How to Get Sale Ready: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Property Sellers

Property Law Unpacked is our practical guide to buying and selling property in the UK. Each article takes a real question or scenario faced by buyers and sellers and explains the legal process in plain English, with insights from our experienced property lawyers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or preparing to sell, this series gives you the clarity and confidence to navigate your move.

In this instalment, we look at the steps you can take to get your property sale ready. From organising paperwork and lining up the right professionals to avoiding common delays, we explain how being well-prepared can protect your sale and keep your move on track.

How do I get sale ready?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, or already have a buyer lined up, you might be wondering what you need to do to get everything in order. Being “sale ready” isn’t just about tidying the house and mowing the lawn for viewings, although that’s helpful. It’s also about having your paperwork, plans, and professionals lined up so that when a serious buyer comes along, you can move quickly and avoid delays.

In the current market, where buyers can be cautious and deals can fall apart over relatively small setbacks, being well-prepared is one of the best ways to protect your sale. Here’s how to do it.

1. Get a property lawyer instructed early

A common mistake sellers make is waiting until they’ve accepted an offer before contacting a solicitor. In reality, you should instruct your property lawyer as soon as you decide to sell. Why? Because there’s a surprising amount to prepare on the legal side, and a lot of it, can be done in advance.

When you instruct us early, we can:

Verify your identity and get you onboarded as a client
Open your sale file
Check the title deeds and spot any potential issues (like a missing right of way, leasehold quirks, or a restriction on the title)
Send you the property forms to complete
Start gathering supporting documents (planning permissions, building regs, guarantees, etc.)

Doing all of this upfront means that once you’ve accepted an offer, we can send out the contract pack to the buyer’s solicitor almost immediately,getting your sale off to a flying start.

2. Complete your property forms carefully

Your solicitor will send you several forms to complete. These form the basis of what’s called the contract pack, and they’re legally important because buyers rely on the answers when deciding whether to proceed. They include:

Property Information Form (TA6): covers general details about the property such as boundaries, disputes, services, planning history, etc.
Fittings and Contents Form (TA10): outlines what’s included in the sale (for example, curtains, light fittings, kitchen appliances)
Leasehold Information Form (TA7): if the property is leasehold, this provides details about the lease, service charges, ground rent, and managing agents

Take your time filling these in and be as accurate as possible. If you’re unsure about anything, your solicitor can advise you. It’s also worth digging out paperwork early, like FENSA certificates for windows, warranties for boilers, or documents for extensions or loft conversions, as buyers often request these and delays can arise if they’re missing.

3. Address title or ownership issues early

Your solicitor will review your title at the Land Registry. If there are any irregularities, for example, if a name doesn’t match, a mortgage hasn’t been removed, or a historic restriction hasn’t been dealt with, we can flag this early and take steps to resolve it.

If the property isn’t registered (which can be the case with older properties), we’ll need your original title deeds to complete registration. Or if the property is co-owned but only one person is dealing with the sale, we may need a signed declaration or power of attorney.

Sorting these things out early saves stress later, especially as unexpected legal issues are one of the most common reasons for delays or fall-throughs.

4. Think about your timeline

Being “sale ready” also means being clear about when you want to move. Are you in a rush? Do you need to link your sale with a purchase? Are there school term dates or job relocation plans to consider?

Discuss your preferred timescales with your solicitor and your estate agent. If you’re buying as well, let your solicitor know so they can coordinate the two sides of the transaction smoothly. If you’re not in a chain, that’s often attractive to buyers, so make sure your agent highlights that too.

5. Make your home presentable, but don’t go overboard

While this guide is focused on the legal side, it’s worth saying that presentation still matters. Decluttering, fixing minor cosmetic issues, and letting in light can all help buyers form a good impression. But don’t worry about spending a fortune on renovations unless they’re absolutely necessary. Buyers often want to put their own stamp on a home, and what matters most is that the structure is sound and the paperwork is in order.

6. Plan for the financial side

Selling a property involves costs, legal fees, estate agent commission, and possible mortgage redemption fees. It’s worth getting a clear idea of these up front so you know what to expect. If you have an existing mortgage, check whether there are any early repayment penalties or whether you can port it across to your next purchase.

If you’re downsizing or selling to release equity, you may want to speak with a financial adviser too.

7. Keep communication flowing

Once your home is on the market, and especially once you’ve accepted an offer, communication becomes key. You, your solicitor, and your estate agent all need to be working in sync. Make sure you’re available to respond to questions promptly and try to keep things moving even if there’s a lull.

The faster you’re able to respond to enquiries from the buyer’s solicitor, the more momentum you’ll maintain, and that keeps everyone more committed to getting the deal done.

8. Be honest and open with your buyer

It might be tempting to gloss over that leak from five years ago or the argument with a neighbour about the fence, but honesty really is the best policy. If you hide something and the buyer finds out later, it could lead to legal issues or even a claim against you. Being upfront builds trust and can help the sale proceed more smoothly.