How long will it take to sell my home?

There is no universal answer to this as every transaction is different and there can sometimes be challenges that may cause a delay (through nobody’s fault). But on average in the last 12 months, a sale has taken between 8-10 weeks from when a buyer has been found to the completion date.

Once a buyer has been found

Once you have found a buyer and accepted an offer, you can formally instruct your solicitor and inform your estate agent that you have done so. The Estate Agent will send what is called a ‘Memorandum of Sale’ to your solicitor.

The Memorandum of Sale has all of the transaction details on and allows both sets of solicitors to contact each other to acknowledge their instruction.

This is when your solicitor will send out all of the initial documentation for you to read through, sign and return to them. This will include documents such as the property information form, which will ask you things about the property’s boundaries, alterations and services.

Don’t panic though if there is anything you don’t know, your solicitor can work with you on it throughout the process.

Once all of your paperwork is back in, your solicitor will send the draft contract together with supporting title documents to the buyer’s solicitor so they can raise any initial enquiries.

Why am I waiting for so long?

This is the stage where most people worry because they have not received any updates for a while, and they start to wonder if there is a problem with their sale. Don’t panic if you don’t hear much for a few weeks after the draft contact has been sent as it is completely normal.

Your solicitors essentially can’t do anything on your file until the buyer’s solicitors have sent over their enquires. Some solicitors don’t raise enquiries until they have received their client’s search results. Whereas some solicitors will raise initial enquiries pending the results of the searches.

If you have held a mortgage on the property, then your solicitor will also need to get in touch with the lender to obtain a preliminary statement for it to be repaid.

What are enquiries

The buyer’s solicitors will raise enquiries on the property you are selling based on the contract that has been sent over and the information that you have provided within the property information form.  If the buyer’s solicitor has received their client’s search results they may need to raise enquiries based on any entries within the results.  Essentially enquiries are just a set of questions that the buyer or the buyer’s solicitor wants to be answered before they are happy to sign the contract. This could include questions about certain boundaries or guarantees.

Enquires may not all be raised at once due to different information being made available at different times to the buyer’s solicitor.

Completing the sale of your home and moving out

As soon as the buyer's solicitors' have satisfied all their enquiries, your solicitor will arrange for you to sign the contract and transfer, along with any other relevant documentation.

After you sign the forms, a target completion date can be negotiated with all parties and exchange of contracts can take place. This will also be the time to book your removal van and any other relevant services so that you are all prepared for your moving day.

When the completion date arrives, your solicitor will ensure that any mortgages and any estate agent fees are paid once funds are received from the buyer's solicitors. The sale is now completed and any money left over will be transferred straight to you.

At this point, you should make final checks on the property and take a final meter reading on any utilities before handing over the keys or dropping them off at the estate agents. The estate agent will not hand the keys to your buyer until they have received confirmation from your solicitor that formal completion has taken place.  If you are selling your home privately your solicitor will contact, you directly to advise you to hand over the keys. Don’t be tempted to hand the keys to your buyer prematurely without confirmation of receipt of the completion funds.

How we can help

At Wosskow Brown we understand that this whole process can seem complicated. We pride ourselves in being there for you every step of the way to make things simple and clear.

Here’s what you can expect from us:

• Fixed fees – so you know how much your conveyancing will cost from start to finish.
• Conveyancing Quality Scheme accredited lawyers.
• A friendly team that responds quickly to calls and emails.
• Proactivity – we will chase the other side and push for progress. No delays will ever come from our side.
• Regular updates – so you always know what’s going on.

Why choose our property lawyers?

We’re accredited members of the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) for our recognised skills in helping people move house and all other kinds of residential property transactions.

But what does this actually mean for you? It means:

• We have a proven track record of success.
• We’re great at recognising and reducing risk, so you’re less likely to run into problems or delays during your conveyancing.
• We’re upfront and honest about our fees, so you always know where you stand in terms of costs.

Three simple steps to get started with our conveyancing solicitors

1.    Request a fixed fee conveyancing quote

Find out how much your conveyancing is likely to cost with us by using our conveyancing calculator to request an instant quote.

You can decide whether we’re right for you and if you’re happy with our estimated costs.

2.    Give us a call or send us a message

We have local offices across Sheffield on Attercliffe Road and in Gleadless and Hillsborough, plus an office in Barnsley.

So, give us a call at your nearest branch, or fill in our online enquiry form and we’ll give you a call back as soon as possible.

3.    Let us work our magic

We can leap into action as soon as you’re happy to proceed with us. Before starting your conveyancing, there are a few admin things we need to get out the way, such as verifying your identity and reviewing our terms & conditions.

We’ll also confirm your fixed fee conveyancing quote in writing. You can trust that we’ll never go outside this quote unless extra work is required that is absolutely necessary (and even then, we’ll speak to you first and get your confirmation).

Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and Barnsley today

Get in touch with our friendly, expert conveyancing solicitors in Sheffield and Barnsley to get the sale of your home underway.

We have local offices across Sheffield on Attercliffe Road and in Gleadless and Hillsborough, plus an office in Barnsley.

Give us a call at your nearest branch or fill in our online enquiry form and we’ll give you a call back as soon as possible.