Get Your Paperwork Ready Before You Find a Buyer

One of the easiest ways to lose time after accepting an offer is to start looking for all the paperwork only then.

I would prepare as much as possible before your property even goes onto the market.

That might include council tax bills, service charge information, utility bills, planning documents for extensions, damp guarantees and guarantees or certificates relating to double glazing.

If you own a leasehold property, give your agent a copy of the lease and make sure the relevant information is available.

Your solicitor can also provide forms relating to the property and fixtures and fittings which can be completed ahead of the sale being agreed.

You may also need a management pack for a leasehold property. There is some judgement involved in ordering this too early because the information may only remain valid for a limited period, but it is something you should be thinking about rather than discovering at the last minute.

The same principle applies to the EPC. If one is needed, arranging it in advance means it is already dealt with.

Having everything prepared does more than save time - it puts you into the mindset that you are genuinely selling and ready to move once the right buyer comes along.