Selling a Home

From accepting an offer to completion day, our residential conveyancing solicitors will guide you through every stage of the sales process, helping to minimise delays and keep your transaction moving.

...with you every step of the way since 1927

Selling a property involves more than simply finding a buyer. There are legal requirements, documentation to prepare and enquiries to answer before a transaction can be completed successfully.

At Eaton Smith, our residential conveyancing solicitors provide practical and efficient support to homeowners throughout the sales process, helping to minimise delays and keep transactions moving.

How We Can Help

Our experienced team will manage the legal aspects of your property sale and liaise with all parties involved, including estate agents, buyers' solicitors and mortgage lenders.

We can assist with:

Freehold property sales
Leasehold property sales
Buy-to-let property sales
New build property sales
Sales involving management companies
Property chains
Redeeming existing mortgages
Transfers linked to divorce or separation

The Selling Process

Preparing Contract Documentation
We prepare the contract pack and supporting documentation required by the buyer's solicitor.

Property Information Forms
You will be asked to complete forms providing information about the property, boundaries, disputes, guarantees, alterations and other relevant matters.

Responding to Enquiries
The buyer's solicitor will usually raise enquiries regarding the property. We assist you in responding accurately and promptly.

Agreeing Exchange
Once both parties are ready, contracts are exchanged and a completion date is agreed.

Completion and Sale Proceeds
Following completion, ownership transfers to the buyer. We redeem any outstanding mortgage and arrange for the net sale proceeds to be sent to you.

Common Causes of Delay

Property transactions can sometimes be delayed by:

Missing documentation
Delays within a property chain
Mortgage processing issues
Leasehold management enquiries
Unresolved title issues

By instructing a solicitor as early as possible and providing information promptly, many delays can be reduced.

Related Conveyancing Services

Buying a home
First time conveyancing services

Why Choose Eaton Smith?

Our conveyancing team understands that clients want certainty, communication and efficiency when selling their home.

We offer:

Experienced conveyancing solicitors
Clear, jargon-free advice
Proactive communication
Regular progress updates
Support through every stage of the transaction

Contact Eaton Smith's Conveyancing team today to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I instruct a solicitor?

Ideally, as soon as your property is placed on the market. This enables documentation to be prepared early and can help reduce delays once a buyer is found.

Can I sell if I still have a mortgage?

Yes. The outstanding mortgage balance will usually be repaid from the sale proceeds on completion.

How long does a property sale take?

Many sales complete within 8 to 16 weeks, although the timeframe will depend on factors including the complexity of the matter and the length of the property chain.

What information will I need to provide when selling my home?

As part of the sale process, you will usually be asked to provide information and documentation relating to the property, which may include:

Property Information Forms
Fittings and Contents Forms
Title deeds or ownership documents (where applicable)
Planning permissions and building regulation approvals for any alterations
Guarantees and warranties, such as damp proofing, replacement windows or roofing works
Electrical or gas safety certificates where available
Leasehold documentation, including management information packs and ground rent details
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) details

Providing this information as early as possible can help avoid delays later in the transaction and enable enquiries from the buyer's solicitor to be answered more quickly.