To find a good estate agent, look for one with experience selling properties like yours. They’ll have a strong network of potential buyers and know what buyers are looking for. Also, ask friends, family, and neighbours for estate agent recommendations.

Once you’ve identified a few recommended agents, talk to them on the phone or visit their offices. Remember, as well as feeling confident in an agent’s professional skills, you’ll need to choose someone you feel comfortable with.

When you sell your house through a regular estate agent (rather than an online agent), you’ll typically pay the agent a percentage of the price your home is sold for. This fee is called “commission.” The amount you pay can vary but is usually between less than 0.75% and 3.5%.

Choosing an estate agent based solely on the lowest fee may not be the best idea, and it’s essential to consider other factors. Experienced estate agents often charge slightly more, but they might help you sell your home faster and for a better price. Compare their track records before deciding – see who’s selling properties like yours quickly and for good prices.

As well as obvious things like asking how much they think your property is worth, you might want to consider the following:

• Have you sold properties similar to mine recently – and if so, how quickly and how much for?
• Do you vet buyers to check their situations and affordability?
• Where will you advertise my property?
• Will you pay for featured listings on property portals?
• Is there anything I should do or change about my property before listing it?
• What would you emphasise to buyers when showing them around?
• Will you accompany buyers on all the viewings?
• Do you do weekend and evening viewings?
• Will it be you selling my property or a different member of the team?
• How will you follow up with prospective buyers after they’ve viewed the property?

A Sole Agency Agreement means you give one estate agent the exclusive right to sell your home. The usual fee for this is 1-2%. On the other hand, a Multi-Agency Agreement involves multiple estate agents working for you. Only the agent who actually sells your home gets a commission. Multi-agency fees are higher, around 2-3.5%. But these days, most agents will list your property on websites like Rightmove, so paying more for a Multi-Agency Agreement is probably not necessary.

There are a lot of myths surrounding the best time to sell your home – mainly because, for you, the best time depends on your situation. That said, many people agree that spring is the prime selling time because the weather is better and gardens are starting to look more attractive. Summer might not be ideal, especially if you’re targeting families, as they might be away or busy with children on school holidays.

Autumn can be good as long as the weather is mild and there aren’t major holidays. October, in particular, has shown to be a speedy selling month in the past. Winter, especially leading up to Christmas, can be tricky. If you’re not ready to sell in December, it might be better to wait until January, when people start planning for the year ahead. Data suggests January is one of the faster-selling months.

Yes, you’ll need a document called an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which provides potential buyers with valuable information about the property’s energy efficiency, rated on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The cost of obtaining an EPC varies from around £55 to £120, but it’s wise to shop around for the best deal. The good news is that EPCs are valid for 10 years, so if you recently purchased your home, you might not need a new one.

You can arrange an EPC through an accredited domestic energy assessor, independently or via your estate agent.

You may also be asked for other documents, such as recent utility bills, property title deeds or a builder’s warranty. Ask your estate agent’s advice and get as much as possible ready in advance to avoid any delay.

It can vary a lot, depending on the type of property you’re selling and where you live. On average, it takes 2-3 months.

There are a few things that could increase the value of your property and, more importantly, help it to sell more easily and quickly. Understandably, what you can take on depends on your situation.

• Make your home tidy and clutter-free.
• Fix any broken items and ensure everything works well.
• Paint walls and doors in neutral colours.
• Improve the exterior by tidying up the front of the property.
• If you’ve got the money upfront and your estate agent agrees it’s a good idea, you might also consider modernising your kitchen or bathroom. These rooms can significantly impact buyers’ decisions.
• Similarly, you might also consider flooring upgrades, energy-saving upgrades to attract eco-conscious buyers, landscaping, and improvements to lighting.

Online agents often offer fixed fees rather than percentages, which can seem cost-effective initially. However, local agents have in-depth knowledge of your area and can provide valuable insights tailored to your property. They understand the local market dynamics, school districts, community amenities, and neighbourhood nuances. This local expertise can be invaluable in pricing your property competitively and attracting potential buyers.

Moreover, local agents have established connections within the community, which can lead to faster and more successful property transactions. They often have a network of interested buyers actively seeking homes in your locality, giving your property a competitive edge.

In the UK, you might be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when selling a property, however you sell it. CGT applies when the property is not your primary residence, and you make a profit from the sale – in other words, if the property’s value has increased since you acquired it.

Exemptions, such as Private Residence Relief, may apply if you’ve lived in the property as your main home during your ownership. CGT will usually only apply when the gain surpasses the annual tax-free allowance set by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

If you think you might be liable to pay CGT, It’s important to consult with a tax advisor or HMRC for advice before selling your home.

When you own a freehold property, you own both the building and the land it stands on outright. You have full control and typically don’t have to pay ground rent to anyone.

Leasehold, on the other hand, means you own the property for a set number of years but not the land. You pay ground rent to the landowner or freeholder. Leasehold properties often come with more rules and costs, including service charges. When the lease term ends, ownership may revert to the landowner unless you extend it.

Legally, your estate agent’s contract must use clear terms. The agent must pass on all offers promptly to you in writing, reveal any personal or financial interest they have in offers made on your property, keep records for six years, and be a member of The Property Ombudsman, The Property Redress Scheme or Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution.