At Brethertons, our expert house sale solicitors provide clear, step-by-step support to make the process as smooth as possible. We handle the legal details on your behalf, from checking essential documents and drafting contracts to managing the exchange and ensuring completion runs on time. This reassures you that every stage of your move is under control.
We know that selling a house often involves tight deadlines and important financial decisions. Our dedicated team will keep you updated, explain everything in plain English, and deal with any issues quickly so that you can focus on your next move.
For pricing information on selling a house, please click here.
Our conveyancing experts can help with:
Why choose Brethertons for selling your house?
- We combine legal expertise with a practical approach, ensuring your sale proceeds without unnecessary delays.
- Our approachable team takes time to understand your circumstances, giving advice tailored to your goals.
- We’re well-established in Banbury, Bicester and Rugby, with strong links to the local property market - and a new office opening soon in Cheltenham.
- Our house sale solicitors are experienced in all types of transactions, from freehold houses to leasehold flats and more complex property arrangements.
- We focus on clear communication so you always know the progress and stage of your sale.
- Ultimately, our property sale solicitors aim to make selling your house as straightforward as possible.
Consult our residential conveyancing solicitors in Banbury, Bicester and Rugby
For more information, please get in touch with our expert residential conveyancing solicitors in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham or Rugby.
Our residential conveyancing services
Putting your house on the market
The first step in selling property is ensuring everything is ready before your home is listed. Our house selling solicitors will advise on the paperwork required, such as proof of ownership, Energy Performance Certificates, and any planning permissions or building regulation certificates.
Having these documents organised early helps avoid delays once a buyer is found. We will also explain how the marketing process works with estate agents and ensure you are prepared for the legal checks that follow.
Accepting an offer
When you receive an offer on your property, we will review it carefully and advise you on the implications. Once you have accepted, the buyer’s solicitor will begin enquiries. Our role is to provide the necessary information promptly and to deal with any questions that arise.
We will guide you carefully through negotiating terms, if needed, keeping the process moving so your sale stays on track. With our property sale solicitors handling the details, you can be confident your interests are fully protected.
Preparing the contract
One of the most important stages of the transaction is drafting the contract. Our highly experienced solicitors will prepare this document to set out the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, fixtures and fittings, boundaries, and any conditions.
We will ensure the contract is accurate and reflects your instructions. If you are selling a leasehold property, we will also obtain the management pack and deal with the landlord or management company on your behalf. Getting this stage right is crucial to preventing disputes later.
Exchanging and completion
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding. Before this, we will confirm all details are correct, deposit arrangements are in place, and completion dates have been agreed.
Our solicitors for selling a house will then handle the formal exchange with the buyer’s solicitor. From this point, both parties are committed to the sale. On completion day, we will confirm the receipt of funds, redeem any mortgage on the property, and transfer ownership to the buyer.
Having our skilled conveyancing specialists on your side ensures this critical stage happens seamlessly.
Handing over the keys
Once completion has taken place, the estate agent will release the keys to the buyer. We will provide you with a full statement of account showing how the sale proceeds were distributed, including mortgage redemption and legal fees.
If there are any post-completion matters, such as dealing with outstanding service charges on leasehold property, we will resolve them swiftly. With Brethertons solicitors by your side when selling a house, you can be confident everything has been handled properly.
Frequently asked questions about selling a house
What’s the best way to determine the market value of my house?
The most common starting point is to ask a local estate agent for a valuation, as they have knowledge of comparable properties in your area. For greater accuracy, especially if your property is unusual or in a niche market, you may want to instruct a professional surveyor.
Which documents are required to sell a house?
A seller is typically expected to provide several key documents:
- Proof of ownership (title deeds or Land Registry details).
- Property Information Form, which sets out important details about the property.
- Fittings and Contents Form to confirm what is included in the sale.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is legally required.
- Guarantees, planning permissions, and building regulation approvals, if relevant.
- For leasehold properties, a management information pack is also needed.
How long does it typically take to sell a house?
Timeframes can vary depending on market conditions, the length of any property chain, and the complexity of the transaction. On average, most sales take between eight and 12 weeks from an offer being accepted to completion.
However, if issues arise with searches, surveys, or mortgage arrangements, it can take longer. A straightforward cash sale without a chain may be completed more quickly.
What are the tax implications of selling a home?
If the property is your main residence, you will usually be exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) under Private Residence Relief. However, if you are selling a second home, a buy-to-let property, or a property that has increased significantly in value, CGT may apply.
What searches does a solicitor perform during the sale?
For sellers, the solicitor’s role is mainly to respond to enquiries rather than to carry out searches. It is the buyer’s solicitor who orders searches such as local authority, water and drainage, and environmental checks.
However, your solicitor will need to provide information that supports these searches, such as planning documents or guarantees for work carried out on the property.
How does a solicitor handle the exchange of contracts?
Once all questions have been answered, the mortgage is in place, and both parties are ready, your solicitor will arrange for you to sign the contract. They will then formally exchange contracts with the buyer’s solicitor, usually by telephone, confirming the agreed completion date. At this point, both sides are legally bound to proceed.
What are the hidden costs I should be aware of?
Beyond estate agent fees and legal charges, sellers should budget for potential additional costs. These can include:
- Mortgage redemption fees or early repayment penalties.
- Leasehold management fees or service charges.
- Removal and storage costs for moving belongings.
- Energy Performance Certificate fees if you don’t already have one.
- Additional surveyor’s or adviser’s fees if complex issues arise.
Contact our solicitors for selling a house in Banbury, Bloxham, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby
For expert support with selling your house, contact Brethertons today. Our approachable team of solicitors in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby will guide you through the process from start to finish.
To speak with us, please call one of our offices below or fill out our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
