Your Financial & Legal Launchpad

• Mortgage Check-In: Contact your lender. Confirm the exact outstanding balance. Understand any Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) if you're in a fixed term. Ask if your mortgage is 'portable' to a new property.
• Estimate Selling Costs: Research and list all potential expenses:
  • Estate agent fees (e.g., Up Estates' fixed fee).
  • Solicitor/Conveyancer fees (get quotes).
  • Removal company costs.
  • Potential Capital Gains Tax (if not your main home).
  • Stamp Duty (on your onward purchase, if applicable)
• Calculate Your Equity: Subtract your outstanding mortgage and estimated selling costs from your expected sale price to understand your net proceeds.

• Legal Requirement: An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be commissioned *before* your property is marketed. It's your responsibility as the seller but we can get this arranged for you.
• What it Details: Rates energy efficiency (A-G), estimates energy costs, and provides recommendations for improvement. It's valid for 10 years.
• Arranging an EPC: Up Estates recommend local assessors but you can also get one instructed if you would prefer.
• Benefit to Buyers: Helps potential buyers compare energy efficiency and anticipate running costs.

Essential Collection: Start gathering these early to avoid delays:

• Proof of ID (for anti-money laundering checks).
• Title deeds (your solicitor can obtain copies if needed).
• Planning permissions & building regulation completion certificates for any alterations/extensions.
• FENSA/CERTASS certificates for replacement windows/doors.
• Gas safety certificates (if applicable, e.g., for boilers).
• Electrical installation condition reports (EICR) if recent.
• Guarantees/warranties (e.g., for damp proofing, new appliances, roof work).
• If leasehold: Look to order the management pack ASAP and get a copy of the lease, service charge/ground rent statements, management company details.

Organise & Share: Keep these documents organised and ready to provide to your solicitor promptly when requested.

• Crucial Role: A solicitor or licensed conveyancer handles all legal aspects of the sale, including drafting contracts, liaising with the buyer's solicitor, conducting searches (for buyers), and managing the transfer of funds and ownership.
• When to Instruct: It's highly advisable to choose and instruct your conveyancer as soon as you decide to sell, even before finding a buyer. This allows them to prepare initial paperwork.
• Choosing a Conveyancer: We can provide you with a quote for a recommended solicitor but also get quotes from a few firms. Consider recommendations, reviews, communication style, and their experience with properties like yours. Ensure they are regulated.
• Initial Steps: Once instructed, they will ask you to complete property information forms (TA6, TA10).