1. Have you or the previous owners carried out any structural work?

If so, check historic planning applications concerning your property (on the H&F Council website) to ensure planning was approved and gather the paperwork.

If any structural work has been carried out you should have a Building Control Completion Certificate.

Check your paperwork and make sure you have the Planning Permission and Building Control Completion Certificate for any structural works.

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2. Growth potential

Is there scope to extend? If you think there is then seeking a professional opinion from an architect/ builder could prove a valuable aid when marketing your home to make it an even more attractive proposition for potential purchasers.

3. Party Wall Agreements

If structural work has been carried out affecting your neighbouring properties ie side return, basement etc. then you should have a Party Wall Agreement.

4. Are your windows up to scratch?

Upgrading single glazed windows to double glazed windows would improve the EPC rating but will also require paperwork. You may need planning permission from the local authority so please check with your local authority planning department for confirmation. Windows that have been replaced since 1st April 2002 must be supported by a FENSA certificate or a building regulations completion certificate to show that they legally comply with Building Regulations.

5. Is your home Leasehold?

If your lease is less than 99 years you will need to extend it before marketing the property. Buyers purchasing with a mortgage will have difficulty as some Lenders do not offer mortgages on such leases, so it is critical that you commence the paperwork for a lease extension prior to selling the property or it could impact the value of your home.

A Share of Freehold flat

If your flat is a ‘Share of Freehold’ it will still have an underlying lease length, check the length is over 99 years and ensure your agent has the correct details.

Leasehold properties – Management Pack

If you don’t have this already, request the Management Pack well ahead of time as it will show Management Accounts that the buyer’s solicitor will need to see. You should also request a copy of the building’s fire and asbestos assessment documents from your Management Company.

Management Company

Establish a good relationship with your management company - be it a company or individuals – as this will allow you to be fully up to speed on the running of the building that can be passed onto the future buyer of your property.

6. Choose a solicitor

A good one who will communicate with all involved and keep the sale moving! This is vital to achieve the smoothest process possible.

Fixtures and Fittings form

Your solicitor will send this form to you; you need to complete the document and return it as soon as possible as it needs to be sent to your buyer’s solicitor. White goods (fridges, washing machines and dryers) and curtains and blinds are frequently expected to be included in the sale price so do let your agent know ahead of time what will and won’t be included to avoid complications during the negotiation discussion.

Property Information form

Similar to the Fixtures & Fittings form you are required to complete it to the best of your knowledge – if you don’t know the answer to a question about your property you can simply state that you don’t know! This is a legal document and any recorded disputes etc must be declared.

7 Have a timeline but be patient

Speak to your agent about when the best possible period would be to put your home on the market. The market changes from month to month and whilst a quick sale might be achieved in April or May it may take a little longer in November/December so your patience with these market fluctuations is always appreciated!