Frequently Asked Questions

Sales

What is the difference between leasehold, share of freehold, and freehold properties?

Leasehold: You own the property for a fixed period, as specified in the lease agreement, but not the land it stands on. Lease terms vary, typically they are anything from 99-999 years. You'll likely pay ground rent and service charges.
Share of Freehold: You own your property as a leasehold but also share ownership of the freehold with other property owners in the building. This generally means you along with the other freeholders have control over the building.
Freehold: You own both the property and the land it sits on outright, giving you full control and no ongoing payments like ground rent. This would usually be a house.

What are ground rent and service charges?

Ground Rent: A periodic payment made by leaseholders to the freeholder, typically a nominal amount. Some modern leases may have high ground rents that can affect a property’s value.
Service Charge: A fee paid by leaseholders (and sometimes freeholders in managed estates) to cover building maintenance, communal area upkeep, and services like cleaning, insurance, or lift maintenance.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and do I need one to sell my property?

An EPC rates a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and provides recommendations for improvement. It is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when marketing your property. EPCs are valid for 10 years unless significant changes are made to the property.

How is council tax calculated, and what does it include?

Council tax is a local government charge based on the property's valuation band and location. It contributes to local services like waste collection, schools, and street cleaning. Before selling, potential buyers may ask for the property’s council tax band and annual costs, which are available on the local council's website.

Can I sell a property with a short lease?

Yes, but properties with leases below 80 years are less attractive to buyers especially if they require a mortgage. You have the legal right to extend your lease for an additional 90 years provided you have owned the property for more than 2 years. You might want to negotiate lease extension terms before selling to improve marketability. The selling price of the property will be less than the same property on a long lease.

What documents do I need to sell my property?

Title deeds or proof of ownership
A valid EPC
Leasehold documents (if applicable), including the lease, ground rent, and service charge details
Fixtures and fittings form
Property information form

How do I choose the right estate agent?

Look for agents with:

Local expertise in your area (we’ve been in the area for over 40 years and combined experience of over 60 years of selling and letting)
A strong online presence to attract buyers (we are on all the major property portals – Zoopla, Rightmove, OntheMarket)
Competitive fees and clear terms.
Positive reviews and a track record of successful sales. You can read our reviews here.

What is a Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), and why is it important when selling my property?

The Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) is a document completed by the seller to provide key details about the property to potential buyers. It covers important aspects such as:

Boundaries: Who is responsible for maintaining fences or walls.
Utilities and Services: Information about water, electricity, gas, and drainage systems.
Alterations and Repairs: Any building work, extensions, or repairs made to the property, including the necessary permissions or certifications (e.g., planning permissions, Building Regulations compliance).
Disputes: Any ongoing disputes with neighbours.
Shared Access or Rights of Way: Details of any shared driveways, pathways, or access arrangements.
Leasehold Details (if applicable): Ground rent, service charges, lease length, and freeholder information.

This questionnaire helps speed up the sale process by ensuring buyers have the necessary information upfront. It also reduces the risk of disputes later on. A solicitor or conveyancer will help you complete the PIQ accurately.