Selling

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Who to contact when selling a property

If you are thinking of selling a property, you need to contact three types of people:

1. Solicitor
2. Auctioneer
3. Architect/Engineer
4. BER Assessor

If you are confused by any of the legal, financial or conveyancing terms in this section, consult our Jargon Buster, which explains the terms associated with buying and selling property.

1. The Solicitor

Instruct your solicitor as soon as possible. The solicitor can then arrange to take possession of the deeds of the house from the bank if you have a loan on the property. In this way, contract papers can be ready to issue as soon as a buyer is found.

2. The Auctioneer

Some people sell their houses privately, but most hire an auctioneer. Shop around as auctioneer's fees can vary from one to 3% of your sale price, exclusive of VAT and outlays. Make sure that you agree an advertising budget before you go ahead.

3. The Architect/Engineer

If your house was constructed post 01/10/1964 and/or has any extensions or alterations which required planning permissions, your solicitor will require them, along with certificates of compliance from an engineer/architect certifying that the property was built in substantial compliance with planning permission.

4. BER Assessor

For all sales 01/01/2009 a BER (Building Energy Rate) certificate together with an advisory report provided by a certified BER assessor must be provided to the purchaser's solicitor.

Seeking Property Law Advice

For further information, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or by filling out an Online Enquiry Form. A solicitor who specialises in conveyancing will contact you to assist you with all of your conveyancing needs.