Selling your home is a big financial and emotional decision. This guide explains the key steps to selling a house clearly, so you can plan, price, and progress with confidence, with practical links for deeper reading
1. Decide the right time to sell
Property markets often have seasonal patterns – spring and early summer are traditionally strong – but your own situation is just as important. Are you financially ready? Have you found your next home? For typical timelines from listing to completion, see:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house/
2. Get your property valued
Price too high and you stall, too low and you lose value. Start with comparable sales, then book a professional appraisal. For the three core valuation methods agents and surveyors actually use, read:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/the-3-types-of-property-valuations-every-london-landlord-and-seller-should-know/
3. Choose the right estate agent
Most sellers work with an agent to guide the process, market the property, handle viewings, and manage negotiations. When choosing:
| Criteria | What to Look For |
| Local expertise | Knowledge of your neighbourhood and the target buyer |
| Fees and contract terms | Transparent pricing with no hidden costs |
| Marketing strength | High-quality photos, listings on major portals, and social media presence |
| Reputation | Good reviews and a track record of successful sales |
Working with a full-service agent like Ernest-Brooks International ensures your sale is handled professionally, from start to finish.
4. Prepare your property for sale
First impressions matter. Before listing, take time to prepare:
- Declutter and remove personal items
- Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms
- Fix minor snags and repaint marked walls
- Stage key spaces to highlight light and flow
- Tidy outdoor areas to boost kerb appeal
Prioritise quick, high impact wins with this checklist:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/diy-hacks-boost-flat-appeal-sell-faster/
5. Market your property
Once ready, your agent will create a listing with professional photography, a compelling description, floorplans, portal coverage, targeted email, and social media promotion. Better presentation drives more serious enquiries.
6. Conduct viewings
Your agent can host viewings or you can be present if preferred. Tips:
- Keep the home clean, fresh, and bright
- Open curtains for natural light
- Keep pets out of the way
- Be ready for common questions
Open house events can cluster interest and create momentum.
7. Receive and accept an offer
You do not have to accept the first offer. Assess both price and the buyer’s position:
- Proof of funds or a mortgage in principle
- Chain position and flexibility on dates
- Any conditions attached to the offer
Your agent should qualify buyers and negotiate firmly. Once you accept, the legal phase begins. At EBI, our dedicated sales progression team manages the file from offer to completion, chasing solicitors, mortgage brokers, surveyors and freeholders to keep momentum. This focus keeps fall-throughs low – in 2024 our abortive rate was just 2.8 percent.
8. Instruct a solicitor or conveyancer
A responsive, experienced conveyancer will draft contracts, handle enquiries, and coordinate exchange and completion. Ask about their reporting cadence, target dates, and what they need from you to start promptly.
9. Exchange Contracts
This is a major legal step. When contracts are exchanged:
- The buyer pays a deposit (usually 10% of the price)
- A completion date is agreed and fixed
- The sale becomes legally binding
You can no longer accept other offers, and both parties commit to the sale.
9. Exchange contracts
This is the legally binding step. When you exchange:
- The buyer pays a deposit, usually 10 percent
- A fixed completion date is agreed
- Both parties commit to the sale and you stop accepting other offers
10. Complete the sale
On completion day the balance is transferred, keys are released, and ownership passes to the buyer. Your solicitor confirms funds, redeems any mortgage, and transfers the net proceeds to you.
Summary Table: Key steps to selling a house
| Step | What It Involves |
| 1. Decide when to sell | Consider personal timing and market trends; typical timelines: https://www.ernest-brooks.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house/ |
| 2. Get a valuation | Use comparables and a professional appraisal; valuation methods: https://www.ernest-brooks.com/the-3-types-of-property-valuations-every-london-landlord-and-seller-should-know/ |
| 3. Choose an agent | Prioritise local results, transparent fees, strong marketing, and rigorous buyer qualification. |
| 4. Prepare the property | Clean, fix snags, stage key rooms; quick wins checklist: https://www.ernest-brooks.com/diy-hacks-boost-flat-appeal-sell-faster/ |
| 5. Market the property | Professional photos, floorplans, premium portal coverage, international buyer reach, targeted email and social campaigns. |
| 6. Host viewings | Keep rooms bright and tidy; agent to collect feedback and adjust strategy. |
| 7. Accept an offer | Negotiate price and terms; verify funds, chain and dates. EBI sales progression keeps fall-throughs low – 2.8% abortive rate in 2024 |
| 8. Instruct a solicitor | Prepare contract pack early; respond quickly to enquiries to keep momentum. |
| 9. Exchange contracts | Buyer usually pays 10% deposit; completion date fixed; sale becomes legally binding. |
| 10. Complete the sale | Transfer ownership and funds; keys released on completion. |
Stuck on the market
If interest is slow, work through these fixes before dropping the price:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/why-isnt-my-home-selling-property-market-advice/
Not sure whether to sell or let
If you are weighing up selling versus renting, this guide covers compliance, yields, and landlord duties in 2025:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/renting-property-london-2025-guide/
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sell a house in London
Typical timelines range from 8 to 14 weeks from listing to completion, depending on chain length, conveyancing speed, buyer funding, and property type. Deep dive here:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house/
Do I need to fix everything before selling
No. Focus on safety issues, damp, basic repairs, and cost effective presentation. Target paint, lighting, grout, and kerb appeal. Useful quick wins:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/diy-hacks-boost-flat-appeal-sell-faster/
How should I set the asking price
Base it on recent local comparables, current competing stock, and the valuation methods explained here:
https://www.ernest-brooks.com/the-3-types-of-property-valuations-every-london-landlord-and-seller-should-know/
Summary checklist
- Decide when to sell and map your move plan
- Get a realistic valuation using comparables and professional input
- Choose a results driven local agent with transparent fees
- Prepare the property with high impact, low cost improvements
- Launch with professional media and strong multi channel marketing
- Host viewings and gather feedback to refine strategy
- Qualify buyers and negotiate the best overall offer
- Instruct a proactive conveyancer and prepare documents early
- Exchange contracts with a fixed completion date
- Complete, hand over keys, and settle funds
Final thoughts
Understanding the steps keeps you in control. While every sale is unique, the path is clear. Preparation, accurate pricing, and strong marketing make the difference. Ernest-Brooks International manages the whole process end to end so you can move with confidence.
