First-Time Seller Guide UK: How to Sell Your House Step by Step

Selling your house for the first time can feel overwhelming. From pricing and marketing to viewings, legal paperwork and exchange of contracts, there are multiple stages to understand.

To help you move forward with confidence, Boydens has created a free First-Time Seller Guide covering the full process of selling a property in the UK — step by step.

Whether you are upsizing, downsizing or relocating, this guide explains what to expect and how to avoid common mistakes that delay or derail sales.

What Does the First-Time Seller Guide Cover?

Our downloadable guide explains:

• How to price your house correctly in the current UK market

• Choosing the right estate agent

• Preparing your home for sale

• Building Regulations, planning permissions and compliance checks

• Why professional viewings increase buyer confidence

• Negotiating offers and understanding buyer positions

• Instructing a solicitor early to avoid delays

• What happens after you accept an offer

• The exchange of contracts and completion process

• How deposits and mortgage funds are transferred

It’s clear, practical and written in straightforward language — no jargon.

Important: Paperwork & Building Regulations

One of the most common causes of delay when selling a property in the UK is missing documentation.

If you have carried out works during your ownership — such as extensions, loft conversions, structural alterations, window replacements or electrical works — buyers’ solicitors will request:

• Building Regulations completion certificates

• Planning permissions (if required)

• Electrical and Gas Safe certifications

• Guarantees and warranties

Preparing this documentation early helps prevent renegotiation or last-minute issues during the conveyancing process.

What Happens After You Accept an Offer?

Many first-time sellers are unsure what happens once a sale is agreed.

After accepting an offer:

1. Memorandums of sale are issued

2. Solicitors begin preparing draft contracts

3. Buyers arrange surveys and mortgage approvals

4. Enquiries are raised and resolved

Before exchange of contracts:

• The buyer draws down mortgage funds

• The agreed deposit (often 10%) is transferred

• Contracts are signed

Once exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding and a completion date is fixed.

Why Sales Progression Matters

At Boydens, we employ dedicated team members whose sole role is sales progression. They liaise with solicitors, lenders and all parties in the chain to keep transactions moving and reduce fall-through risk.

Strong communication and proactive management are key to a smooth sale.

Download Our Free First-Time Seller Guide

If you’re searching for guidance on selling your house for the first time in the UK, this guide is the ideal starting point.

📥 Download the full First-Time Seller Guide here:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBfUxYOAQ/Vx9N-h5Mv-zKSro3dR05Xw/view?utm_content=DAHBfUxYOAQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h34ef1cdcdd

Thinking of Selling?

Boydens has been bringing people and property together since 1852 and is proud to be National Medium-Sized Letting Agents of the Year 2024.

If you would like personalised advice about selling your home, contact your local Boydens branch for a professional valuation.

Boydens – Bringing people and property together.