How to Make the Sale or Purchase of Your Home Smooth Sailing

You’ve tidied, staged, and prepared your home for sale. The photos are live, and your property is ready to attract attention. But once it's listed, what should you do next?

The answer is simple: instruct your solicitor or conveyancer as early as possible.

Estate agents now ask sellers to complete detailed forms right at the start of the process. One of these—the Law Society’s Property Information Form—runs to 32 pages. Many agents also request their own, similar questionnaires to ensure potential buyers have the information they need to make informed decisions. These forms include legal and technical questions, and it’s important that your answers are accurate. Having a solicitor on hand to help you complete them correctly can make all the difference.

Early instruction allows us to begin working with you straight away, reviewing documents, checking the title to your property, and spotting any issues that could cause delays later. For example, we often help clients resolve matters such as missing planning permissions, consent for alterations, old mortgages still showing on the title, name changes that don’t match official records, or questions around service charges and rent charges. Even matters like the presence of a septic tank or restrictive covenants on the property can be identified and addressed early, avoiding unnecessary complications once a buyer is found.

We don’t just support sellers. If you’re buying, there’s just as much benefit in getting your solicitor involved early. Whether you're taking your first step on the property ladder, upsizing, or downsizing, the process moves more smoothly when we can begin preparing in advance. There are increasing compliance obligations, including detailed checks for anti-money laundering purposes, and we can let you know exactly what’s required—even before you’ve had an offer accepted.

By instructing us early, you’re giving yourself the best chance of a quicker, less stressful transaction. It gives all parties more time to prepare, reduces the risk of surprises, and ensures everything is in place when the right offer comes along.

Buying or selling a property is often one of the most stressful things people experience. At Harrowells, we aim to make the process as clear and manageable as possible. We’re here to guide you through every step, help you understand the likely timescales, and explain the legal jargon in plain English.