Should I have work carried out on my property before going onto the market ?   Obviously a well presented property will be received more favourable by viewers than a similar property in poor order. However it is possible to over develop and personalise a property to an extent that will put off a purchaser. If major work is necessary (roof replacement, timber or drainage works) then it may make it difficult to raise a mortgage against the property. This also applies to works that have been carried out that are not supported by the necessary paperwork (e.g. building regulations, FENSA certificates). We sell first or should we find the property we want to move to first ?   We would suggest that you put your property on the market at the same time that you start to look for your new home. Contact agents in the area you wish to move to asking them to keep you posted of any properties meeting your requirements so that you are ready to act once a buyer has been found for your own. Is there anything we can do to aid our sale once we have decided to sell our property ?   We recommend that you contact your solicitor who will conduct your conveyance to inform them of your intention to sell. Also we suggest that you locate your deeds, which will be required for the conveyance. What is the current rate of stamp duty ?   Up to £120,000 0% of the purchase price £120,001 - £250,000 1% of the purchase price £250,001 - £500,000 3% of the purchase price More than £500,000 4% of the purchase price If I instruct Churchill's to sell my property, for how long am I tied into a contract ?   There is no timescale on our terms and our commission is only payable once contracts are exchanged on the sale of your property. How long does it take a sale to complete ?   From the point at which a vendor accepts an offer on a property to completion normally takes 6 – 8 weeks. However this is very much dependant on survey, conveyancing enquiries and related chain transactions.