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Published: 05 April 2025

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As a homebuyer, you want to make sure that the property you purchase checks all the right boxes for you.

From location to work undertaken, or perhaps to be carried out there are plenty of factors to consider. However, when it comes to the features that potential buyers are looking for in a property, some things stand out more than others. Here are the top 10 things that homebuyers are looking for in a property in 2023, based on recent trends and studies.

1. Garages with extra storage space

Storage space is always at a premium, so it's no surprise that potential buyers are looking for garages that offer extra storage space. This is especially true for families with children, who need a place to store sports equipment, bicycles, and other outdoor gear.

2. Open floor plan

Gone are the days of smaller living rooms and closed-off spaces. Today's homebuyers are looking for open floor plans that allow for better flow, family living and flow between rooms. An open floor plan makes it easier to entertain guests, keep an eye on children, and enjoy the natural light that flows throughout the space.

3. Home offices

With more people working remotely, having a dedicated home office is more important than ever. Buyers are looking for properties that offer a separate space for a home office, whether it's a spare room, a converted attic or basement, or a small nook in a larger room. A dedicated home office can make it easier to focus on work and be more productive.

4. Walk-in pantry

A walk-in pantry is a dream come true for home cooks and foodies alike. It's a place to store dry goods, canned goods, and other essentials, keeping them organised and easily accessible. A walk-in pantry can also help save space in the kitchen, allowing for more counter and cabinet space for other kitchen essentials. 

5. Modern kitchens

We firmly believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and homebuyers are looking for modern kitchens with all the latest amenities. This includes high-end appliances, plenty of counter space, and storage for pots, pans, and other kitchen tools. A modern kitchen can make meal prep and cooking easier and more enjoyable!

6. Outdoor patios

Outdoor living spaces are more important than ever, and now we’re entering into warmer weather, homebuyers are looking for properties that offer a private outdoor patio. This is a place to relax, entertain guests, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. It can also add value to a property, making it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.

7. Energy efficiency

Homebuyers are increasingly concerned with energy efficiency and sustainability. They're looking for properties that offer energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation, as well as other sustainable features like solar panels. These features can not only help reduce energy bills but also help reduce a property's carbon footprint.

8. Island Kitchens

Island kitchens are a popular trend, especially in modern homes. They provide extra counter space for meal prep and cooking, as well as a place to sit and enjoy a quick meal or a cheeky midnight snack. An island kitchen can also serve as a focal point for the room, adding style and sophistication to the space. Island kitchens also offer additional storage space, with cabinets and drawers built into the island. This is especially useful in open-concept homes where storage can be limited.

In addition to their functional benefits, island kitchens also have aesthetic appeal. They can be designed in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, to complement the overall design of the home. Some homeowners choose to add a statement light fixture above the island to add an extra touch of style

9. Walk-in wardrobes

Having a spacious and well-organised wardrobe is essential, and homebuyers are looking for properties that offer walk-in wardrobes. A walk-in wardrobe provides plenty of space for clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as a place to get dressed and ready for the day ahead.

10. Hardwood flooring

Finally, homebuyers are looking for properties with hardwood flooring. They are durable, easy to clean, and add warmth and character to a home and are also versatile, and able to match a variety of different interior design styles.

From storage space to energy efficiency to modern kitchens, these features can make a property more attractive and valuable to potential buyers. If you're thinking about buying or selling a property, keep these features in mind to help make the most informed decision possible!

Here at Acres, we understand the importance of finding the right property that meets your needs and wants. Our experienced team will help guide you through the buying or selling process and answer any questions you may have.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find your dream home.   https://www.acres.co.uk/contact-us

Are you thinking of selling your property and want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Acres; proud to be family owned, managed, run and to have been serving the North Birmingham community for 33 years.

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Published: 07 March 2025

Hits: 261

Staging your home can attract buyers, speed up your sale and even get you a higher price. Here are 16 DIY home staging tips to help your home look its best.

Key takeaways

• Staging your home is a way of styling it to appeal to more buyers and encourage a higher sale price
• Home staging can add 10% to your sale price and sell your home 3 times faster
• Get a professional in or do it yourself with our 16 DIY home staging tips

Home staging is styling your home to appeal to more buyers.

It involves stripping back your personal style to help buyers picture themselves living there.

A staged home usually appeals to a wider audience than your own style – no matter your taste.

Although you can pay for a professional to stage your home, you can totally do it yourself. 

DIY home staging is easy, fast and affordable, and you’ll reap the rewards when it comes to sale time.

Thinking of selling?

Get the ball rolling with an in-person valuation of your home. It’s free and there’s no obligation to sell.

1. Tidy up the front garden

Kerb appeal is a major factor when selling your home. It’s all about that first impression when buyers rock up to view it.

Get rid of weeds, power-clean the paving, sweep the drive and hide the wheelie bins.

You could consider painting your front door and adding a smart new house number to make the entrance really memorable.

Find out more about how to improve your kerb appeal.

2. Make sure every room has a clear purpose

We all make rooms multi-task for us, whether it’s a home office in the spare bedroom or a makeshift laundry space in the conservatory.

But home stagers recommend reverting rooms back to their main purpose. If your home’s listed with 3 bedrooms, make sure buyers will find 3 bedrooms at their viewing.

If you have an open plan design, split the room into zones and make it clear how you use each space.

3. Play to all the senses

Home staging tends to be about boosting visual appeal, but playing on other senses can have a big impact.

Think scented candles or plugs and soft music playing in the background to create a peaceful feel.

Make sure your home’s at a comfortable temperature too. That might mean putting the heating on for viewings in winter, or throwing open windows and switching on a fan in the summer.

4. Clear clutter and nick-nacks

Everyone has a bit of clutter lying around. A home’s there to be lived in, right?

But potential buyers want a blank canvas so they can imagine their nick-nacks in it. 

Clearing clutter and personal items is home staging 101.

It leaves more floor and shelf space, contributing to a clean and minimalist feel.

A good rule of thumb is to remove half of the items in the room. The feeling of spaciousness will be worth any storage costs.

5. Use throws and cushions to revive old furniture

Professional home staging often involves wheeling in new sofas, beds and tables. 

But you don’t have to go to the extreme of buying new furniture.

A knitted blanket and cosy cushions can give an old sofa an instant update. A patterned runner is a clever way to cover marks on the kitchen table.

6. Add mirrors to reflect light

Mirrors are an excellent way to make rooms feel bigger, lighter and more open.

When staging your home, place mirrors opposite windows for the best effect. 

If you don’t have many mirrors, see if you can pick one or two up at a second hand shop.

7. Put fresh linen on beds and in bathrooms

It’s tricky to get the balance between hotel and homey when you’re staging a house for sale.

Don’t feel like everything has to be matching, but clean and coordinated linen can create a pulled together look.

Fresh bed sheets and fluffy bath towels are easy ways to give rooms a quick makeover.

8. Dress the dining table

Setting the dining table is one of the oldest tricks in the home staging book.

A dressed table will conjure images of cosy family teatimes and fun dinner parties.

A simple tray or basket in the centre of the table might be all you need.

Or, if you want to go all out, add pretty placemats, matching cutlery and polished glasses.

If you’re selling in the summer, you could even consider dressing an outdoor table. It’ll get your buyers thinking of al fresco brunches and afternoon barbecues.

9. Add life with plants and flowers

Home stagers always recommend adding life to your home with houseplants and fresh flowers.

A simple vase on the kitchen table or a potted plant in the lounge can create a feeling of freshness in an instant.

And they don’t have to be real. Fake plants and flowers can create the same atmosphere, and you won't need to worry about watering them.

10. Hide electric cables and extension leads

Electric leads can look a bit messy, and they get the buyer thinking about whether you have plugs in the right places.

If in doubt, unplug electrical appliances and tuck the leads out of sight.

11. Clear the kitchen worktops

Clear counters work wonders in making a kitchen feel bigger and more liveable. 

If you can, store away any washing up brushes, utensils, fridge magnets and phone chargers.

Buyers will expect to see a toaster and kettle on the side, but see if you could pop the microwave in a cupboard. It’ll open up valuable worktop space.

12. Clean the windows

Sparkling windows can finish off a room and make the whole house look fresher. 

Give all your windows a good scrub, including the frames and sills. Pull the curtains back and let as much light in as possible.

13. Give tired walls a fresh lick of paint

Fresh paint can transform a room, even if you’re going for the same colour. 

It’ll clear any marks and stains on the walls that you might have missed.

Soft and light colours reflect light well and are likely to appeal to a variety of people. A strong statement wall can add interest and depth to a room.

14. Put away any extra TVs

One thing that most staged homes have in common? 

They don't have a TV.

A TV becomes a focal point. It can take over the room and draw the eye away from the things you want buyers to notice.

Buyers will expect to see a telly in your lounge. But if you have TVs in bedrooms think about packing them away while you hold viewings. 

It’ll make the room feel more relaxed and balanced.

15. Give your home a deep clean

One of the most important parts of home staging is to clean, clean, clean.

Do a deep clean of the whole house – from the carpets to the back of the cupboards to the cobwebs in the corners.

And don’t forget to have a quick touch up before every viewing.

16. Add a couple of special finishing touches

You’ve decluttered, depersonalised, scrubbed, smartened, toned things down and spruced things up. What’s next?

Well, the trick to home staging is hitting the right note between subtle and memorable.

See if you can add a statement item, unique display or pop of colour that will make a room stand out.

You don’t have to spend a lot to make a difference either. 

You could paint the kitchen handles with a metallic spray, create a coffee table display or add an interesting piece of art in the hallway.

How much value can home staging add?

You might question if home staging is worth the money and time, given you’re about to move out.

But home staging can add value and help you sell more quickly.

Experince here at ACres has showning a staged home can fetch 5%, or if a property is really cluttered or poor perhaps even more.

Find out what your home's worth..

You are not going to attract the same pool of potential buyers if your home doesn’t have appeal in the photos online etc and so staging at all stages of marketing can be key. Potential buyers could be put off just when looking through the photos of your home on line if the kerb appeal is poor.  

If you would like to discuss selling your home, our proactive approach and ideas please get in touch with us; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                 0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading our latest article, your interest in Acres, and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Article  Zoopla 20.8.24

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Published: 25 February 2025

Hits: 371

Are you thinking of buying a property as an investment to let out, or perhaps maybe an ‘accidental landlord’. Renting out property comes with many hazards, responsibilities, issues and challenges.

With this I mind we have put together some helpful information, tips and advice.

Should I rent my property out ?

There are many reasons why people decide to rent out their property. The most basic reason is financial. Perhaps an investment for years to come to top up a pension, capital growth, or it could just be a short-term move, while they are living somewhere else for work or family reason. The rental income covers mortgage payments and maybe gives an extra source of income. It could be to begin a business, and build a portfolio of rental properties.

How do I rent out my property?

You can either choose to manage the rental yourself or ask a letting agent to manage the administration and management of the property. You will also need to decide how to offer your property, furnished or unfurnished ( as most are ).

Check You Are Allowed To Rent Out Your Property - Talk to your mortgage lender

Before you begin renting out a property, you need to check you can ! You’ll likely need to move to a buy-to-let mortgage if you have a residential mortgage. Your buildings insurance may be invalid too, or your leasehold agreement ( if not Freehold ) could prohibit you from renting your home. Make sure you check all of this out.

Landlord licensing

Licensing schemes for landlords are in operation in some areas of the UK. These are designed to improve the standards of property management. There are a few types of licensing scheme, for example :

• Mandatory licensing – it is illegal to let out a HMO in England without a license
• Selective licensing – some local councils will ask all landlords in its area to apply for a licence, or to take a ‘fit and proper person’ test

Check with your local council if they operate a licensing scheme. A license will cost a small annual fee.

How much rent will my property achieve ?

Knowing what rent to charge will depend on a number of factors, the size of the property, the facilities it has access to, and the rental price of similar properties to name but a few. Setting your rent too high will make your property less attractive.. Setting it too low could make it more difficult to choose a good tenant. By seeking expert advice from a knowledgeable agent, you can set a rental price that maximizes your return while attracting the right tenants.

Tax and national insurance

Rental income counts as taxable income. Income tax is calculated on the profit you make as a landlord, so you will need to deduct any expenses first. The amount of income tax or National Insurance you pay will depend on the tax band you are in, your other sources of income and if the property is owned, jointly by you or a company

What are the legal responsibilities for landlords?

It is a legal requirement for landlords to conduct regular gas safety and electrical checks on their properties. The Gas Safety Certificate check should be conducted annually by a gas safe registered engineer. It is an inspection and test of all the gas appliances and systems in a property.

The Electrical Safety Regulations require a check of the electrical installations in rental properties every five years. The check should be conducted by a member of the qualified and competent person scheme. Landlords must provide copies of the gas and electrical safety certificates to their tenants.

• Property hazard assessments
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to comply with fire safety regulations.
• Legionella assessments
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): The property must have a valid EPC with a minimum rating of 'E.'

Fire safety regulations

Landlords should ensure that a range of fire safety measures are in place in their property. This includes installing smoke alarms on every floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a solid fuel burning appliance.

Right to rent checks

Right to rent checks are mandatory for landlords and letting agents. Landlords must ensure that before a tenancy can begin, they have proved that a tenant is in the UK legally, and has the right to rent a residential property. Landlords are liable for significant fines if checks are not made, or tenancies commence with tenants who fail the checks. 

Starting The Tenancy

A tenancy agreement will be needed, and to be signed by you and the tenant. This is something Acres can do for you. Make sure it is tailored to your requirements. For example, if you want your tenants to maintain the garden or not smoke on the premises, you need to include these as clauses. But anything you include must be legal. Most tenancies fall under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which allows tenants to rent your property for a fixed period, usually six months to a year.

Ensure all repairs have been completed before your tenant moves in. Leave instructions for appliances, plus any helpful information.

A complete inventory will be needed– photos taken or videos of your property and any items included. Your tenant should sign the inventory to confirm that everything it lists is present and in the stated condition.

Your tenant must be provided with certain documents, including the energy performance certificate, gas safety certificate, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and a copy of the government’s How to Rent guide. You must also protect your tenant’s security deposit in a government-approved scheme. This security deposit will be released back to the tenant at the end of the tenancy, provided that it’s not needed to cover the cost of damages they have caused to the property.

Protecting your tenant’s deposit

Landlords have a legal obligation to protect the deposit of their tenants, and return the deposit to tenants at the end of the tenancy, minus any reductions or costs. Here at Acres we of course  will do this for you, you can never ask the tenant to do it. Landlords must use a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme, even if the deposit is paid by a third party such as a parent or friend of the tenant.

Landlord insurance

Landlords do not have to take out specialist contents and buildings insurance for their rental properties, but it is highly recommended that they do. Standard insurance policies will not cover landlords for issues such as tenants not paying rent or causing damage to the property. Landlord or ‘buy to let’ insurance will include extras such as public liability cover, loss of rent, emergency cover and legal expenses. Premiums could be higher depending on the tenants you are renting to.

During The Tenancy

Landlords are responsible for most repairs and maintenance in a rental home. This includes the electrical wiring, plumbing and sanitation, heating and hot water, and the external structure of the building.

If renting out the property without an agent, you must be ready to attend to any tenant issues. It is worth having a list of reliable tradespeople to call on or taking out breakdown insurance to cover you for household emergencies.

Periodic inspections of the property should be carried out to ensure that the tenant complies with the terms of the tenancy agreement. However, you must give 24 hours’ written notice before visiting the property – your tenants may refuse entry if they wish.

What rights do landlords have to take back possession of their property?

Currently a number of options are available to landlords if they need to gain possession of their property, although the recent change of government has meant proposed sweeping changes, which also should be taken into consideration, and obtaining your property back my become significantly harder.

The primary method of eviction of a tenant in an assured shorthold tenancy is through a Section 8 or a Section 21 notice. A Court order can be obtained to claim possession if the occupiers of the property have no rights to occupy; the landlord can agree with the tenant to surrender the property, or prove that the property has been abandoned by the tenant or occupier.

Balance Your Time And Costs

It is possible to rent out your property yourself, and being a DIY landlord allows you to save on letting agency costs. However, being a landlord is challenging and time-consuming, especially if you fit in with a full-time job. Using a trusted letting agent will ensure that you have great tenants, earn the maximum rent and that any emergency and routine maintenance jobs are carried out promptly.

What does a letting agent do for a landlord?

Put simply, a letting agent arranges everything on behalf of the landlord. The agent gives the landlord peace of mind when it comes to dealing with the property and the tenants on your behalf.

Letting agents offer expertise and knowledge in a range of areas. It’s our job to know everything about being compliant with the law, understanding the current market when it comes to agreeing on rental income and knowing how to best advertise your home to prospective new tenants.

Of course we do charge a commission, but you can’t put a price on sleeping soundly – or the knowledge that your tenants are sleeping soundly in your property.

Of course, we do charge a commission, but you can’t put a price on peace of mind – knowing that your property is being professionally managed and your tenants are well-cared for. With a letting agent handling everything, you can rest easy, confident that your property is in good hands.

You must comply with the law on discrimination when choosing the best tenant for your home. Discrimination against anyone based on protected characteristics, including age, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation is against the law. You can find more information on the gov.uk website this will help you understand your responsibilities.

The Benefits of Using Acres Lettings

1.            Time-Saving

We handle all aspects of the rental process, including advertising, tenant screening, and property management.

2.            Expertise

Acres understand the local rental market, all legal obligations, and how to price your property competitively.

3.            Access to Marketing Channels

We of course advertise on Rightmove and On the Market, social media and our excellent web site increasing visibility to all potential tenants.

4.            Tenant Screening

We will conduct comprehensive background checks to minimize the risk of problematic tenants.

5.            Legal Compliance

Acres ensure you meet all your legal requirements, such as drafting tenancy agreements and deposit protection.

6.            Property Management Services

We of course offer full management services, taking care of maintenance, rent collection, and tenant communication.

7.            Dispute Resolution

We will if needed mediate disputes between landlords and tenants, ensuring issues are resolved professionally.

8.            Peace of Mind

By trusting us with the management of your property, you can relax knowing we’ll handle everything with care, reducing your stress and providing you with a seamless, worry-free rental experience.

Costs and options of a Lettings Agent : Click here to see our fees.

• Tenant-Find Only.
• Tenant find and rent collection.
• Full Management.
• Additional Fees.

Using a letting agent is especially beneficial for landlords who are new to renting, live far from the property, or have limited time to manage it themselves.

For further information, help, and of course to book a valuation please contact our Lettings Manager Annabelle Reynolds on 312 4997   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Alternativly, are you thinking of selling your property and want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

 If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Acres; proud to be family owned, managed, run and to have been serving the North Birmingham community for 33 years.

Details

Published: 18 February 2025

Hits: 418

Dreaming of a move, perhaps you’re looking for a larger family home, downsizing or perhaps looking for something a little different ?

Selling your home is a huge and emotional decision, it can be daunting. Understanding the process of selling will really help ease any stress. In this guide, we outline the steps you’ll need to go through, helping you to prepare for each stage, and potentailly speeding up the process.

Find out the estimated value of your home

One of the first things you can do is get an online estimated value of your property. Enter your postcode into our Instant Valuation here. to gain an approximation.  Our online valuation tool is based on powerful market data, although values do vary depending on the style of house, and variety of properties in your road.

Much better - Arrange a physical property valuation  

An in-person valuation allows Acres to see your property and to get a feel for the space, presentation, improvements made helping us to understand its features so as to highlight them to potential buyers, when ready. Nothing beats having Acres come to your home to have a comprehensive  look around thus giving an accurate property valuation.

Check your mortgage documents

You’ll also want to know how much you can borrow with a mortgage. Contact your current lender, if needed,  to check  your options with your current mortgage, as well as any potential redemption fees. You may be charged a fee if you’re ending your current mortgage early, so need to factor that into your budget. If you have a ‘portable’ mortgage product, you may be able to transfer your current mortgage to a new property, and top it up. It is always worth taking independent whole of market advice, here at Acres we are delighted to be able this service for you, please ask for details or click here to use our extensive mortgage, fees, stamp duty and other calculators

Choose the right estate agent

Choose an agent you feel you can trust to guide you through this process. Hopefully this will be Acres, we would be thrilled act for you.

Don’t choose an agent on fees alone. This is the sale of your biggest asset and you need to have an agent you feel confident in, has a proven sales record in your road / area and have you a rapport with. Their approach, market strength, depth of knowledge market exposure and methods should be just as important.  Acres will of course provide a proactive sales strategy, realistic asking price, and extensive, high calibre marketing. Please contact your local office to arrange a No obligation, Free Valuation  

Prepare your home

Getting your home ready for viewings is one of the most important things you can do, helping to create a sense of space and a blank canvas to help your buyer imagine themselves living there. The better your home looks, the more appealing it will be. First impressions count, it is amazing how many purchasing decisions are made within the first minute or two of a viewing commencing. Location is key, schooling, transport, and the general feel of the area.

Decluttering inside is hugely effective, so make sure it’s looking great for both the photos, and if possible viewings. Many buyers work from home, so it could be worth setting up an office or children’s play room, if space allows. Light, airy and spacious is the look buyers are after, And gardens are a big draw so a good tidy up and you’ll be onto a winner. 

Decide when to put your home on the market

Springtime is the best time for marketing your home. Between late January and June, the housing market bursts into action as buyers start looking for somewhere new.

The next best time is autumn, between September and October, as people hope to get settled into a new place in time before Christmas, and ready for the ever important school pacemnet offers in the new year.

The quietest times of the year for the housing market are in the summer, from July to August, when people are on holiday, or before Christmas, from November to December.

Set the right asking price

Once you’ve ready to market you need to decide the asking price. We will of course advise, and guide however if you feel it right to perhaps try a little higher to give some “ wiggle “ room, we will happy to try this for you perhaps for the first few weeks to test the market.

Nigel Deekes partner of Acres comments “ there is a fine line between a price that will generate interest, and one that won’t. “It’s all about footfall. Price your property too high and you won’t generate the necessary viewings. Reducing later on may send the wrong message to buyers  “

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

You legally need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Your EPC provides information about your property’s energy use. If you don’t have a current certificate, for a small charge we can provide this for you.

How long will it take to sell my property and move ?

Once you’re on the market, the first few weeks are the most crucial time for your home to go under offer.

‘That first four to six weeks of marketing a property is so important,  says Chris Harvey manager of Acres Four Oaks ‘Your property is fresh on the market and it’s the best time to capture the maximum interest.’ Featured property listing on Rightmove, provided by Acres for all New Instruction means your property will top of the listing page for the first 7 day, BOOM ! Statistics show this can treble response compared to a “ normal “ listing.   

The whole process of selling a home, from the moment it’s first listed to the moment you hand over the keys to your buyer takes around 26 weeks on average.

However, selling a home is dependent on many factors and the process can be quicker, or of course take longer.

Find a solicitor

Getting a solicitor to act for you is as important as picking your agent. Once you have accepted an offer, they will administer the sale, and onwards purchase. Acres are able to offer referrals to excellent local solicitors at competitive fees, on a No Sale No Fee basis.

It’s never too early in the process to instruct your solicitor. You can ask them to prepare the contract, and if there is a managing agent, make sure they have the Seller’s Leasehold Information Pack ready, so everything is in place when you find a buyer.  Your solicitor is going to need some information from you – everything from title deeds and building control certificates for any work you’ve had done, to leasehold documents and boiler service history, so it’s a good idea to start digging them out. You will also be asked fill out forms about the property and what you're planning to include from it in the sale.

Offers received

It's an amazing feeling when the offers start coming in. So how do you know which one to accept ? We will advise if the offer is good, and take your instruction on and negotiate as needed with your buyers. We will check the chain, finance of the buyers, and seek to find how quickly the buyer is likely to be able to complete the purchase, particularly if you're in a hurry to sell.

Remember, you don’t have to accept the first offer you receive. If you receive more than one offer, we will seek the best buyer, at the best price and in the best position for you to help you make an informed decision.

Accepting an offer

When you get an offer, it doesn’t mean that the sale is finalised. Acres expert contract “ chasers “ will liase with you, both yours, and your buyers solicitors, surveyors and other parties to keep your sale on track. Be as flexible as you can about timings, and as efficient as you can about producing any requested paperwork. If needed we will arrange further reports and advice on the contacts of any of these. Once the joy of going under offer subsides, you may find yourself in the dreaded property chain.

This is the part when the surveys start happening and the solicitors get busy with all of the relevant searches they need to conduct on your property.

This phase can take anything between 8 to 18 weeks, depending on the complexity of the chain and the properties involved.

Delays in the conveyancing process are one of the biggest hold-ups in the buying-and-selling-a-home experience. 

Exchanging contracts

Once all parties are agreed there will be ‘Exchange of Contracts’, meaning that both parties are legally bound to the sale. Exchange of Contracts is the last stage of the legal process after which you cannot pull out (without losing your deposit and any legal costs you may have incurred).

At the point of contracts being exchanged, usually a 10% deposit from your buyer will be paid into your solicitor's account. The date agreed for completion is then fixed in the contract.

Between exchange and completion, you’ll be sent a statement showing the costs, the solicitor’s charges and the mortgage monies that are being repaid. If you are making an onward purchase at the same time, you may need to send a balancing payment.

Preparing to move out

The move will take a lot of preparation, and one of the advantages of having time between exchange and completion is that you can finalise your moving arrangements. This means you can do things like cancelling your home insurance in time for the move, and make sure you’ve read your meters. Sometimes there can be a very short time ( even the same day ) between exchange of contracts and completion ( moving day ) and so early preparation if this were the case will be needed

Completion and moving day

On completion day, the money for the sale of your home will be transferred from the buyer’s solicitor to your solicitor. You’ll need to remove all of your possessions from the property, apart from any items you’ve agreed to sell to your buyer, as they will be eagerly collecting the keys from Acres, or yourself dependant on the arrangements already made.

Once the cash has landed with your solicitor (it's usually done by CHAPS which can take a couple of hours), they’ll telephone you to confirm the completion and authorise key release.

Tax when selling property

If you’re selling a property that’s been your main home since you bought it, you shouldn’t  have to pay capital gains tax.

However, if you’ve previously rented out the property, capital gains tax may apply and will be calculated based on the amount of time it wasn’t your main home.

If you’re selling so you can buy a new home, you’ll also need to factor in stamp duty calculator here

What are the costs of moving home ?

Acres fees will vary dependant your properties value, and sometimes other factors, however rest assured they will always be highly competitive, and comprehensive, on a No Sale No Fee basis, in other words you only pay us a fee when you move ! That shows our confidence in being able to find a buyer for you.

• Next up it will be your conveyancing / solicitors
• Then your removal costs
• Mortgaging fees
• The costs for any other expenses, such as the EPC or survey
• Stamp duty – Use Acres calculator here
• This of course is not a full list as there may be other costs for your particular sale but these are the main costs

Are you thinking of selling your property and want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Acres; proud to be family owned, managed, run and to have been serving the North Birmingham community for 33 years.