Selling process for properties in East London, South East London & North Kent

Sales Valuation

When selling your property in Canary Wharf & Docklands, Bow, Bethnal Green & East London, Rotherhithe, Bermondsey & South East London or Chislehurst, Bromley and North Kent, determining the value of your property is an essential step. An experienced valuer will assess the property whilst determining your needs and desired timescales. Asking prices are affected by many variables, and our advice forms from Land Registry Office data, recent comparable property transactions, the subject property's condition and prevailing market conditions.

Selecting an estate agent

Our first-class service and proactive approach will ensure that we exceed your expectations as your agent. We've had an established local presence since 1984, and we engage FIA Accredited Teams to promote your property and have many distinct marketing advantages over our competitors. We always strive to achieve the best price and create sales with the best buyer that match your circumstances. Find out more information about Alex Neil, and please take the time to read testimonials from satisfied clients and customers.

Obtain an EPC

In line with current legislation, all sellers must provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their property which rates the energy efficiency of the dwelling and its carbon emissions. The EPC details should be displayed on all property particulars and is a legal requirement for most properties in England and Wales. An internet search will reveal local EPC companies that can provide you with one.

Instructing a solicitor (conveyancer)

Choosing an experienced and diligent property lawyer can help reduce the time involved in completing the legal work. Our preferred conveyancing partners will happily provide you with a quotation for the work in selling your property. In addition, they will explain the conveyancing process and the legal terminology. Furthermore, they will answer any questions you may have.

Presenting your property

Presentation is crucial. First impressions count, so ensure your home is tidy and clean inside and out. It makes good sense to de-clutter the property as much as is practicable, as it creates a feeling of more space. View your property objectively from how a visitor would see it. There may be evident and quick improvements to make the property more appealing.

Marketing your property

We provide maximum marketing exposure across various media channels, internet directories and property portals. Physically, our modern high street offices are strategically positioned in primary locations and staffed with experienced teams ready to get you moving.

Digitally, our website is an interactive resource with excellent functionality for sellers and buyers. New properties are immediately uploaded and circulated, alerting matched buyers by SMS and email. In addition, our website feeds the major property portals, widely exposing the property to the market.

Our Property Consultants personally match properties with their actively registered buyers, and there is often an instant response to new property listings. Even in today's technology-led society, many buyers and sellers we encounter prefer in-person communication with a property professional. Our CRM has an extensive existing database of prospective purchasers. We frequently generate sales very quickly from this pool of buyers.

Another effective marketing tool is to utilise one of our distinctive For Sale boards. This highly effective advertising method has always generated quality enquiries and is a great visual reference for local buyers.

Widely exposing your property to the market increases the opportunity to reach the largest selection of buyers, ultimately maximising interest and offers.

Accompanied viewings

Our experienced Property Consultants will always accompany prospective buyers on viewing appointments. These trained professionals will highlight the features and benefits of your property and the local area. In addition, we can liaise with tenants in residence, porters and concierges. We securely hold keys for vacant properties and take security very seriously. Our teams are available on weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Receiving an offer

All offers are verified for quality and substance and submitted verbally and in writing. We carry out the required checks under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Anti Money Laundering Regulations 2003. In addition, we investigate mortgage requirements and request proof of deposit, mortgage agreements in principle, and proof of funds for cash purchasers.

When a purchaser has a dependent property sale, we will seek clarification of any chain's status and the readiness to proceed.

In cases where multiple offers are received, we will advise you on the best course of action. We will always try to achieve the best price for your property and act in your best interests throughout the transaction.

Offer agreed

Once you have accepted the best offer, we will issue a memorandum of sale detailing all parties involved in the transaction.

As the buyer actively organises any required finance and then pays their survey fee and upfront costs to their solicitor. The initial onus of legal workload falls to the seller and their solicitor. Your solicitor will request the title deeds from the lender. It will form part of the Draft Contract.

The Draft Contract details the terms of the sale of the property and is sent to the buyer's solicitor to enable them to commence their preliminary enquiries. The solicitors will check the Title Deeds and Lease (if applicable). In addition, solicitors will conduct local and environmental searches and check the Management Company accounts (if applicable).

Our experienced team proactively assist and liaise with all parties throughout the conveyancing process to ensure a smooth, timely transaction.

Exchange contracts

When the buyer's solicitor receives the formal mortgage offer and instructions, all required legal documentation, a deposit in cleared funds, both parties signed contracts and a mutually agreeable completion date. The solicitors will then formally exchange contracts. This milestone finalises the terms of the sale and makes the transaction legally binding for both parties. Their solicitor will transfer the buyer's deposit to your solicitor.

Organise your move

It is common for both parties to require a short period between the day of exchange and the completion date. If you haven't done so already, you should arrange all packing and removals, inform everyone of your change of address and organise any required disconnection of services. You must allow plenty of time to move out on the day of completion, and many completions happen before 2 pm.

Completion

Your solicitor will receive funds via the banking system during the completion day. Once your solicitor confirms that the transaction is complete, the property legally becomes the buyers', and we will release any keys in our possession to them.

Charges

Sole Agency Fee - 2.0% + VAT (2.4% inc VAT).
Joint Agency Fee - 2.5% + VAT (3.0% inc VAT).
Multi Agency Fee - 3.0% + VAT (3.6% inc VAT).
Alex Neil is a member of The Property Ombudsman. Membership number: N00018