Instructing a solicitor

Once you have accepted an offer on your home, you will need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor to begin the legal process of selling your property.

Make sure you choose a solicitor who is experienced, responsive and answers all your questions.

ID checks and documents

To satisfy regulatory and anti-money laundering requirements your solicitor will ask you for proof of ID to verify your name and address and link to the property you are selling before they can begin any work on your sale. You will also need to complete a couple of forms that form part of the contract pack issued to the buyer’s solicitor and provide other documents including title deeds and any planning permission or building regulations certificates if you have had work done to the property.

TA6 Property Information Form and TA10 Fittings and Contents Form

You will be asked to complete a TA6 Property Information Form and TA10 Fittings and Contents Form giving important information to your buyer about your property. These form part of the contract pack issued to your buyer’s solicitor. It’s best to ensure you gather together any certificates, warranties and guarantees for any works carried out to the property as this may prevent delays with enquiries later on.

Answering enquiries

Your solicitor will contact you with any questions to answer enquiries raised by your buyer’s solicitor.

Reviewing and exchanging contracts

Once you and your buyer agree the terms of the contract and the completion (moving) date, the buyer and seller’s solicitors will exchange contracts. This is the point at which your buyer will pay a 10% deposit to your solicitor to be held in your solicitor’s client account and the sale becomes legally binding.

Completion

On the completion (moving) date agreed in the contract the buyer’s solicitor will pay the balance of the purchase price to your solicitor. Your solicitor will then pay the outstanding mortgage balance directly to your lender and pay your agent’s invoice if you want them to and any remaining proceeds will be transferred to you.

On the completion date once the purchase price is paid in full the ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer and you vacate the property ensuring all items are cleared and the keys handed over to the agents.