Home Selling Guide
Your complete guide to selling property in the UK
How to Sell Your House in the UK
Selling a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. The average UK house sale takes 4–6 months from listing to completion, involves costs of £5,000–£15,000+, and requires coordinating estate agents, solicitors, surveyors, and buyers. Getting any of these wrong can cost you thousands or add months to your timeline.
This guide breaks the entire process into 12 focused chapters, each covering a critical stage of selling your home. Whether you're selling for the first time or have sold before, you'll find practical advice on timing the market, setting the right price, choosing between estate agents and private sales, preparing your property to maximise value, and navigating the legal process through to completion.
Every property sale is different, but the fundamentals are the same. Start with the chapters most relevant to where you are in the process, or read through from beginning to end for a complete picture.
Prepare
Decide when to sell, understand costs, get valuations
Market
Choose an agent, prepare your home, list the property
Show
Conduct viewings, assess buyers, build interest
Negotiate
Evaluate offers, counter-offer, accept the best buyer
Complete
Instruct solicitors, exchange contracts, hand over keys
1
When to Sell Your House
Timing, market conditions, seasonal factors
2
Costs of Selling a House
Complete breakdown of selling costs
3
Property Valuation
How to get an accurate valuation of your home
4
Choosing an Estate Agent
Types, contracts, fees and how to choose
5
Selling Your House Privately
Private sale process without an agent
6
Selling at Auction
How property auctions work
7
Preparing Your House for Sale
Room-by-room guide and kerb appeal
8
Marketing Your Property
Photography, portals, particulars and promotion
9
Conducting Viewings
Viewings, safety, and buyer assessment
10
Negotiating Offers
Offers, counter-offers, choosing buyers
11
Conveyancing Process
Legal process and finding a conveyancer
12
Completion and Moving Out
Exchange, completion day, and moving
Phil Spencer's Property Selling Tips
Expert property selling advice from Phil Spencer — covering estate agents, valuations, preparing your home, viewings, and holding deals together.
Services to Help You Sell
Everything you need to sell your property, all in one place
Find an Estate Agent
Compare local agents, read reviews, and get free valuations from top-rated agents in your area.
Search agents →Free Property Valuation
Find out what your home is worth with a free, no-obligation valuation from local agents.
Get a valuation →Conveyancing
Get quotes from regulated solicitors and licensed conveyancers for your property sale.
Get quotes →Property Surveys
Book a RICS property survey to protect your investment. Compare local surveyors online.
Find a surveyor →Removals
Compare quotes from trusted removal companies and save on your moving costs.
Get removal quotes →Home Insurance
Compare home insurance quotes to protect your property during and after your sale.
Compare quotes →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about selling a house in the UK
How long does it take to sell a house in the UK?
The average house sale takes 4–6 months from listing to completion. This breaks down to roughly 4–8 weeks to find a buyer, then 8–12 weeks for conveyancing (the legal process). However, timescales vary significantly depending on market conditions, property type, chain length, and how quickly all parties respond. A chain-free sale to a cash buyer can complete in as little as 6–8 weeks.
How much does it cost to sell a house?
Total selling costs typically range from £5,000 to £15,000+ depending on your property value. The main costs are estate agent fees (0.75–3.5% of sale price + VAT), conveyancing (£250–£500+), Energy Performance Certificate (£60–£120), and removals (£300–£1,500). You may also face early mortgage repayment charges (1–5% of outstanding balance) and preparation costs. Read our full costs breakdown for details.
When is the best time to sell a house?
Spring (March–April) is traditionally the best time, with the highest buyer demand and competition. Autumn (September–October) is the second-best window. However, a well-priced, well-presented property will sell in any season. Your personal circumstances — job relocation, chain position, mortgage deal ending — often matter more than seasonal timing. See our guide to timing your sale.
Do I need an estate agent to sell my house?
No — you can sell privately or at auction. However, around 95% of UK sellers use an estate agent. Agents handle marketing, viewings, negotiations, and sale progression, and typically achieve higher prices than private sellers. The trade-off is their commission (0.75–3.5% + VAT). Compare your options in our guides to choosing an agent, selling privately, and selling at auction.
What do I legally need before I can sell my house?
You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing your property — it's a legal requirement. You'll also need proof of ownership (your solicitor obtains this from the Land Registry), and you should prepare property information forms covering boundaries, disputes, planning permissions, and any work carried out. Building regulations certificates for any structural work are also essential. Your conveyancer will guide you through the full requirements.