🧠Ask the Agent: “How Can I Avoid a Slow Sale?”
4 essential tips to keep your move on track once you’ve agreed a sale
So, you’ve accepted an offer—congratulations! But before you start packing boxes, it’s worth knowing that what happens next is just as important as finding a buyer in the first place.
One of the most common frustrations for sellers is how long things can take once a sale is agreed. The good news? There are things you can do early on to help speed up the legal process and avoid unnecessary delays. Here's what we always recommend to our clients:
1. Instruct Your Solicitor Early
Don’t wait until you’ve agreed a sale to appoint a solicitor. Instead, instruct them as soon as your property hits the market. That way, they can start preparing the contract pack, request the title deeds, and get all the onboarding admin done early. You’ll be ready to move forward quickly once a buyer is found.
2. Get Your Paperwork in Order
Have a record of any works carried out on the property, and gather the supporting documents in advance. This could include:
FENSA certificates for window replacements
Building control sign-offs for extensions or structural changes
Planning permissions or completion certificates
Boiler installation and servicing records
Providing this upfront to your solicitor can prevent legal enquiries from dragging on for weeks.
3. Be Survey-Ready
When the buyer’s surveyor visits, make sure you have key documents available to hand over (ideally left out during the visit). If the surveyor can’t see evidence of completed work or approvals, they may flag concerns that require further investigation—leading to delays or even renegotiations.
4. Stay on Top of the Chain
It’s not just about your sale. Most transactions are part of a chain, and the whole process only moves as fast as the slowest link. That’s where a proactive agent makes all the difference—chasing solicitors, keeping everyone informed, and resolving bottlenecks quickly.
In short? Prepare early, communicate clearly, and lean on your agent to keep things moving.
If you’re thinking of selling, we’d be happy to advise you on how to get your paperwork and legal prep in place from day one—so you’re ready when the right buyer comes along.