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How to sell your home privately

How to sell your home privately

When showing your home, take safety precautions

  • Never show it alone. Invite a friend over during the viewing for added security.
  • Don't leave valuables lying around. Ensure handbags, wallets and any other valuables are locked away out of sight during a viewing.
  • Keep it general. When arranging viewings with potential buyers, don't give them too much personal information - remember that they are strangers.

1. Why sell privately?
You can make substantial savings if you decide to sell your home privately, however you have to be willing to invest the time and effort. As estate agents charge between 2% and 3.5% commission on a sale plus VAT, you can expect to save several thousand pounds, depending on the sale price of your property.

2. How to approach it
There are three ways to sell your home privately:

  • Through a private sale website: To market your property online can be free or cost up to about £200, depending on the advertisement package. Generally, the more money you spend, the stronger the sell will be: via photos, 360- degree tours, etc. Research before you register and opt for established companies with easy-to-navigate sites.
  • Through the newspaper: The advertising newspaper Loot is available nationwide and local editions for London, Manchester and Liverpool are also available. Contact your library to find out more.
  • Through word of mouth: Word of mouth is a powerful tool without the need for an estate agent or advertising.

    3. Make a valuation
    Find similar houses for sale in your street or area and visit The Land Registry at landregisteronline.gov.uk or upmystreet.com to find out the selling prices.

    4. Preparing your house for sale
    When selling your home it’s essential to make your property appear as inviting as possible, or you may put a prospective buyer off. If it’s looking cluttered, put some items into storage to free up space before you start showing it to buyers. Finish any half-done DIY jobs and clean the house thoroughly. Spruce up the exterior of your house, too, as first impressions really do count.

    5. Take photos
    Depending on which method you choose to sell your home privately, buyers may want to see pictures of the property before arranging a viewing. As a rule, the more photos you show of your home – inside and outside – the easier it is for potential buyers to decide whether to arrange a viewing or not. This will save you and them a lot of time in the long run.

    6. Draw up the sales particulars
    This is a general summary of the house, including the address, type of house, size and description of all rooms. Make a list of the fixtures and fittings that you are willing to include in the sale, such as appliances and furniture.

    7. Arrange viewings
    When buyers contact you for a viewing, gain an idea of their situation. Important questions include whether they have a mortgage set up already or if they're in a chain – both factors can slow down the selling process. Arrange a convenient time and, on the day, put out a few vases of fresh flowers to make your home more appealing.

    8. Organise a HIP
    If you live in England or Wales you have to provide a Home Information Pack (HIP) which must be complete before you start advertising or selling. You can compile one yourself, or a solicitor, conveyancer or estate agent can do it for you. If you're selling a holiday home, a right-to-buy property or if you are selling to family or friends, you don't have to provide one. Call 020 7944 4400 or visit homeinformationpacks.gov.uk for further details.

    9. Hire a solicitor or conveyancer
    When a buyer makes an offer, you must hire a solicitor or conveyancer. From this point onwards, they will look after finalising the sale and draw up the paperwork. Contact The Law Society or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Lesley Newton, Middlesex

    10. What's the cost?
  • Advertising: This can be free or cost about £200. Stamp duty is 0% to 4% of the total price. Properties under £175,000 are not subject to stamp duty.
  • HIPs: Expect to pay from £300 to £500 for an energy performance assessment, title deeds, details on building regulations and approvals.
  • Legal fees: You must pay a solicitor or conveyancer to look after the legal side.

    • Related sections: To Buy Or Not To Buy , Escape To The Country , Property Prophets , Planning & renovating

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