Thinking of selling your home? A well-prepared property attracts more interest and can help you achieve a better price. Use this checklist to get your house ready before it goes on the market.
1. Assess Your Finances
Start by checking your mortgage balance and reviewing any early repayment fees. Knowing your financial position helps you plan ahead. For more, see selling your house with a mortgage.
2. Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You need a valid EPC to market your property. It shows your home’s energy efficiency rating and is legally required in the UK.
3. Declutter and Depersonalise
Clear out excess items and remove personal belongings. Buyers find it easier to imagine themselves in a clean, neutral space.
4. Deep Clean Your Home
Clean every room thoroughly. Focus on kitchens and bathrooms, and freshen up carpets, curtains, and soft furnishings.
5. Complete Minor Repairs
Fix leaking taps, squeaky doors, or cracked tiles. These small details can make your home feel well cared for. Related reading: what not to fix when selling.
6. Home Staging
Staging highlights your property’s best features. Simple updates like rearranging furniture or using neutral bedding can help. See how to make your property stand out.
7. Enhance Kerb Appeal
Tidy the garden, clean the front door, and add plants or a doormat. First impressions matter to potential buyers.
8. Neutralise Decor
Use light, neutral colours if repainting. These make rooms feel larger and suit most buyer tastes.
9. Organise Key Documents
Gather warranties, certificates, and relevant paperwork before listing. This avoids delays once you’ve accepted an offer.
10. Choose the Right Estate Agent
Work with an estate agent who knows your area. Local expertise helps with pricing and marketing. Michael Anthony has branches in Tring, Milton Keynes, and Hemel Hempstead.
Ready to sell? Get in touch or book a valuation to speak with one of our local experts.
FAQs
Do I need an estate agent to sell my house in the UK?
No, it’s not legally required, but using an estate agent offers local market insight, professional marketing, and support with negotiations and legal processes. It can make the sale smoother and help achieve a better result.
How do I know how much my house is worth before selling?
You can get a professional property valuation through a local estate agent. They consider recent sales, market trends, and your home’s condition. Online tools offer rough estimates but lack accuracy.
Can I sell my house without an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
No. An EPC is legally required before your property can be marketed. It provides buyers with information on energy efficiency and potential running costs.
What is the best time of year to sell a house in the UK?
Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are traditionally the most active periods. However, market conditions, location, and personal circumstances also matter.
Michael Anthony Estate Agents
At Michael Anthony Estate Agents, we help landlords manage their properties efficiently. From finding reliable tenants to handling maintenance and legal compliance, we offer comprehensive landlord services to make renting out a property as smooth as possible.
Thinking of renting out your property? Get in touch with us today through our online contact form to see how we can help.