A guide to selling when downsizing

Children have grown up

This is probably the most common reason why people look to reduce the size of their home. Their children have grown up and flown the nest, and so the space left behind is starting to feel too big.

Family ties

Some downsize as part of a move to be nearer family.

Move to your dream location

By reducing square feet of living space, you can buy in your dream area, whether that’s by the coast, out of town or at some other favourite spot.

Bereavement, divorce and separation

Sadly, these are key reasons behind many plans to move to a smaller property. The loss of a partner or spouse can often trigger a need for change, while downsizing can reduce outgoings, plus smaller homes are often easier to manage.

It’s another unfortunate fact of life that divorce and separation are other deciding factors. In these situations, you need experience, sensitivity and expertise from the estate agent involved in the transaction.

(See our separate guide to selling following a divorce or separation.)

2 – Think and plan ahead

What’s your vision for your future, and where do your priorities lie? Do you want a coastal home and seaside walks? Or are you desperate to see more of your grandkids or other family members? Or is the most important thing to have the security of money in the bank in case you need it?

Whatever your goals, any decisions you take now must be made with the aim of meeting them.

Planning a move is time-consuming and needs extensive budgeting. So there’s a vast amount to sort out. Once you’ve decided to sell, begin chipping away at all the different things you need to do – start by looking at the checklist at the end of this guide.

3 – Start early

Make life easier for yourself well ahead of moving day. Declutter as soon as you can; get your legal paperwork in order in advance and think about the effect a move will have on your finances.

We answer your questions

Is now the right time to move?

Of course, only you will know this for certain. It’s worth discussing your plans with friends and family and getting their opinions. We can also provide a data-driven overview of the local property market, giving you a clear understanding of what’s happening.

What taxes do I need to pay when moving?

If the place you’re selling is your primary residence, no capital gains tax applies. Depending on the property you’re purchasing, you’ll probably be liable for Stamp Duty. We’d gladly advise on thresholds for this duty, and can also, at your request, put you in touch with tax advisors.

We/I want a quick sale. Are cash-buying companies trustworthy?

We’d be reluctant to criticise any of our colleagues in that sector of the home-sale industry. However, we can confidently predict you’d get more for your home by selling through an estate agent.

How will you ensure our sale progresses from an offer to completion?

Great question! A large percentage of sales fall through for any number of reasons, but one of the biggest is poor sales progression and a lack of ongoing communication from the selling agent.

When it comes to selling properties, our experience shows you can never communicate too much when keeping everyone in the picture.

Your moving home checklist

Below is a handy checklist to help you prepare in advance of a sale

• Once you are sure you want to move, call in three estate agents for valuations. Remember, seek evidence for any sale prices they provide.
• Don’t just choose the agent with the highest valuation or cheapest fee. This is invariably a false economy.
• You’ll need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legalities of your sale.
• So, you’ve instructed the agents and solicitors you feel are most capable and who you are comfortable with. What next? Well, as you’ll be moving to a smaller space, start getting rid of any furniture and other things you won’t have room for. Charity shops, home clearance, and auction houses can help with a major clear-out.
• Get ahead with packing. Even though you may not have a moving date yet, it’s always worthwhile boxing up those items you don’t use much. This will make your life a little easier as moving day starts to draw closer.
• When you’ve accepted an offer and agreed a completion date, get three separate quotes from different removal companies. Look for ones that come recommended and which are fully insured.
• Start finishing the food in your freezer ahead of moving day.
• Remember to let your bank, utility companies, insurance providers and others know of your change of address, and arrange to have your mail redirected.
• Start getting quotes for insurance on your new property starting from the date you’re set to complete your move.
• The day before the move, create an essentials box with any items you might need quickly when you move in. Kettles, cups, tea and coffee, for example, always come in handy.
• On the day of the move, take any very important items or documents with you, such as medicines, passports, wallet/purse, keys, and glasses.

Contact us today if you have any questions at all about anything to do with this guide: