Thinking of selling your home? Let’s make it simple.
Selling a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But the legal process can feel like a maze if you’re not prepared.
At Thomson Hayton Winkley, we’ve been guiding homeowners across Cumbria and the South Lakes for over 150 years, so we know how to make things run smoothly. Nina Hood, Head of our Residential Conveyancing team, provides you with a step-by-step guide to the five key legal stages of selling your home, so you know what to expect and how to stay in control.
1) Instruct Your Solicitor Early
Do this before you accept an offer.
Getting your solicitor on board early means you’re ready to move quickly when a buyer comes along. At this stage, you’ll need to:
- Provide proof of ID and address
- Sign a letter of engagement
- Complete property forms such as:
- TA6 (Property Information)
- TA10 (Fittings & Contents)
THW Tip: The sooner you do this, the fewer delays later.
2) Accept an Offer
Once you’ve accepted an offer, your solicitor will:
- Draft the sale contract
- Review your title deeds
- Flag any legal issues to the buyer’s solicitor
If your property is leasehold, you’ll also need to complete a TA7 form and provide lease documents.
Meanwhile, the buyer’s solicitor will start their checks, including local authority, water, and environmental searches.
3) Respond to Enquiries
The buyer’s solicitor will raise questions based on the contract and searches. These might cover:
- Planning permissions
- Boundaries
- Fixtures and fittings
Your solicitor will guide you through answering these. Quick responses help avoid delays, so gather any missing documents as soon as possible.
4) Exchange Contracts
Once all enquiries are resolved and the buyer’s mortgage is confirmed, both parties sign the contract. The buyer pays a deposit (usually 10%) and a completion date is agreed.
From this point, the sale is legally binding. If either side pulls out, there are financial penalties.
5) Completion Day
This is the big day! The buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining funds, your solicitor confirms receipt, and you hand over the keys.
If you have a mortgage, your solicitor will repay it directly from the sale proceeds. They’ll also deduct legal fees and transfer the balance to you.
After completion, your solicitor will handle the final steps for the buyer, such as registering the new ownership with HM Land Registry.
For you as the seller, once the funds are in your account and the mortgage is cleared, your legal journey is complete.
Why Choose Thomson Hayton Winkley?
At THW, we know selling your home isn’t just a transaction – it’s a life milestone. Our experienced property team combines local knowledge with legal expertise, guiding you every step of the way with clear, jargon-free advice.
With offices in Kendal, Windermere, Kirkby Lonsdale, and the J36 Rural Auction Centre, we’re here when you need us. Whether you’re selling a family home, a rural property, or a holiday let, you can trust us to make the process as smooth as possible.
For more information contact us to find out how we can help.
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