Three Steps to Sell Your Property Smarter and Faster

6 November, 2025 4 minutes reading time

Selling a property is an exciting venture, but the legal process can quickly become complicated and slow down if you’re not prepared. Selling a house in the UK typically takes between 3 and 7 months from listing to completion. However, with proactive planning, you can achieve a faster, smoother, and less stressful sale. By being proactive, you can identify potential issues, avoid frustrating delays, and considerably simplify the entire legal process. 

Step 1: Gather all Documentation

A buyer’s lawyer will quickly request a set of documents. Having these ready from the start will save weeks of back-and-forth later.

• Property Deeds/Title Documents: Find your official Title Number and verify the details of your property’s registration. If you have a mortgage, your lender may hold the original deeds, but the Land Registry’s electronic register is the ultimate legal record of your ownership. Your solicitor will use your title number to quickly obtain the official copies needed for the contract package.

• Mortgage Information: Request a current statement from your lender showing the latest balance.

• Warranties and Guarantees: Gather all guarantees for completed works on the property, such as damp-proofing, roof repairs, or new boiler installations.

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Obtain a valid EPC before listing the property. This certificate is legally required for marketing. If your current EPC is more than ten years old, arrange for a new assessment immediately.

• Essential Legal Forms: Complete the TA6 (Property Information Form) and TA10 (Fittings and Contents Form) thoroughly and honestly as soon as you instruct your solicitor. 

Step 2: Resolve Planning and Tenure Challenges

Address any potential “skeletons in the closet” concerning the property’s structure or its legal ownership before the buyer’s solicitor inquires.

• Building Regulations Approval: For any significant alterations (e.g., loft conversions, wall removals), obtain the final completion certificates from your local authority. Missing these certificates is a common cause of transaction delays.

• Planning Permission: If you have built an extension or changed the use of part of the property, make sure you have the correct planning permission. 

• Shared Services: If you share a driveway, septic tank, or private access with a neighbour, consult your title deeds for clear, legally binding agreements.

• Leasehold Properties: If your property is leasehold and the remaining lease term is less than 85 years, you should promptly explore your options. Initiating the legal process for an extension before selling can significantly boost your property’s value and appeal. 

Step 3: Instruct a Lawyer Early to Secure the Advantage

You might expect us to claim that you can gain a genuine advantage by instructing lawyers early, but it’s true! Including before receiving an offer. This approach allows the conveyancing team to prepare the draft contract and complete the legal package in advance.

When a buyer makes an offer, your lawyer can immediately issue the complete contract pack. This demonstrates commitment, often enhances your negotiating power, and prevents delays buyers face while waiting for paperwork. Don’t wait for buyers to uncover issues; identify and resolve them yourself. This transparency makes your sale smoother, quicker, and legally secure.

Our Advice

Navigating a property sale doesn’t need to be stressful. By addressing potential issues and gather documents in advance, you control the timetable, ensuring conveyancing is predictable and smooth.

Since the 1970s, we’ve helped families and individuals sell property with minimal delays, offering services like buying and selling, equity release, tenancy agreements, freehold reversions, and lease extensions. Contact us for advice on property matters; we’re here to help.

Selling a property is an exciting venture, but the legal process can quickly become complicated and slow down if you’re not prepared. Selling a house in the UK typically takes between 3 and 7 months from listing to completion. However, with proactive planning, you can achieve a faster, smoother, and less stressful sale. By being proactive, you can identify potential issues, avoid frustrating delays, and considerably simplify the entire legal process.

Please note that all views, comments or opinions expressed are for information only and do not constitute and should not be interpreted as being comprehensive or as giving legal advice. No one should seek to rely or act upon, or refrain from acting upon, the views, comments or opinions expressed herein without first obtaining specialist, professional or independent advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Curtis Parkinson cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

Partnerships & Accreditations