Sellers FAQ's

[We don’t.] There’s no cost for a property valuation from Northwood. There’s no obligation, either. Our valuations are based on facts (such as recent sold prices for similar properties) and our experience and knowledge of the local market. We never overvalue properties to ‘win business’. We provide an honest opinion and do our best to achieve the outcome you want.

Worcester has a strong demand for properties and 6,531 homes were sold in the 12 months to Aug 2023.

The national average is around 40 days to agree a sale (Oct 2022) and it typically takes a further 3-5 months to complete. But every property is different. If certainty and time is a strong requirement, we have auction routes which can get to completion in 28 days or 56 days (depending on service required).

The average price of a home in Worcester is £275,341 (Aug 2023), house prices in Worcester have risen by 6.1% in the last 12 months and 25.7% last 5 years.

Our Estate Agent Fees are a percentage of the purchase price. This service is charged at 1.5% of the sales price achieved, plus VAT and is payable at completion and there is no charge if the property is not sold. We also offer a no fee service (0% commission). When estate agents visit to value your home, make sure they outline everything included in their fees so you can take these into account when comparing costs. Northwood Worcester focusses on a smaller number of properties, which ensures that you will receive our very best attention and high end service as standard that we believe to be excellent value for money. Our fees are competitive, we could not provide a high quality service if we were the cheapest, but we are nowhere near the most expensive.

Northwood Lettings and Estate Agents in Worcester includes the following items as part of the sales fee:-

• • Prominent Board
  • Professional Photography
  • Accompanied Viewings (including evening and weekends)
  • Floorplans
  • Social Media Advertising on Facebook and Instagram
  • Listing on Northwood website and property portals
  • Dedicated Account Manager
  • Ongoing Offer Negotiation and Sales Progression
  • Mortgage Advice with our in house whole of market mortgage advisor
  • Conveyancing Advice
  • Northwood Investors Club exposure (where applicable)
  • Virtual Video Tours
  • Aerial Photography (where applicable)
  • Home Staging and advice (where applicable)
  • Renovation, Maintenance and Refurbishment Service (where applicable)
  • Open Days (where applicable)

Northwood Worcester will not charge anything, there are no fees to pay to us, if you don’t sell your property.

No, we can take care of all that. In fact, it can even be helpful if the owner isn’t there. Buyers generally feel more able to ask questions and we can address any concerns there and then, but you may decide that you’d like to be present. It’s really up to you.

If you have a good quality property that is well presented and is in Worcester, Malvern , Droitwich, Pershore, Evesham or in any of the surrounding villages and countryside of Worcestershire we would love to hear from you. Northwood Lettings and Estate Agents in Worcester sells every residential type of property such as: Flats and Apartments, Terraced houses, Semi-detached, Bungalows, Detached country properties with land. Whether you have a studio flat, one bedroom or more than five, we will sell your property.  Northwood Worcester focusses on a smaller number of properties, which ensures that you will receive our very best attention and high end service as standard that we believe to be excellent value for money.

In England, all sellers are required to purchase an EPC for a property before they sell it. Estate agents must display the EPC rating whenever they market the property. Northwood Lettings and Estate Agents will make all the arrangements get your EPC, if you don’t have one.

No, the seller doesn’t have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax. The buyer is responsible for paying Stamp Duty as part of the purchase side of the transaction.

Conveyancing is everything that needs to happen to legally transfer your home to the buyer. You will need a solicitor to make it happen. Northwood Lettings and Estate Agents can help you to find a conveyancer and online specialists are often a good route.

In England you do not need to arrange a survey, but it is likely that the buyer will want to have a survey conducted. If a surveyor is contracted by the buyer, they will arrange an appointment to visit you home to do any surveys. The five key things a surveyor will be looking for are problems with utilities, damp, cracking, problems with roofs, and timber defects. In addition, your buyer’s mortgage lender will organise a mortgage valuation to confirm that the property is worth the money being lent.

In most cases your are only required to pay Capital Gains Tax if the property is not your main home. Your conveyancer will be able to advise as to the specifics related to your circumstances.

Our valuations are based on facts (such as recent sold prices for similar properties) and our experience and knowledge of the local market. We never overvalue properties to ‘win business’. We provide an honest opinion and do our best to achieve the outcome you want. Location, condition and extra features all play a part, as do the timescale and needs and wishes of the seller.

At your valuation appointment, we’ll recommend ways to increase the value of your home. While every property is different, there are some general tips that can help. Make sure small maintenance jobs are taken care of (e.g. touch up scuffed paint or rehang loose doors) and redecorate rooms if they are looking tired. Good lighting is a seller’s secret weapon, so place lamps in darker corners or and make sure all the lightbulbs are working.

Certain times of the year might be more popular than others, but you shouldn’t worry. When we come out to value your home, we’ll take time to understand your situation, and offer advice. March to September are typically the busy times, when months of longer, warmer days help to set the right scene. However, people’s plans often have no regard for seasons, we list and sell property in the Worcester area all year round. The best time to sell will ultimately be when it’s right for you and your circumstances.

To prepare for viewings we recommend trying to tidy away as much daily clutter as possible. Having the property heated to a comfortable temperature, with suitable lighting switched on is also helpful. If you can keep pets out of the way, arrange some flowers ensure the windows are clean, the lawn mowed and the edges trimmed will all be beneficial.

Once the sale has been agreed, your solicitor will draft a contract. The buyer’s solicitor will confirm the details of the property and perform searches. At the same time, the buyer’s mortgage lender will conduct a mortgage valuation and send a mortgage offer to the buyer. When all of this is complete, you will both be ready to sign the contract and agree the completion date. It is worth noting that the seller or the buyer can pull out of the sale at any time and for any reason, until the point that both solicitors have received signed contracts from both parties (exchanged contracts).

Your title deeds give proof of ownership of the property and will need to be transferred to the buyer as part of the conveyancing process. These are usually held by your mortgage lender, and it will be your solicitor’s responsibility to obtain these.

You are not required to leave any furniture or furnishings in the property, but you may agree to include some as part of the negotiations of the sale. These details will be explicitly stated in the documentation you complete for the sales particulars.

The contract will specify your completion day, and usually the buyer will be asked to collect the keys to their new home from the estate agent. In most cases the seller is asked to vacate the property by 12pm, but in any case you must wait until your solicitor has confirmed that the money has arrived from your purchaser.