By Sarah Davies, Head of Residential Conveyancing

With the UK looking towards a post-lockdown era the property market may soon be back in full swing. If you have been planning your next home move either prior to, or during the lockdown there is plenty you can do now to get yourself move-ready.

Using your lockdown time wisely; doing those jobs that you’ve been putting off, speaking to an independent mortgage adviser (we have one of those so can
help there) lining up your estate agent etc. will all contribute to a smooth transaction.

Preparing your property paperwork
Collating and preparing your property paperwork is an essential part
of this process. To assist you, we have drawn up our Getting Ready for Sale Checklist below, which is also available as a downloadable PDF, the link for which is below and at the bottom of this article.

You can download the full checklist as a PDF here: 
Getting ready for Sale Checklist

ALL PROPERTIES
Have you had replacement windows or doors since 2002?

You will need to provide either a FENSA Certificate or evidence of compliance with Building Control.

Have you had a replacement boiler since 2005?

You will need to provide either a CORGI/GAS SAFE Certificate or evidence of compliance with Building Control.

Have you undertaken any alterations to the property which would have required planning permission or building regulations?

You will need to provide copies of the Local Authority Consents*.

Have you replaced your driveway with a non-porous material since 2008?

You will need to provide evidence of compliance with Planning Permission.

Have you had any electrical work undertaken since 2005?

You will need to provide either a NICEIC Certificate or evidence of compliance with Building Control.

Have you had your electrics checked during your ownership?

You will need to provide copies of safety certificates.

Have you had your boiler and/or central heating serviced during your ownership?

You will need to provide evidence of the services.

Have you had any works done which come with a guarantee?

You will need to provide guarantee documentation.

Does your property have the benefit of a conservatory? Did you do the work under the permitted development rules?

If yes, please complete the form within our PDF checklist (link below) to see if you fall within the exemptions.
If no, you will need to provide copies of the Local Authority Consents*.

Does your property have mains drainage or drain to a septic tank?

If you use a septic tank, it is wise to collate together details of the cost of maintenance of your septic tank over the years, when it was last emptied, the cost of emptying the tank and the location of the tank. If you are required to have a permit for your discharge or exemption, please provide copies.

* Local Authority Consents: If you believe anything is missing or that you may be in breach, do not contact your local authorities at this stage, contact us for guidance.

LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES
We would recommend you collate the following documents relating
to your lease:

1. Copy of the Lease

2. Copy of your latest demand for service charge and receipt for payment

3. Copy of your latest demand for ground rent and recipe for payment

4. Copies of any correspondence between you and the managing agents.

5. Share Certificate if you have one.

Please note that your buyer will require information from your managing agent as part of the sale process. Guidance on what information should be provided is given by the law society. There is usually a cost to providing this information which in general ranges from £150 – £400 dependent on your managing agent/landlord.

You may wish to contact your managing agent ahead of finding a buyer to understand the cost so you can factor this into your costs of sale.

You can download the full checklist as a PDF here:

Getting ready for Sale Checklist

If you are considering your next home move, contact one of our Residential Conveyancing team for a free initial consultation on: 01244 356 789 or email info@cullimoredutton.co.uk

Please note: This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.