99home Legal Guide For Sellers

Selling A Property Is A Significant Decision That Involves Multiple Steps And Legal Considerations. At 99home, We Prioritise Your Safety Throughout The Selling Process. It’s Crucial To Be Aware Of Potential Scams That Could Target You During This Time. Below, We Outline Various Types Of Scams And How To Protect Yourself. Remember, Never Make Payments Without Verifying Them Directly With 99home, And Contact Us Immediately If You Encounter Any Suspicious Circumstances.

Scam Alerts And How To Protect Yourself

1. Title Fraud
   • What It Is: Title Fraud Occurs When Someone Steals Your Identity To Transfer Ownership Of Your Property Into Their Name. They May Then Attempt To Remortgage Or Sell Your Property Without Your Knowledge.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Regularly Check The Title Of Your Property With The Land Registry And Consider Registering For The Land Registry Property Alert Service, Which Notifies You Of Any Changes. Always Verify The Identity Of Anyone Claiming To Be A Solicitor Or Estate Agent Involved In Your Transaction.
   • Fraudsters target homeowners with new title fraud scam - Watch Your Pocket

 

2. Email And Payment Scams
   • What It Is: Scammers May Intercept Emails Between You And Your Solicitor, Sending Fraudulent Payment Instructions To Divert Funds. These Scams Often Involve Fake Invoices Or Changes To Bank Account Details.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Always Verify Payment Details Directly With Your Solicitor, Either In Person Or Over The Phone Using A Known, Trusted Number. Be Cautious Of Unexpected Changes To Payment Instructions, And Avoid Clicking On Links Or Downloading Attachments From Unfamiliar Emails.

 

3. Fake Property Buyers
   • What It Is: Scammers May Pose As Interested Buyers To Gain Access To Your Property Or Personal Information. They May Offer Attractive Terms To Lure You Into Sharing Sensitive Details.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Insist On Proper Identification Before Allowing Anyone To View Your Property. Work Closely With Your Estate Agent To Vet Potential Buyers And Avoid Sharing Unnecessary Personal Information During Initial Contacts.

 

4. Rental Fraud (If Letting Out Your Property)
   • What It Is: If You’re Letting Out Your Property, Be Aware Of Rental Fraud, Where Scammers Pose As Prospective Tenants To Gain Access To Your Property Or Scam You Out Of Deposit Money.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Always Conduct Thorough Background Checks On Potential Tenants And Ensure All Payments (Such As Deposits) Are Made Through Secure And Traceable Methods. Be Wary Of Tenants Who Push For Fast-Tracked Processes Or Avoid Formal Procedures.

 

5. Phishing Scams
   • What It Is: Phishing Scams Involve Fraudulent Communications, Often Via Email, That Trick You Into Revealing Personal Or Financial Information. These Emails May Appear To Come From Legitimate Sources, Such As Your Solicitor Or Estate Agent.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Be Cautious Of Unsolicited Emails Asking For Sensitive Information. Verify The Sender's Email Address And Avoid Clicking On Suspicious Links. If In Doubt, Contact The Supposed Sender Directly Using A Known And Trusted Communication Method.

 

6. Fake Solicitors
   • What It Is: Scammers May Pose As Solicitors, Offering To Handle The Sale Of Your Property But With The Intention Of Stealing Your Money Or Personal Information.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Verify The Credentials Of Any Solicitor You Work With By Checking Their Registration With The Solicitors Regulation Authority (Sra). Avoid Using Solicitors Recommended By Unknown Parties, And Ensure All Communication And Documentation Are Legitimate.
   • Ensure Your Conveyancer Is Properly Regulated: In the UK, solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), while licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). It is crucial to verify that your conveyancer is registered with the appropriate authority to ensure compliance with industry standards and protection for the public. The SRA register is essential for safeguarding the public, as it ensures that solicitors and law firms adhere to established rules and regulations. This includes all solicitors and most law firms in England and Wales that offer conveyancing services.

 

7. Overpayment Scams
   • What It Is: A Scammer May Overpay For Your Property And Then Ask For A Refund, Claiming It Was A Mistake. After You Refund The Excess, The Original Payment May Bounce, Leaving You Out Of Pocket.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Be Wary Of Any Overpayment And Always Verify That Funds Have Cleared In Your Account Before Issuing Any Refunds. Discuss Any Unusual Payment Situations With Your Solicitor.

 

8. Bogus Property Surveyors
   • What It Is: Scammers Might Pose As Surveyors To Gain Access To Your Property, Potentially To Assess Its Contents For Burglary Or Other Fraudulent Activities.
   • How To Protect Yourself: Always Verify The Credentials Of Any Surveyor Before Granting Access To Your Property. Use Surveyors Recommended By Your Estate Agent Or Solicitor, And Be Cautious Of Unsolicited Visits.

 

By Being Aware Of These Potential Scams And Taking The Necessary Precautions, You Can Protect Yourself And Your Property During The Selling Process. At 99home, We Prioritise Your Safety And Are Here To Support You At Every Step. If You Suspect Any Fraudulent Activity, Do Not Hesitate To Report It Immediately To Your Solicitor, Estate Agent, And Relevant Authorities. Most Importantly, Never Make Payments Without Verifying Them Directly With 99home, And Contact Us Immediately If You Encounter Any Suspicious Circumstances.

Follow These Important Guidelines While Selling Your Property.

1. Preparing Your Property For Sale

Declutter And Depersonalise

• Declutter: Begin By Clearing Out Any Excess Items And Personal Belongings. Remove Unnecessary Furniture, Clean Storage Spaces, And Ensure Surfaces Are Clear. This Helps Create A Spacious, Neutral Environment Where Potential Buyers Can Visualise Their Own Belongings In The Space.
• Depersonalise: Take Down Family Photos, Unique Decorations, And Other Personal Items. A Neutral Decor Allows Potential Buyers To See The Property As Their Future Home. Repainting In Neutral Tones Can Also Help Appeal To A Broader Audience.

Conduct Necessary Repairs

• Minor Repairs: Address Visible Issues Such As Leaky Taps, Squeaky Doors, Broken Tiles, Or Peeling Paint. These Seemingly Small Fixes Can Significantly Improve Your Property’s Appeal.
• Major Repairs: For Larger Issues Like A Leaking Roof Or Outdated Electrics, Consider Making These Repairs Before Listing Your Property. Major Problems Can Deter Buyers Or Result In Lower Offers.

Enhance Curb Appeal:

• Exterior Maintenance: Maintain Your Garden, Mow The Lawn, Trim Hedges, Clean Pathways, And Repair Any Damaged Fences Or Gates. The Exterior Of Your Property Is The First Thing Buyers See, So It’s Crucial To Make A Positive First Impression.
• Exterior Aesthetics: Simple Enhancements Like Repainting The Front Door, Adding Potted Plants, Or Installing Outdoor Lighting Can Significantly Boost Your Property’s Curb Appeal And Value.

Energy Efficiency Improvements:

• Upgrades: Improving Your Property's Energy Efficiency By Upgrading Insulation, Installing Energy-Efficient Windows, Or Replacing Old Appliances Can Attract Eco-Conscious Buyers And Potentially Increase Your Property’s Value.
• Epc Rating: Ensure Your Energy Performance Certificate (Epc) Is Up To Date. A Higher Epc Rating Can Make Your Home More Attractive, Indicating Lower Running Costs To Potential Buyers.

2. Valuing Your Property

Obtain Multiple Valuations:

• Estate Agent Valuations: Invite Several Estate Agents To Provide Valuations. This Helps You Understand The Market And Avoid Underpricing Or Overpricing Your Property.
• Independent Valuation: For An Unbiased Assessment, Consider Hiring An Independent Valuer. This Ensures You Get A More Accurate Reflection Of Your Property’s Worth.

Research The Market:

• Local Market Analysis: Investigate Recent Sales Of Similar Properties In Your Area. Consider The Price Per Square Foot, The Condition Of The Properties, And The Duration They Stayed On The Market.
• Market Trends: Understand Broader Market Trends, Such As Whether It’s Currently A Buyer’s Or Seller’s Market. This Will Influence How You Price And Market Your Property.

Set A Competitive Price:

• Strategic Pricing: Price Your Property Competitively To Attract Interest. Pricing Slightly Below Market Value Can Lead To Multiple Offers And Potentially A Bidding War, Driving Up The Final Sale Price.
• Flexibility: While It's Important To Leave Some Room For Negotiation, Avoid Pricing Too High, As This May Deter Potential Buyers From Viewing Your Property.

3. Choosing The Right Estate Agent

Hybrid Vs. Traditional Estate Agents:

• Hybrid Agents: Hybrid Or Online Agents, Such As 99home, Offer A Blend Of Online Services And Traditional Agent Support, Often At A Lower Cost While Maintaining High Service Levels.
• Traditional Agents: If You Prefer A More Hands-On Approach, Traditional Agents Might Be More Suitable. They Often Have Extensive Local Knowledge And Networks That Can Be Advantageous In Selling Your Property.

Check Credentials

• Regulation: Ensure Your Chosen Agent Is Regulated By A Professional Body Like The National Association Of Estate Agents (Naea) Or The Property Ombudsman. This Guarantees Professionalism And Adherence To Industry Standards.
• Experience: Inquire About The Agent’s Experience In Selling Properties Similar To Yours. A Proven Track Record In Your Area And With Your Property Type Is Essential.

Negotiate Fees:

• Fee Structure: Understand The Agent’s Fee Structure Before Signing A Contract. Most Agents Charge A Percentage Of The Final Sale Price, But Fees Can Vary. Negotiating The Best Deal Is Crucial.
• Contract Length: Be Cautious Of Long Tie-In Periods. Opt For A Shorter Contract Or One That Allows Termination If You’re Dissatisfied With The Service.

4. Marketing Your Property

Professional Photography:

• High-Quality Images: Invest In Professional Photography To Showcase Your Property At Its Best. High-Quality Images Significantly Increase Interest In Online Listings.
• Staging For Photos: Prepare Your Home For The Photoshoot By Ensuring It’s Clean, Well-Lit, And Free Of Clutter. Proper Staging Can Make The Space More Appealing To Potential Buyers.

Virtual Tours:

• 3d Virtual Tours: Offering A 3d Virtual Tour Can Be Especially Appealing To International Buyers Or Those Unable To Visit In Person. This Has Become A Vital Marketing Tool In 2024.
• Interactive Floor Plans: Provide Interactive Floor Plans, Allowing Potential Buyers To Get A Detailed Sense Of Your Property’s Layout.

Effective Listing Descriptions:

• Highlight Key Features: Write A Compelling Description That Emphasises The Best Features Of Your Home, Such As A Recently Renovated Kitchen, Proximity To Transport Links, Or A Large Garden.
• Location And Amenities: Emphasise The Benefits Of Your Property’s Location, Including Nearby Schools
• Material Information: Essential for Sellers: When selling your property, ensure all crucial details, such as lease terms and flood risks, are fully disclosed to avoid complications. For comprehensive guidance, refer to the Material Information in Property Listings (Sales) document and the Material Information QG for Sellers and Landlords.

5. Managing Viewings

Flexible Viewing Times

• Accommodate Buyers: Be Flexible With Viewing Times, Including Evenings And Weekends. The More Accessible Your Property Is, The Higher The Likelihood Of Receiving Offers.
• Open Houses: Consider Holding An Open House To Attract Multiple Buyers Simultaneously. This Can Create Urgency And Competition Among Buyers.

Staging Your Home

• First Impressions: Ensure Your Home Is Clean, Well-Lit, And Has A Pleasant Scent. Fresh Flowers, A Tidy Garden, And Soft Background Music Can Contribute To A Positive First Impression.
• Furniture Placement: Arrange Furniture To Maximise Space And Flow. Hiring A Professional Stager May Be Beneficial To Enhance Your Home’s Appeal.

Safety And Security

• Valuables: Secure Valuables And Sensitive Documents Before Viewings. Although Theft During Viewings Is Rare, It Is Better To Be Cautious.
• Privacy: Consider Having Your Agent Conduct Viewings On Your Behalf, Providing An Additional Layer Of Security And Professionalism.
• Redirect Your Mail: When selling your property, ensure that you redirect your mail to avoid missing important correspondence. This simple step helps protect your privacy and ensures that all essential documents and communications are received at your new address.

6. Handling Offers

Reviewing Offers

• Beyond Price: Evaluate Offers Based On More Than Just The Price. Consider The Buyer’s Position, Such As Whether They Are In A Chain, If They Have Mortgage Pre-Approval, Or If They Are A Cash Buyer.
• Multiple Offers: If You Receive Multiple Offers, Work With Your Agent To Manage A Potential Bidding War, Which Could Lead To A Higher Final Sale Price.

Negotiation Strategies

• Counteroffers: Be Prepared To Make Counter Offers If The Initial Offer Is Lower Than Expected. Decide In Advance Your Minimum Acceptable Price.
• Inclusions And Exclusions: Clarify What Is Included In The Sale, Such As Appliances, Fixtures, Or Furniture, And Negotiate These Items Separately If Necessary.

Acceptance And Legal Process

• Formal Acceptance: Once You Accept An Offer, The Buyer’s Solicitor Will Draft The Contract. Ensure All Agreed Terms Are Accurately Reflected.
• Instructing Your Solicitor: Contact Your Solicitor Immediately After Accepting An Offer To Begin The Conveyancing Process. Prompt Communication Can Prevent Delays.

7. Understanding Legal Obligations

Energy Performance Certificate (Epc)

• Legal Requirement: You Must Have A Valid Epc Before Marketing Your Property. The Epc Provides Information On Your Home’s Energy Efficiency And Potential Improvements.
• Updating Epc: If You Have Made Significant Energy-Efficient Upgrades, Consider Obtaining A New Epc To Reflect These Improvements, Which Can Increase Your Property’s Appeal.

Property Information Forms

• Accurate Disclosure: Complete All Property Information Forms, Such As The Property Information Form (Ta6), With Honesty And Accuracy. These Forms Cover Boundaries, Disputes, And Any Planning Permissions Or Building Regulations Compliance.
• Fixtures And Fittings: Complete The Fixtures And Fittings Form (Ta10), Specifying What Is Included In The Sale. This Prevents Misunderstandings With The Buyer Later On.

Mandatory Disclosures

• Legal Compliance: Disclose Any Issues, Such As Structural Problems, Flooding History, Or Disputes With Neighbours. Failing To Disclose Known Issues Can Lead To Legal Action Post-Sale.

8. Conveyancing Process

Choosing A Solicitor:

• Reputation And Experience: Choose A Solicitor Or Licensed Conveyancer With Experience In Property Sales. Personal Recommendations Or Online Reviews Can Help Guide Your Choice.
• Fee Transparency: Ensure You Understand Their Fees, Including Any Disbursements (Additional Costs Like Searches And Land Registry Fees).

Managing Timelines

• Prompt Responses: Respond To All Requests From Your Solicitor Quickly To Keep The Process Moving. Delays Can Result In Buyers Losing Interest Or Re-Negotiating Terms.
• Exchange And Completion: Aim To Agree On A Date For The Exchange Of Contracts And Completion That Works For All Parties. The Time Between Exchange And Completion Is Typically One To Two Weeks.

Finalising The Sale

• Exchange Of Contracts: Once Contracts Are Exchanged, The Sale Is Legally Binding. The Buyer Typically Pays A Deposit At This Stage.
• Completion Day: On The Day Of Completion, The Remaining Funds Are Transferred, And Ownership Of The Property Is Transferred To The Buyer. Ensure All Keys And Documents Are Handed Over To Your Solicitor Or Estate Agent.

9. Moving Out

Planning Your Move

• Organise Early: Start Planning Your Move As Soon As Possible. Book A Removals Company Well In Advance, Especially During Peak Moving Times Like Summer.
• Packing: Begin Packing Non-Essential Items Early. Label Boxes Clearly By Room To Make Unpacking Easier At Your New Home.

Utilities And Services

• Final Meter Readings: Take Final Meter Readings On Moving Day And Inform Your Utility Providers. This Ensures You Are Not Billed For The New Occupants’ Usage.
• Redirect Mail: Set Up A Mail Redirection Service With The Post Office To Ensure You Do Not Miss Any Important Correspondence.

Cleaning And Maintenance

• End-Of-Tenancy Cleaning: Consider Professional Cleaning To Leave The Property In Good Condition For The New Owners. This Is Especially Important If You Are Selling A Leasehold Property, As Some Leases Require This.
• Final Check: Before Leaving, Do A Final Walk-Through To Ensure Nothing Is Left Behind And That All Systems (Like Heating And Lighting) Are Switched Off.

10. Post-Sale Considerations

Capital Gains Tax

• Primary Residence Exemption: If The Property Is Your Primary Residence, You Will Not Pay Capital Gains Tax (Cgt) On Any Profit Made From The Sale.
• Second Properties: For Second Homes Or Investment Properties, Cgt May Apply. Seek Advice From A Tax Professional To Understand Your Obligations.

Informing Relevant Parties

• Address Update: Notify Relevant Parties Of Your Change Of Address, Including Banks, Insurance Companies, And The Dvla.
• Council Tax: Inform Your Local Council Of The Sale To Stop Your Council Tax Bill.

Leaving A Good Impression

• Welcoming The New Owners: Consider Leaving A Note For The New Owners With Useful Information, Such As Bin Collection Days, Local Amenities, And Any Quirks Of The Property.
• Final Farewell: Leaving A Small Welcome Gift, Like A Bottle Of Wine Or A Potted Plant, Can Create Goodwill And Ensure The Handover Is As Smooth As Possible.

 

12 Social Media Scam Alert For Property Sellers 🚨

When Posting Your Property Or Connecting With Potential Buyers On Social Media, Watch Out For These Scams:

1. Fake Buyer Profiles

• Scammers Create Fake Profiles To Show Interest. Verify The Authenticity Of Any Buyer Before Engaging Further.

2. Phishing Scams

• Be Cautious Of Suspicious Messages Asking For Personal Information. Avoid Clicking On Links Or Downloading Attachments From Unknown Sources.

3. Overpayment Scams

• Be Wary If A Buyer Offers To Pay More Than The Asking Price And Asks For A Refund Of The Excess. Ensure Funds Have Cleared Before Issuing Any Refunds.

4. Impersonation Scams

• Scammers May Pose As Agents Or Solicitors. Confirm Their Credentials Through Trusted Channels.

What to Do If You Suspect You've Been Scammed

If you believe you've fallen victim to a scam, it's essential to act quickly to protect yourself and recover any potential losses. Follow these steps:

1. Report to the Police: Contact your local police department as soon as possible to report the fraud. They will start an investigation and can reach out to us directly for any necessary information. We will fully cooperate with their efforts.
2. Report to Action Fraud: File a report with Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can submit your report online at Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm).
3. Contact Your Bank: Inform your bank immediately about the fraudulent transaction. They can help you recover your funds and take steps to close any compromised accounts.

Preventative Tip: Always Verify The Legitimacy Of Buyers And Professionals, And Consult With Your Estate Agent Or Solicitor If Anything Seems Suspicious.

DISCLAIMER:

99Home Ltd strives to provide accurate and comprehensive details in property particulars and advertisements. However, if you, as a seller or any associated parties, identify any incorrect, inaccurate, or misleading information—whether in photos or descriptions—please notify our agency immediately.

Please be aware that 99Home Ltd does not offer any warranty or guarantee for appliances, chattels, or fixtures and fittings included in the sale. Properties are typically sold as seen. We strongly recommend that both buyers and sellers review the Fixture & Fitting Forms (TA07), Property Information Form (TA06), and, if applicable, the Leasehold Information Form (TA10).

This property advertisement is not a substitute for formal property particulars. We advise that your conveyancer thoroughly examines the sale papers, title, and other relevant property documents, and provides professional advice before exchanging contracts or completing the sale. Additionally, to safeguard your interests, we recommend obtaining a full property survey from a surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).