We have provided below a selection of the most commonly asked questions from our buyers.

What is the first thing I should do when looking to sell a property?

The first step should be to arrange a valuation to find out the value of your property. When one of our friendly property experts visits you, this is a great opportunity where you can ask any questions that you may have about the property market in general, they will discuss the services that we have to offer and the best marketing strategy to help sell your property.

Please click here to book a valuation directly with us.

Do you charge to provide a property Valuation?

No! We strongly believe that it is important to offer our clients a free valuation. You will not have to pay us for selling your home until the sale has completed.

What fees will I need to consider when selling?

It is not only your estate agency fee for selling which you have to take into consideration, you will also need to instruct a solicitor/conveyancer to handle the legal transaction, obtain an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and possibly a removal company. We think it is important that you breakdown all your anticipated costs prior to selling.

The estate agency fee will either be a fixed fee or a percentage based upon the sale price, this will be discussed with you at the appointment once our agent has viewed your property.

Will I deal with the same people at Letters Home Sales from valuation to completion?

Absolutely! We strongly believe that this continuity and consistency is crucial to ensure that your selling experience is as smooth as possible. You will be given a personal contact within our office so that you can be assured we are aware of your requirements and at all times. There is nothing worse than speaking to a different member of staff each time and having to explain yourself over and over again!

Will you conduct the viewings, and should I be present when a viewing takes place?

We aim to accompany all viewings if you would like us to. We understand that allowing a stranger into your home can be daunting and we want to make the viewing process as straightforward for you as possible.

We recommend that, ideally, you are not present when the viewing takes place as it can be nice for prospective buyers to feel able to express their opinions and discuss the property without the risk of saying something they should not! Due to current risks of Covid-19 it is also essential that social distancing is adhered to at all times.

We appreciate that you may not always be able to leave the property so if this is the case, we recommend you kindly greet the viewers and inform them that you will “keep out of the way”, in the lounge for example. We will answer the majority of the questions throughout the viewing but to hear the personal touch from the property owner can sometimes go along way!

Will viewings continue once an offer has been accepted?

This will depend on the terms agreed when the offer is accepted. It is commonly the case that once an offer has been accepted and solicitors have been instructed that viewings are stopped. If there are any further expressions of interest these will be held on file.

It is important to note that a sale is not legally binding until contracts are signed and exchange of contracts has taken place.

You may find that your buyer may wish to revisit the property whilst the sale is proceeding. It is common that a buyer’s solicitor will recommend that they revisit the property prior to exchange of contracts to ensure that the property is still in the same condition as it was when they viewed. They may also ask to visit to measure for new furniture!

Will my property be surveyed?

It is not mandatory to have a survey when purchasing a property in England however there are a number of reasons why one may be required.

Commonly this is because your buyer is purchasing the property with a mortgage. If this is the case, the lender will require that a survey is carried out on your property. The likelihood is that they will need to attend but you may find that a “desktop valuation” is carried out, removing the need for a visit. We will be unable to influence this.

If the buyer is using all cash, then it will be their decision if they wish to carry one out.

You may also find that a buyer who is obtaining a mortgage may wish to have a more thorough survey undertaken. This will depend on their personal preference and the type/condition of the property which is being sold.

Do I need an EPC?

Yes! EPCs became a legal requirement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2008. You are required to have an EPC within seven days of a property being marketed for sale or for rent. If an EPC is not present, then the sellers are at risk of receiving a fine.

If you do not have an EPC or it has expired, then please do let us know and we would be more than happy to order you a new one. Our charge for doing this is £90 inclusive of VAT.

Will I need to pay Stamp Duty?

You will not need to pay Stamp Duty for the sale of your property, as this will be the responsibility of your buyer. If you are purchasing on, then you will be responsible to pay Stamp Duty for your onward purchase, please discuss this with your solicitor/conveyancer.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is everything that needs to happen to legally transfer your home to the buyer. You will need a solicitor/conveyancer to make this happen! Letters Home Sales can introduce you to a solicitor/conveyancer who can help you through the process.

How much will my conveyancer charge?

Choosing your conveyancer is a critical part of the buying process and using a good one is very important. They will work with you throughout the legal process to help you secure your property and to make it as simple and hassle free as possible. This is why it is important that you pick the right one for you!

Letters Home Sales are able to put you in touch with our recommended conveyancer who would be more than happy to provide you with a quotation to act on your sale, purchase, or both.

What are searches?

Within your conveyancing quote you will see the heading ‘searches’, these will typically include Land Registry & Local Authority information. The purpose of these will be to check for planning history and any potential or proposed developments near the property.

How long will it take to complete my property purchase?

It is difficult to give an exact timescale as every property transaction is slightly different, however, it is important to be organised from the start and to communicate with your estate agent, financial advisor and conveyancer as they are there to help you.

Factors such as the property being vacant or if there is a tenant in situ can have an impact on the time a purchase can take but typically the transaction takes between 8-15 weeks from the point that your offer has been accepted and you have instructed your financial advisor and conveyancer.