How to sell your house in the UK — the complete guide

Before you list, you need to know what your property is worth. The most important thing to understand here is that you should get valuations from at least three local estate agents — not just one.

Agent valuations on the same property can differ by 10–20%. That range can represent tens of thousands of pounds on a typical UK home. Getting multiple valuations gives you a more realistic picture of your home's actual market value.

With ValuQ, local estate agents compete to value your property anonymously. You submit your details once and compare their estimates side by side — without fielding cold calls from every agent in your area.

Once you have a range of valuations, you can choose the agent you want to list with. The key things to assess are:

Their local knowledge — have they sold similar properties on your street or in your postcode recently? Their marketing approach — how do they present properties, what portals do they use, do they use professional photography? Their fees — typically 1–1.5% of the sale price plus VAT for sole agency. Their communication — test them before you sign. And their contract terms — tie-in period, notice period, and what happens if you want to switch.

Don't automatically choose the agent with the highest valuation. Some agents deliberately overvalue to win your instruction and then push for price reductions once you're locked in.

Before viewings begin, take time to present your home well. First impressions matter enormously in property.

Focus on: decluttering and deep cleaning, neutralising bold décor where possible, addressing any obvious maintenance issues, professional photography (insist on it — it makes a significant difference to online engagement), and ensuring the garden and exterior look their best.

You will also need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before you can legally market your property. Your estate agent will usually arrange this for you.

Once listed, your property will appear on Rightmove, Zoopla, and other portals. Your estate agent will manage initial enquiries and arrange viewings.

For viewings, you can either have the agent conduct them or be present yourself — there are pros and cons to each approach. Ask your agent what they recommend for your property type.

Be responsive during this phase. Delays in responding to viewing requests or offers can cause buyers to move on to other properties.

When you receive an offer, your estate agent will present it to you. You are not obligated to accept the first offer, and it is common to negotiate.

Consider not just the price but also the buyer's position — a cash buyer or someone with no chain is often more valuable than a slightly higher offer from someone with a complex chain.

Once you accept an offer, the sale is not legally binding at this stage (in England and Wales). Either party can withdraw without penalty until exchange of contracts.

Once you have agreed a sale, you need to instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal transfer of ownership. This is called conveyancing.

Your conveyancer will: prepare a contract pack for the buyer's solicitor, answer legal enquiries about the property, obtain a management pack if the property is leasehold, and liaise with any mortgage lenders involved.

The conveyancing process typically takes 8–16 weeks. The main stages are: draft contracts exchanged, searches completed, mortgage offers confirmed, and then exchange of contracts followed by completion.

Exchange is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding. Both parties sign identical contracts and they are physically exchanged between solicitors.

At exchange, the buyer typically pays a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price). From this point, neither party can pull out without financial penalty.

A completion date is agreed at exchange — this is typically 1–4 weeks after exchange, though it can be on the same day.

Completion is moving day. The remaining funds are transferred, the keys are handed over, and legal ownership passes to the buyer.

On completion day you must have vacated the property by the agreed time (typically midday or 1pm). Your estate agent and conveyancer will confirm when funds have been received.

Your conveyancer will redeem any outstanding mortgage from the proceeds of the sale and transfer the net funds to you.