The ultimate May 2026 home-seller checklist

Having the right paperwork at hand and your property looking its best puts you in a strong position to find a buyer. Here’s what you need to do before listing your property for sale.

Figure out your finances

If you have a mortgage, check how much you still owe and any early repayment charges. It might be portable, meaning you could transfer your existing mortgage deal and interest rate to a new property.

Next, estimate your selling costs. These might include:

Conveyancing
Estate agent fees
Removal fees or van rental if you move your own belongings
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Potentially, Capital Gains Tax

And, if you’re also buying a property, you’ll have costs such as Stamp Duty Land Tax and a building survey. Once you’ve got your head around your moving bill, you can plan your finances with more confidence.

Research solicitors and conveyancers

Even at this early stage, it’s worth spending time looking into experienced professionals who can oversee the legal and administrative work of transferring the ownership of your property. A conveyancing mistake can be very expensive, so don’t rush this part. Here are some ways to find solicitors and conveyancers:

Speak to friends and family for recommendations
Ask an experienced estate agent
Use the search tools of professional bodies, such as CLC and SRA

Identifying someone you’d like to work with now means you won’t delay the sales process later by dithering over this important job. Your buyer will thank you, too! Here’s more guidance from Zoopla.

Organise your paperwork

As boring as it is, you must collect various bits of paperwork to sell your property. For example, you need:

Your ID and proof of address
The property title deeds
The EPC for your home
Planning permission certificates
Any relevant information for your buyers

We’ve listed all the documents you need in this blog post. Zip through the task now, then focus on the more exciting elements of your move!

Spruce up your property

Now for the property itself. Is your home ready for its close-up? In the competitive May market, properties must look their absolute best to get potential buyers through the door. Sit down and compile a list of tasks:

For example:

Decluttering – go from room to room, clearing away items and creating calming spaces
A deep clean – shampoo the carpets, wash the windows and get busy with the oven
DIY jobs – handle those jobs you’ve been putting off for years, including refreshing paintwork
Tending your garden – prepare your outdoor spaces, whether that’s simply mowing the lawn or investing in landscaping

Here are more ideas for making your home stand out during peak season.

Find an experienced estate agent

Last but certainly not least, find an estate agent who has a deep understanding of the local housing market. They can advise you on a realistic asking price and present your property to attract as many potential buyers as possible. Look up your nearest Winkworth office and talk to one of our experienced team members about your selling plans – we’ll be happy to help you get started.