contracts
Once all enquiries are answered, the buyer is satisfied with the information provided, and they have their mortgage offer in place, it’s time to prepare for exchange.
You will:
- Review and sign the final contract.
- Agree a completion date with the buyer (and the rest of the chain, if applicable).
The completion date is the day you’ll hand over the keys — so it’s important to choose one that gives you enough time to move.
Stage 5 – Exchange of Contracts
Exchange is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding. From this moment, both you and the buyer are committed to completing on the agreed date.
We’ll:
- Exchange contracts with the buyer’s solicitor.
- Receive the buyer’s deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price).
- Confirm the completion date.
Once exchange has taken place, you can start packing with confidence.
Stage 6 – Completion Day
On the agreed completion day:
- The buyer’s solicitor transfers the purchase money to us.
- We redeem your mortgage (if applicable) using the funds.
- We pay the estate agent’s commission directly from the proceeds.
- The remaining balance (your sale proceeds) is transferred to your account.
As soon as we receive the funds, we’ll authorise the estate agent to release the keys to the buyer.
Stage 7 – Post-Completion
After completion:
- We send the signed transfer deed and any other necessary documents to the buyer’s solicitor.
- Once everything is finalised, your file is closed.
That’s it — your sale is complete, and you’re free to move on to your next chapter.
Top Tips for a Smooth Selling Experience
1. Get Your Paperwork Ready Early
Missing documents are one of the most common causes of delays. Start gathering guarantees, certificates, and planning permissions as soon as you decide to sell.
2. Be Honest in Your Forms
It’s important to answer property information forms truthfully. Providing inaccurate information could cause problems later or even lead to legal action.
3. Respond Promptly to Enquiries
Delays in answering questions from the buyer’s solicitor can slow the entire chain. Reply as quickly as possible — and we’ll do the same.
4. Consider Your Completion Date Carefully
If you’re in a chain, flexibility can help keep the process moving smoothly. Aim for a date that works for everyone involved.
5. Stay in Communication
The more you stay in touch with your solicitor and estate agent, the easier it is to resolve issues quickly.
The Selling Timeline at a Glance
- Instruct your solicitor and provide ID.
- Complete property forms and gather supporting documents.
- Contract pack sent to buyer’s solicitor.
- Enquiries received and answered.
- Agree completion date and sign contracts.
- Exchange contracts – sale is legally binding.
- Completion day – funds transferred, keys released.
- Post-completion – documents sent, file closed.
Why Choose Susan Howarth & Co Solicitors?
Selling your home can feel like a juggling act — especially if you’re also buying at the same time. Our role is to take the legal pressure off you, keep you informed every step of the way, and make sure everything is handled correctly and efficiently.
We combine legal expertise with a friendly, approachable style. We explain things in plain English, keep you updated without you having to chase us, and work proactively to avoid unnecessary delays.
Whether you’re selling to move up the property ladder, downsize, or relocate, we’ll make the process as smooth as possible so you can focus on your future.
📞 Call us today on 01606 48777 and speak to Sue Curzon or Julie Brown.
📍 Get your free conveyancing quote here
📍 Find out more about our conveyancing services.
This article has been written for your general information only and is not a detailed statement of the law. It should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. If you require specific legal advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 01606 48777.
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