Any property sale can be considerably taxing, but when it’s your family home things can feel a lot bigger. It can be more emotionally charged and feel like a bigger move, whether that’s downsizing, upsizing or moving further afield for work. That’s why we’re here to make the selling process that bit clearer so you can have as smooth a journey as possible.
Understanding the Current Market Conditions
The property market in the UK has seen a lot more fluctuation in recent years, so it’s important to get a sense of the market in your area. Property prices will rise and fall depending on the current economic climate and interest rates, as well as local factors like schools nearby and amenities.
Local estate agents can build a bigger picture for you, showing average house prices for properties similar to yours, how active the market is, and how long it might take to sell – so you can properly plan ahead and set realistic expectations.
Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
When it comes to the actual selling of your family home, first impressions matter. Potential buyers will have to make up their minds quickly, so make sure the place appeals to as many people as possible. Start by removing personal items so the space feels clean and welcoming, much like a showhome. If you’re able to remove extra furniture and make rooms more minimal, the space will feel bigger and buyers can visualise their dream home in your property. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral tone can also make things brighter, and look to fix any small issues you may have been ignoring.
Marketing Your Home Effectively
In order to actually get your property noticed, you’ll likely need an estate agent. As your family home likely means a lot to you, an estate agent can assist you with the sale and help negotiate a price that reflects how much the property means to you.
Make sure they have high-quality photos of your home at its best with a description that highlights its most attractive features – some even offer to create virtual tours for a better sense of the space. Once offers start to come in, think about more than just the price as a buyer’s position could be more valuable if they aren’t in a long chain or can pay cash.
Understanding the Legal Side of Selling
Once you’ve found a buyer, it’s time to dive into the legal details. There’s almost always a lot of paperwork and steps to move through before completing your sale. You’ll likely need a good solicitor to guide you and handle the core parts of the sale. You’ll need an energy performance certificate (EPC) to inform people how energy-efficient your family home is – which could be required before an estate agent will advertise your home. Any paperwork related to your property ownership will also be needed.
Selling a home you’ve watched your family grow in can feel overwhelming. It’s an emotional event and can take time to process. With the right preparation, you can ensure the sale moves smoothly so you can focus on navigating your own way through it. Take your time, stay positive, and focus on the joy that your home will bring to another family starting their own story.
