Selling a house is often an exciting time and almost always a stressful period, and the process depends on numerous factors which can slow down or speed up the transaction.
In terms of how long it will take you to sell your house, it is difficult to say with certainty as every conveyancing transaction is different. As a guide though, the average time for the process of house selling, from the acceptance of an offer through to completion, is 6-15 weeks.
How Can You Speed Up Selling Your House?
Selling a house is an individual experience and every sale goes through at a different speed, depending on factors such as whether the buyers are cash buyers or in a chain.
However, an effective way to speed up the overall process is to start early – find a solicitor as soon as you decide you want to sell your house. By doing so, you’ll be able to complete all the necessary paperwork before you accept an offer, rather than delaying the process by doing the paperwork afterwards.
When it comes to finding a professional conveyancing solicitor, it’s a good idea to phone for a quote. You’ll be able to ask questions and understand what the service will be like as well as what the quote includes – more so than finding quotes online.
There is a lot of paperwork involved with selling a house, and Bartletts Solicitors are always happy to help, going though the paperwork with you in person or over the phone, whichever is easiest for you.
Once you’ve chosen your solicitor and completed your paperwork, let your estate agent know which solicitor you’ve instructed. This enables them to communicate effectively with the relevant parties on the sales particulars and improve the conveyancing process.
The Conveyancing Process
After you’ve completed and returned the sellers property information form, fittings and contents form and leasehold information form (for leasehold properties), your solicitor sends out a contract package to your buyer’s solicitor. This provides your buyer’s soliciotrs with the opportunity to check all the details and make sure they’re happy with the terms of the contract, title to the Property, information provided in the transactions forms, results of their searches and the terms of buyers mortgage offer. Your solicitor liaises between your buyer’s solicitor and you, addressing any enquiries they have and responding to their solicitors accordingly. Your buyer’s solicitor then reports to the buyer, have the documents signed and arrange funds for the deposit.
Exchange
The exchange of contracts between your solicitor and your buyer’s solicitor makes the purchase legally binding. After this point, changing your mind about selling or buying the property comes with financial fines. A completion date is set.
Completion
The conveyancing process is finalised at completion – when the funds are transferred from your buyer’s solicitor and once received, your keys are handed over.
This is usually done by midday on the day of completion, so it’s a good idea to have vacated your house by then.
How We Can Help You With Your House Sale
Our specialist conveyancing solicitors are here to help if you’re selling your house. We can provide advice and act on your behalf as your solicitor to ensure the process is as straightforward and efficient as possible.
To speak to us about selling your house or to instruct one of our solicitors to act on your behalf, please contact us on 0800 988 3674 or 01244 311 633 or email advice@bartletts.co.uk
Alternatively, you can Make An Online Enquiry and one of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.