### What is a conservation area?

Conservation areas are locally defined protected spaces.  They usually have a particular architectural or historic significance that the local government - and community - are keen to protect. It doesn't just have to be the houses that are special though. Conservation areas can also be put in place to protect: the layout of roads, green spaces & trees, or the historic *character* of a particular neighbourhood. 

If a building is in a conservation area, the owner will face a variety of restrictions on how they can change or develop it. Because decisions on which areas are protected are made at local level, the restrictions that come with each conservation area vary from place to place. 

Generally rules called 'Article 4 Directions' mean homeowners living in conservation areas can't make ['permitted development right' changes](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/should-i-renovate-house-before-selling). These are things which you can normally do without planning permission, like: installing double-glazing, or adding a small porch. Demolishing buildings, and chopping down trees are also usually prohibited. 

In conservation areas, some changes are still allowed, but you'll have to apply for consent or planning permission before you start work. The best way to find out the exact rules affecting your property is to get in touch with the relevant planning authority. 

### How to find out whether a house is in a conservation area

The easiest way to check whether your home (or any other property) is in a conservation area is to look on the local council website. Most will have a map or search tool that will allow you to see whether your home falls into a conservation area. If that feature isn't on their website, you can find out by calling or emailing them directly. 

You can find out which local authority you're in [here](https://1app.planningportal.co.uk/YourLpa/FindYourLpa).

Many good, local estate agents, will also know where the conservation areas are in a certain neighbourhood. 

### Does a conservation area affect property value?

It's unclear whether being in a conservation area impacts the value of a property. 

According to [Savills](https://www.savills.co.uk/blog/article/275494/residential-property/in-plain-english--conservation-areas.aspx) **three-quarters of estate agents** consider that being in a well-maintained conservation area **will add value** to your house. 

And, in 2012, research by the [London School of Economics (LSE) and Historic England](https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/research/assessment-ca-value-pdf/) found that properties in conservation areas sold for a **9% premium**, *and* saw a higher rate of annual value growth. 

However, more recent research - also by the LSE - looked at over a million property transactions from Nationwide Building Society and found 'no immediate effect on property prices'. 

One thing this study noted was that many conservation areas are home to larger than average numbers of affluent residents. This can have a positive affect on house prices. Affluent residents often attract the best schools and amenities, which in turn makes the area more attractive and higher value. 

The best way to ensure you're going to get the highest price possible for your home is to enlist the help of an estate agent with the right expertise. They'll know exactly how to market your property to attract the right buyers - and will be able to talk up all of the points that make your home special. 

Not sure where to start? [Pop your postcode in here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor), and we'll create a free, personalised shortlist of the best performing estate agents in your local area. [Try it now.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) 

### How will being in a conservation area impact my property sale? 

Being in a conservation area can have both a positive and a negative impact on your home sale. 

On the one hand conservation areas tend to be beautiful, architecturally interesting, and provide a buyer with the reassurance of neighbourhood stability. No big developments are likely to interrupt views, or disturb your sleep. 

On the other hand, some buyers may be off put by how difficult it is to adapt the property, if their needs change. For example, they want to extend the house for more space, or make their home more [energy efficient](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/sustainable-house).

One way to prevent buyers being turned off by potential red tape, is to do any repairs and necessary maintenance *before* you go on the market. If your property is in good condition, considerations about permissions and paperwork will be less prominent in the minds of potential buyers. 

[Read more about preparing your home for sale here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/preparing/adding-value) 

Another way to ease the mind of worried buyers is to encourage them to look at your local authority website for more information. In many cases, buyers will be imagining the worst. Understanding more about the reality of living in the conservation area can make all the difference. 

View up a cobbled street, lined with terraced stone cottages, with old chimneys

conservation-area

Conservation areas are locally defined protected spaces.  They usually have a particular architectural or historic significance that the local government - and community - are keen to protect. 

Conservation Area: Everything you need to know

Conservation areas: Everything you need to know 

When it comes to selling your property, it's common sense that you have an advert online, and feature photos of your home in an estate agent's window. 

But, what about 'For Sale' signs? Do estate agents still use them? Is it still worth having a sale board up when you're selling your home? 

The short answer is: yes, having a 'For Sale' sign up can help you sell your home. 

The longer answer is: like all forms of marketing, there are pros and cons to having a 'For Sale' sign up. Ultimately, whether you put one up outside your house is your decision to make.

In this article we'll go over the positives and negatives of putting up a 'For Sale' sign, and look at some of the ways it can help you sell your home - if you do choose to use one. 

### Positives of using a sale board

* **Marketing**

Perhaps the most obvious positive of a 'For Sale' sign is that it's marketing! Having a 'For Sale' sign outside of your property makes your home sale more visible to those who might not otherwise see it. 

* **Useful for property viewings**

A 'For Sale' sign can make it easier for people to find your home, particularly if: you live near many similar looking homes, your house number is obscured, or you live somewhere more remote. 

* **Sign of trust**

Some people associate the absence of a 'For Sale' sign as an indication of something wrong. For example, a poor relationship with neighbours. 

### Negatives of 'For Sale' signs

* **Security** 

Some people decide not to put up a sale board for security reasons. They worry that a 'For Sale' sign could attract attention from opportunistic burglars who might pose as an interested buyer, or potentially leave you more open to property fraud. 

This is not a particularly common issue if you still currently live in the property you're selling. However if you don't, you may want to consider any security concerns before committing to a sale board. 

A good estate agent and conveyancer team will also be able help to ensure that you remain safe and secure throughout the sale process. They'll vet potential buyers *before* they come for a property viewing, and conduct a range of financial and identity checks during the conveyancing process.

[Read more about property fraud - and how to protect yourself from it - here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/property-fraud) 

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* **Less effective than online adverts**

Some people think there's little point having a 'For Sale' sign outside a property given that many people start their property search online - particularly if your property is more likely to appeal to a first time buyer. 

* **Some estate agents charge for a sale board** 

Most good high street estate agents will include a sale board as part of their standard fee, but many online agents, or smaller independent estate agencies will charge extra for putting up a 'For Sale' sign. 

* **Off-putting**

Some people think it can be off-putting if there are too many 'For Sale' signs up in an area, because it can look like there's something wrong with the area, and lots of people are moving away. 

### How a 'For Sale' sign could help you sell your house

* **Attracting different audiences with different methods of advertising** 

Different people approach buying a house in different ways. Although many people will turn to the internet to search for properties, others will drive around the area, and some will start in the traditional way: by visiting estate agent offices. 

A 'For Sale' can help you catch interest from the people who may have missed your property online (among the hundreds of other properties for sale nearby). 

So, although it's unlikely to cinch you a sale all on its own, this extra bit of advertising could encourage more potential buyers to come for a viewing. Every little counts! 

* **Word of mouth** 

A 'For Sale' isn't just for attracting the attention of buyers. It'll also be noticed by the friends and family of buyers - who might then pass it on to them. A word of mouth recommendation from a trustworthy source, like a family member, can be just as powerful as some good online photographs. 

* **QR code** 

Marketing has changed, and so have 'For Sale' signs. Many boards now include QR codes along with the regular estate agent contact information. These QR codes can be easily scanned by potential buyers walking past your home. They'll then be taken to the information leaflet online, instantly. 

### Other things to consider

* **Local rules on boards**

Some areas in the UK where 'For Sale' signs have to follow strict rules on size and shape, and some councils don't allow home sellers to put up 'For Sale' boards at all. There may also be rules about how quickly you have to take the board down once your home has been sold. If you're unsure, check in with your estate agent, or your local council.

* **Lease specific rules** 

If you're a leaseholder - particularly in a block of flats - you may not be allowed to display a 'For Sale' sign outside your property. You can find out if this is the case by checking your lease agreement, or getting in touch with the freeholder directly. 

A smiling couple sat in a kitchen with modern white and wood fixtures look at laptop

for-sale-sign-help-sell-house

What about 'For Sale' signs? Do estate agents still use them? Is it still worth having a sale board to show you're selling your home? The short answer is: yes, having a 'For Sale' sign up can help you sell your home. 

Does a 'For Sale' sign help sell a house?

Perhaps you're looking to sell a property that you [inherited](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/selling-parents-house), or one that you’ve been renting out for a while, and is looking a little tired. There are a number of reasons why you might want to sell a house that's not in peak condition. 

However, selling a house that needs work can be much harder than selling your average home. How do you market a property that needs work? Is there a way to encourage buyers to see the charms and not the flaws?

In this article, we share our tips on how to make selling a 'fixer upper' a little bit easier:

### Be realistic about what your property is worth

A house that needs major repairs - particularly anything structural - is always going to have a lower market value than similar properties in a good condition. 

This is partly because the demand for homes that require a large amount of work is not as high as for properties that are ready to move into. And, partly because those who *are* interested in the property are likely to factor in the potential cost of getting repairs done into their offer. 

You'll also need to consider whether the condition of the property will impact a buyer’s ability to get a mortgage. For example, if your property has problems with subsidence, or couldn’t be used to live in until major repairs are done (eg. it doesn’t have a bathroom), it’s unlikely that a lender will approve a mortgage against it. 

This will make it harder to sell as you'll be limited to those buyers who can make a cash offer. Sometimes, sellers end up having to lower their asking price in order to attract these types of buyers. 

If you're selling a house that needs repairs, knowing the potential value of your home is therefore incredibly important. Online valuations can be a good place to start, but remember: they are unlikely to be completely accurate for a fixer upper. This is because online house valuations tend to just compare the average sale price of properties nearby - regardless of condition. 

[Check out your free, online property value estimate now.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/how-much-is-my-house-worth)

An estate agent valuation is the best way to figure out your home's true market value. They will be able to assess the condition more accurately than a virtual calculator, and will know what sort of demand there is amongst buyers for property like yours. The more in demand a property is, the more people will be willing to pay for it.

So, once you have an idea of what your house would be worth, you can use this to set a competitive asking price. 

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### Understand your target market

Because fixer upper homes are harder to sell, it’s even more vital that you (and your estate agent) target the right sort of buyers. 

There are two main categories of house buyer you’ll need to interest: 

* Cash or investment buyers

* Those willing to get repairs done in order to get a larger home than they might otherwise be able to afford

Whether you try and target one or both of these groups will depend largely on the type of property you’re trying to sell, and [where in the UK](https://www.getagent.co.uk/house-prices_ it’s located. 

For example, an apartment in London (or another large city) - even if it needs repairs - is likely to appeal to investment buyers, who will trade off the time and money needed to do repairs with a potential future rental yield. 

Similarly, houses on large plots of land often appeal to investment buyers who could develop the land. 

On the other hand, larger properties in commuter towns or suburban areas will to appeal to those buyers looking for a cost effective way to upsize, or families who want more control over the final design of their home. 

Working with an estate agent with the correct expertise is vital for connecting you to the right types of buyers. An experienced agent will know exactly what types of photos, keywords, and information to include in your online marketing to make the best first impression to potential buyers. Some estate agents also have direct links with developers and property investors too. 

Before you appoint an estate agent, we recommend [meeting with at least three agencies](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor). See this as your chance to [interview the estate agents](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/ask-to-estate-agents) before you make your final decision on who to work with. Ask for examples of other 'harder to sell' properties they've worked on, and how they'd market your home to attract the right people. 

### Don’t overcompensate with expensive renovations

It’s fairly common for sellers of fixer upper properties to want to make lots of changes, or overcompensate with a range of expensive renovations. They hope that by doing lots of major repairs they’ll be able to sell the house quicker and for more money. 

And, whilst attractive, well-maintained properties *do* sell quickly and for the best price, getting a home that needs repairs to this standard will likely cost more than the amount of value it would add. 

Large scale renovations, like a new kitchen or loft conversion, cost thousands of pounds, and take a significant amount of time. In the long run, you’re unlikely to make back all the money you spend on these types of upgrades. 

However, there are some home improvements that *are* worth doing before selling a house: 

* **Anything structural** 

Structural issues are one of the most likely reasons that a mortgage provider will refuse a potential buyer a loan (other than affordability). Tackling structural issues, like: [subsidence](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/can-you-sell-house-subsidence), roof issues, or wall cracks, may cost a lot, but it will make your property accessible to those that need a mortgage. This increases the pool of potential buyers dramatically, making it easier to sell. 

* **Cleaning** 

Making sure your property is cleaned thoroughly throughout can make it more appealing, for very little money. A well-cleaned property creates a nicer environment for viewers, and suggests care - even if there are problems with the property’s condition. This will create a much more favourable impression for potential buyers than a house that’s a fixer upper *and* unclean. 

* **Garden**

As with cleaning, ensuring any outdoor space is well-maintained can create a more favourable impression for a buyer. Gardens are also a big selling point for many buyers. Having a [nicely kept garden](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/simple-garden-ideas) can encourage buyers who would normally avoid project properties to take a look round. 

### Honesty 

If you know there is something wrong with the property’s condition it is vital that you are upfront with any potential buyers. 

Most people will order at least one survey on your property before they sign the sale contract. If these surveys come back with indications of issues that you’ve tried to cover up (for example, painting over structural wall cracks) much of the good will you may have built up with the buyer will be lost. And, if they decide they no longer want to move ahead with buying your house, they can choose to sell on the survey results to any other interested buyers. 

However, if you’re upfront you may have an opportunity to negotiate the cost of repair with them. You may decide to market your property at a lower price to cover the cost, or you may choose to negotiate with a potential buyer individually. Either way, honesty is likely to produce a much better result financially - and reduce the risk of buyers dropping out of the sale after discovering hidden issues. 

Read more about what to do if your survey comes back showing significant issues [here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/properties/house-survey-problems-home-sale). 

If you're unsure of the best route forward in your negotiations, your conveyancer will be on hand to provide guidance and support. They are experts in these sorts of situations, and will know how to approach your specific sale.

### Consider alternative methods of selling

If the condition of your property means that it’s unmortgageable, you could also consider an alternative method of selling, such as a cash property buying company, or auctions. 

While neither of these options is likely to see you walking away with the full value of the property, they will help you sell the property quickly. They might also reduce the hassle and cost of making repairs and hosting viewings. 

If you decide to go down this route, make sure to thoroughly research any company you might work with. Because property buying companies are not regulated like estate agents, there are a large number of scams run by fraudulent companies hoping to exploit those who need to sell quickly. 

For more information about how to find a reputable property company, [head here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/sell-house-cash-buyer). 

empty room in fixer upper house with bare walls and flooring that have been prepared for renovations to start

selling-house-need-repair

Selling a house that needs work can be much harder than selling your average home. How do you market a property that needs work? Is there a way to encourage buyers to see the charms and not the flaws?

Selling a house in need of repair

Selling a house that needs work can be much harder than selling your average home. How do you market a property that needs work? Is there a way to encourage buyers to see the charms and not the flaws? In this article, we share our tips on how to make selling a house in need of repair that little bit easier.

Tips for selling a house that needs work

Estimates from the Crime Survey for England and Wales found that there were 4.4 million fraud offences committed in the last 12 months. Many of these related to online scams, or email hacking. 

There are more sophisticated scams too - such as using personal details to remortgage a property without the owner knowing, or even transferring ownership to someone else. Many property fraudsters try and take advantage of the emotion and financial importance of moving house in order to manipulate their victims.

In this article we'll look at the most common types of fraud impacting home sellers in the UK, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think you're a victim of property fraud. 

### What is property fraud?

'Property fraud' is a term that covers a whole range of nefarious activity connected to scams that occur during property transactions. 

These can vary from: someone using the property transaction as a way to steal your personal information; to intercepting monetary transactions; to the illegal transfer of property ownership. 

### Types of property fraud

There are several kinds of property related fraud. As a property owner, the most common scams to watch out for include: 

* **Email hacking**

This type of property fraud occurs when a hacker intercepts emails between a conveyancer and their client. Usually they will alter any bank details shared so that the money from the transaction is sent to their account, instead of the intended recipient. Another version of this scam occurs when someone impersonates either the client or the conveyancer using a fake email address. 

* **Pretending to be a buyer**

This type of fraud is used in order to gain personal information about a seller or their property for future use. A fraudster might pose as a buyer and then withdraw from a previously agreed offer at the point where they would have to sign a contract. 

* **Quick sale scams**

There are a number of companies that claim they can buy your home for cash and complete within 28 days. However, only a small number of these are legitimate.

For more information on cash property buying companies - and how to spot the scams - [check out this article](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/sell-house-cash-buyer). 

* **Home hijacking**

This fraud happens when someone poses as the owner of a property in order to sell it. Recent cases have involved tenants pretending to be the owner, and fraudsters targeting properties that they knew were empty. 

* **Pretending to be a lender**

This fraud occurs when someone pretends to be a mortgage lender. Usually they will offer the opportunity to renegotiate your current mortgage terms if certain upfront payments are made. This property fraud is designed to take advantage of those in particular financial distress.

### Common signs of property fraud

Often the signs of property fraud can be quite subtle - particularly if you're targeted online. Your conveyancer and estate agent should both have training in how to spot and handle signs of property fraud, however it can pay to be vigilant at your end too. 

If you notice any of the following, get in touch with your conveyancer to double check whether everything is in order: 

* Your conveyancer sends bank details by email, and does not confirm these details by post or phone too. If this occurs, make sure to phone your conveyancer to double check the details before you make *any* payments. 

* Your conveyancer sends an email to say their bank details have changed, but does not confirm these details by post or phone too. As above, it's vital to confirm these details in person before you make any payments. 

* If you feel like you're being pushed to proceed very quickly, particularly late on a Friday afternoon. This is a common property fraud tactic, because making someone feel rushed reduces the chance of proper verification checks taking place. 

* A buyer that comes forward with an excellent offer - particularly if you've been struggling to sell. If it seems too good to be true, it often is. 

### Who is most at risk?

Although property fraud can happen to anyone, there are certain people that are more vulnerable to these types of scams than others. 

* Owners that live overseas

* Elderly owners

* Mortgage-free properties

* Empty properties

* Tenanted properties

* Properties undergoing redevelopment 

### How to protect yourself from property fraud

To increase your chances of a secure sale, follow these tips: 

* **Don't send bank details by email** 

Always confirm personal information with your conveyancer directly, over the phone or in person.

* **Question unusual emails from professionals you're working with** 

If you're unsure about anything, don't feel embarrassed about double checking in person before you take further action, particularly if you're being asked to make a payment.

* **Find a trustworthy estate agent**

Estate agents are trained to look out for signs of potential fraud, particularly any schemes to do with money laundering. They will vet potential buyers, and ask for relevant personal information - such as proof of finance - to weed out the potential threats from the serious buyers. 

For extra security check whether an estate agent is a member of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), or RICS (the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) before you decide to work with them. You may also prefer to work with a local estate agent, who you can meet in person, or communicate with regularly over the phone.

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* **Pick your conveyancer carefully**

Because conveyancers handle all the legal aspects of transferring property ownership from one person to another, they play a vital role in preventing property fraud. They will be looking for signs of fraud that aren't immediately recognisable or accessible to you as the seller. For example, they will question the evidence a buyer relies on to prove their identity, comparing it with information on the electoral register and Land Registry. They'll also pay attention to any suspicious changes in financial information. 

Make sure to choose a conveyancer with a good reputation for communication and trustworthiness. 

For more information on finding a good conveyancer, [check out this guide](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/conveyancing/choosing-the-right-conveyancer). 

* **Register for the HM Land Registry Property Alert Service**

The Land Registry offers the option to receive notifications by email whenever an official search or application is made against your property. This means you'll be in the know if anyone tries anything untoward, like applying to change the name of the registered owner. You'll then be able to get in touch with the Land Registry, and your conveyancer, to sort it out straight away. 

Set up Land Registry property alerts [here](https://propertyalert.landregistry.gov.uk/). 

* **Put a restriction on your property title**

Placing a restriction against your title is a more extreme way of protecting your property from fraud. Having a restrictions on your title prevents the Land Registry from registering a sale or mortgage on your property unless a conveyancer or solicitor confirms that the application was made by you. 

These restrictions are free to set up if you don't live in the property (but you own it privately), or £40 if you're an owner-occupier. 

You can set up a restriction on your property title [here](https://www.gov.uk/protect-land-property-from-fraud). 

### What to do if you think you're a victim of property fraud

If you believe you may be the victim of property fraud, it's important to get in touch with the Land Registry and your conveyancer as soon as possible. 

You can also call the Land Registry's property fraud line: 0300 006 7030 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), to talk to a specialist who will be able to advise on what you need to do next. 

Person with tattoos sits at wooden table, covered in papers and books, studying and making notes 

property-fraud

In this article we'll look at the most common types of fraud impacting home sellers in the UK, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think you're a victim of property fraud. 

Property Fraud: Everything you need to know

For many homesellers, the most important aspect of their sale is how much money they will make from it. Whether they need a deposit for their next home, or are hoping to release some equity, knowing how much they'll end up with can impact a whole range of big life decisions. 

In this article we explore how much of the final sale price you can expect to 'take home' from your sale, along with advice on how to make the most profit. 

### Do you get all the money when you sell your house?

Most of the time, no, you won’t end up getting to keep all the money you make from selling your house. 

Selling a property is expensive. You have to pay estate agents, lawyers, and potentially cover some mortgage costs too. Many of these fees are paid automatically out of the proceeds of your sale - before any money reaches your account. 

### How do you calculate your profit from a house sale?

The amount of money you get from your home sale will ultimately depend upon how much your home sells for, *and* how much you spend on the sale process. 

To figure out your profit, you will need to subtract how much it cost to sell from the final amount your home sells for. 

For example, if your home sells for £250,000, and you spend £5,000 on the sale process, and you have £25,000 remaining on your mortgage, you will end up with £220,000. 

The usual costs of selling a home include: 

* Estate agent fees

* Conveyancing solicitor fees

* Final utilities bills

* Removals costs

* Insurance for moving

* Mortgage fees - such as Early Repayment Charges, or Exit Fees

Read more about the [costs of selling, here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/cost-of-selling-a-house). 

### How will I know how much money I’ll get from my home sale?

Of course, you will not know how much you will sell your property for until your sale completes. However, you can get an idea of how much you might make from your estate agent’s valuation. 

You can use this estimated amount to budget your sale expenses too. Estate agent and conveyancing solicitor fees are usually worked out on a commission basis. To get a sense of how much they might ultimately cost, work out the relevant percentage based on your estate agent valuation. 

For example, if your [home is valued](https://www.getagent.co.uk/how-much-is-my-house-worth) at £250,000, and your estate agent charges a 1.5% commission, you can estimate that the final bill will be approximately £3750.  

Once you have worked out all the potential costs of the sale, subtract these from your estate agent’s valuation. This will give you a sense of how much money you can expect to walk away with once your property is sold. 

You’ll receive a more specific breakdown of the money you’ll make during the conveyancing part of your sale. 

Conveyancers will usually provide you with what’s called a ‘completion statement’, which breaks down all of the costs they will pay with the proceeds of your sale, before the remainder is sent to your account. Expect this to show costs from your mortgage provider, your estate agent, the Land Registry, and from the law firm itself. 

If you jointly own the property with someone else, the money will be split according to your ownership agreement (your conveyancer will be able to tell you the full details). 

Read more about [joint ownership](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/joint-ownership-property). 

### When will I receive the money from selling my house? 

Home sellers receive the money from their house sale only after the process ‘completes’. This is the day that the keys are exchanged, and the buyer is now the official owner of your property.

Once the buyer’s conveyancer has sent over the money to your conveyancer, they will pay all the necessary fees due, and then send over the remaining amount to your bank account.  

**Note:** Be vigilant. A conveyancer is highly unlikely to contact you by email to request your bank details - or send you theirs. If you’re unsure, or suspect fraud, contact your solicitor in person or over the phone first. 

### How to increase the amount you get from selling your home

Although you’ll never be able to guarantee how much money you’ll get from your home sale until it’s completed, there are a few things you can do to give you the best chance of making the most money possible.

* **Know your mortgage terms** 

Once you decide that you’re ready to sell, double check the terms of your mortgage agreement. This will show you what fees you’ll be due to pay. For example, if you’re still within the fixed term of your mortgage, it’s likely that you’ll be required to pay a very large fee to exit your mortgage. 

If you don’t need to move immediately, consider waiting until your fixed term has come to an end before you put your home on the market. 

* **Avoid ‘quick house selling’ initiatives**

If you do need to sell quickly for financial reasons, it can be tempting to work with a cash buying company, or consider an auction. Both options seem to offer a quick way to access the money locked in your property. However, it’s unlikely that either option will give you the best outcome. 

Cash buying companies usually only offer up to 70% of the true market value of a property. Auctions on the other hand, involve a range of different fees which can make a significant dent into your ultimate profit. Think carefully before proceeding with these ‘quick sale’ options.

Read more about [cash buying companies](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/sell-house-cash-buyer). 

* **Hire the best estate agent you can**

The best estate agents are the best marketers and negotiators. They know how to get in touch with buyers interested in properties like yours, and how to sell the features and local area. Working with an experienced agent will give you the best chance of negotiating the best final sale price for your home. 

Unsure how to figure out which estate agent is the best? [This tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) looks at the performance of all estate agents across the UK to figure out which are the top performers. Just pop in your postcode to receive a list of the top six agents in your area. [Try it for free, now](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor). 

* **Make your house look its best**

The better your home looks to a buyer, the more they’ll think it’s worth. Invest time into making your house look its best for marketing photographs and viewings. This could include undertaking repairs, or working with a professional cleaner. 

* **Know what to shop around for**

Although it’s good value to go with the best estate agents - rather than the cheapest - there are some parts of your home sale that you *should* shop around for. Energy Performance Certificates (or EPCs) are one of these. 

If you get your EPC through an estate agent you may end up paying up to £85. However, you may be able to arrange one for as little as £35 - [get a quote here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/epc). 

Removals is another area that’s worth shopping around for the best deal. You might decide you need to hire a packers and a large van - or you might be able to save money with a rental car, and help from friends. 

Young child in white ankle socks hides in cardboard moving house box 

how-much-money-get-selling-house

We explore how much of the final sale price you can expect to 'take home' from your sale, along with advice on how to make the most profit when you sell your property.

How much will I get after selling my house?

In this article we explore how much of the final sale price you can expect to 'take home' from your sale, along with advice on how to make the most profit when you sell your property.

How much will I get after selling my house? 

The UK is home to a wide range beautiful, architecturally unique, and historic homes. In fact, there are just under 500,000 listed buildings in the UK. And, some people are lucky enough to be able to live and own one of these homes. 

But, what happens when it comes time to sell? What additional things do you need to bear in mind when selling a listed home?

In this article we take a look at what listed properties are, how you can find out more about your home, and the process of putting it on the market. 

### What is a listed property?

A listed building is a property - or other architectural feature - that’s deemed to be of particular historical, technical, or aesthetic value. These buildings are split into three categories depending on how unique they are. 

The list is looked after by different heritage groups in each of the UK’s nations. Usually the buildings on the list are pretty old, but some properties built in the post-World War II period are now being added to the list. 

In England and Wales the grades are as follows:

**Grade I** 

Buildings of exceptional interest. Grade I properties make up just 2.5% of all listed buildings.

**Grade II** * 

Buildings of more than special interest. Grade II* buildings make up 5.8% of listed buildings.

**Grade II** 

Buildings of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them. These make up over 90% of the protected buildings.

In Scotland, listed buildings are graded from A to C, with Grade A being the most outstanding examples of particular periods or architectural styles. 

The main implication of listing for homeowners is that you’ll have to follow certain rules about what changes you are or aren’t allowed to make. Usually you’ll have to get special permission to make most modifications. Even things like changing a fireplace might require permission. 

You can apply for this ‘listed building consent’ from your local planning authority. You may find that even when you can make alterations, you will have to use techniques and materials in keeping with the history of your property. 

### How can I find out whether my property is listed?

It’s normal to find out whether your property is listed when you buy it. Your conveyancer and mortgage providers will want to conduct specific surveys to ensure that the building is in order, safe, and that any alterations are properly accounted for. 

However, if you inherit, or move into a property with a partner, and are unsure if your home is listed you can easily check online. 

* If your home is in England, you can check whether it is listed by searching the [National Heritage List](https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/hpg/heritage-assets/nhle/). 

* If you live in Scotland, you can search the [Historic Environment List](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support/listing-scheduling-and-designations/listed-buildings/search-for-a-listed-building/). 

* And, in Wales, you can search [Lle - the geo-portal](https://lle.gov.wales/catalogue/item/ListedBuildings/?lang=en). 

If you want to find out more about the history of your home, [check out this article](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/find-out-house-history). 

### Selling a listed property

In many ways, selling a listed home is very similar to selling a newer, or less architecturally unique home. However, there are a few things that will make the process easier. 

**Get all the relevant information and documents prepared upfront**

When you sell a listed property, you’ll need to provide evidence that any alterations were made with the proper permission. This means both the changes that you’ve made, *and* any modifications made by previous owners. 

If everything is in order, you should have documents proving that you had adequate listed buildings consent, and - if necessary - planning permission, to carry out any changes. You may also need to show insurance documents or receipts to prove that the work was carried out using the required techniques and materials. Get this information ready early on, so that you’ll be ready when you receive your first offer. 

If you find out about an unlicensed alteration during the course of your sale, you’ll need to apply for retrospective permission, and may be required to pay a fine - even if it was a previous owner that made the changes. 

It’s important to get these issues sorted as soon as possible, because they can seriously inhibit your chances of selling. Some mortgage providers will not approve funds to buy a listed property without all the proper permissions in place, which can severely limit your potential pool of buyers.

**Note:** ‘Listing’ usually applies to the whole building, including the interior, but it can also cover additions or extensions to the property, or structures or fixtures attached to the property. 

**Work with an expert**

Listed buildings usually attract a particular type of home buyer: one that’s interested in the individual charm and character of your home as much as the local amenities. Because of this, working with an estate agent with experience with listed properties, can make a huge difference to your sale. 

Estate agents with particular expertise in this area are better able to sell the unique features of your home. And, having the right sales pitch, and knowing which elements should be focused on in your online marketing, are all important for attracting buyers and encouraging a quicker sale. 

Once you’ve decided that you’d like to sell, we’d recommend inviting a few estate agents around, and using that time to properly interview each. Ask them about their experience with listed properties, and don’t feel embarrassed about asking them to bring evidence of other similar houses they’ve sold recently. 

It’s also a good idea to ask each agent to explain how they have come up with their valuation. The best estate agents will be able to point to other homes on the market, and to the unique characteristics of your home, as starting points for their valuations. 

For more information on how estate agents undertake valuations, [head to this post](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/how-estate-agents-value). 

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Young woman carries a cardboard moving box from the boot of a red car to her new house, other boxes lie around 

selling-listed-buildings-uk

In this article we take a look at what listed buildings are, how you can find out more about your home, and the process of putting it on the market. 

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