A Guide to Selling Your Home or Property in 2025

• Conveyancing

Selling your home or property can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or selling an investment property, having the right legal guidance is essential for a smooth and successful sale.

At GA Solicitors, our experienced conveyancing solicitors in Plymouth guide you through every step with clear communication, transparency, and regular updates — so you feel confident from start to finish.

If you’re planning to sell your property in 2025, it’s worth being aware of the latest legal updates and market changes that could affect your sale. You should also read our step by step guide below, which provides details of every milestone and legal requirement.

Step 1: Prepare Your Finances and Paperwork

Before you list your property, get your finances and documentation in order.

• Check your mortgage – Contact your lender to see if there are early repayment charges or if you can transfer your mortgage to a new property (known as porting). In some cases, remortgaging might be worth considering. Our solicitors in Plymouth can advise you on your best options or direct you to a respected mortgage advisor.
• Gather essential documents, including:
  • Proof of identity
  • Property title deeds
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – valid for 10 years and legally required
  • Lease copy (if leasehold)
  • Building regulations certificates
  • Any warranties or guarantees

Note: If you are selling your home or property, you must, by law, provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). EPCs are valid for 10 years and can be arranged through an accredited domestic energy assessor. You can find a qualified assessor here. This can often also be organised through your estate agent (see step four).

Step 2: Decide Your Next Move

Think ahead about where you’ll live after the sale. You might:

1. Sell and buy simultaneously – moving directly into your next property.
2. Sell first, then rent or stay with family – giving you time to choose your next home.
3. Leave homeownership altogether – perhaps to invest elsewhere or move abroad.

Your choice will affect timescales, negotiations, and legal arrangements.

Step 3: Make a Great First Impression

Before marketing your property:

• Refresh paintwork and tidy gardens for better kerb appeal.
• Declutter interiors, use neutral décor, and maximise natural light.

These small changes can make your home more appealing to buyers and may help you secure a higher price or sell quickly.

Step 4: Choose the Right Estate Agent

You can sell your property yourself, use a local estate agent, or go through an online service.

• Local agents will provide in-person support and will have deep knowledge of the Plymouth housing market. They are also likely to have a database of potential buyers on a database to whom they can immediately send your property details.
• Online agents can be cheaper but may require more work from you. You may need to undertake the viewings for example.

Pick the option that best fits your budget, availability, and needs.

Step 5: Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor Early

Many sellers wait until they accept an offer before instructing a solicitor — but this can delay the process. By instructing a conveyancing solicitor in Plymouth early, you can:

• Get identity and anti-money laundering checks completed quickly.
• Prepare draft contracts in advance.
• Be legally ready when an offer comes in, giving you a stronger negotiating position.

At GA Solicitors, our Plymouth conveyancing team manages everything from drafting contracts and liaising with the buyer’s solicitor to undertaking searches and protecting your position by ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Note: This is a good time to get quotes and provisional bookings from removal companies for your preferred move date. However, avoid confirming the date until contracts are exchanged, as the move is not legally binding before then.

Step 6: Negotiation and Exchange of Contracts

Once you accept an offer, a Memorandum of Sale confirms the agreed terms. Your solicitor will liaise with the buyer’s solicitor to complete searches, confirm finances, and finalise the contract.

When both parties are ready:

• You sign the contract.
• The buyer pays the deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price).
• Contracts are exchanged — the sale becomes legally binding and a completion date is agreed. Before exchange, either party can withdraw without penalty.

Note: It’s important to be aware and prepared for any avoidable delays. You can learn more in our essential guide to the exchange of contracts here.

Step 7: Completion and Moving Day

Completion is the final stage of the sale, occurring when the buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining balance to your solicitor. This typically takes place around midday, though delays can arise due to banking processes or property chains.

Once funds have been received, ownership officially transfers, and you must vacate the property, as specified in the contract. At this point, you should ensure that all your personal items and any rubbish have been removed, except for anything agreed to remain as part of the sale.

Our solicitors in Plymouth will then settle any outstanding costs, such as your mortgage balance, estate agent fees, and legal fees. The remaining proceeds from the sale will be transferred to your account. The keys are now ready to be handed over.

For your checklist, here’s everything you need to know about what happens on completion day.

Selling Your Property with GA Solicitors

At GA Solicitors, we make conveyancing in Plymouth straightforward and stress-free. Whether you’re selling your family home, a buy-to-let property, or a leasehold flat, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.

Call us today on 01752 203500 or email enquiries@GAsolicitors.com to speak to a friendly and experienced conveyancing solicitor in Plymouth.

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