Selling a home in Kent
Conveyancing for Selling a House in Kent
Conveyancing for selling a house in Kent usually takes 8 to 12 weeks from sale agreed to completion. Your solicitor prepares the contract pack, answers the buyer’s enquiries, pays off your mortgage and sends you the balance, for a fixed fee agreed at the start.
- SRA or CLC-regulated firms only
- Fixed fees, with no-sale-no-fee options
- Free to use, no obligation
Selling at a glance
What’s involved
What does conveyancing for selling a house involve?
When you sell, your solicitor gets the legal paperwork ready so the buyer can proceed quickly and safely. They will:
- Obtain your title from HM Land Registry and prepare the draft contract
- Send the property information and fittings forms you complete
- Answer the buyer’s solicitor’s enquiries
- Agree the completion date and exchange contracts
- Pay off your mortgage and send you the balance on completion
The quicker your paperwork is ready, the smoother the chain. A local firm also knows what Kent buyers’ solicitors will ask about, from flood risk to building consents.
Step by step
The selling process, step by step
Most Kent sales follow these seven stages.
- 1
Instruct your solicitor
Ideally when you put your home on the market, so paperwork is ready the day you accept an offer.
- 2
Complete the property forms
The property information form and fittings and contents form, plus the leasehold information form if you sell a flat.
- 3
Contract pack sent
Your solicitor sends the draft contract, title and your forms to the buyer’s solicitor.
- 4
Answer enquiries
The buyer’s solicitor raises questions after their searches. Quick answers keep the sale moving.
- 5
Sign the contract
You sign once everything is agreed, and your solicitor gets a redemption figure from your lender.
- 6
Exchange of contracts
The sale becomes legally binding and the completion date is fixed.
- 7
Completion day
The buyer’s money arrives, your mortgage is paid off, the keys are released and your solicitor sends you the balance.
Timeline
How long does selling take?
About 8 to 12 weeks from sale agreed to completion. The buyer’s mortgage and searches often set the pace.
- Instruct
- Forms
- Contract pack
- Enquiries
- Sign
- Exchange
- Complete
Costs
What selling conveyancing costs
Selling usually costs a little less than buying because there are no searches to pay for.
| Cost | Typical amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Legal fee (fixed, freehold) | £800–£1,300 + VAT | The solicitor’s own work |
| Official copies of the title | Around £10 | From HM Land Registry |
| ID and anti-money-laundering checks | £10–£25 | Per seller |
| Bank transfer fee | £20–£50 | Paying off your mortgage and sending you the balance |
| Leasehold management pack | Set by the managing agent | Leasehold sales only |
| Estate agent’s fee | Agreed with your agent | Paid from the sale proceeds |
Local knowledge
Selling in Kent: what buyers’ solicitors ask about
Get these ready early and your sale is far less likely to stall.
Building consents
Extensions, loft conversions and replacement windows need planning or building regulations sign-off. Find the paperwork early.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
In Canterbury, Faversham and Sandwich, buyers will ask for consents for any past alterations.
Leasehold management packs
Managing agents can take weeks to send them, so ask your solicitor to order the pack as soon as you instruct.
Flood history
Near the coast and rivers, buyers ask about flooding and insurance. Keep any flood reports and insurance details handy.
Guarantees and warranties
Damp proofing, timber treatment, FENSA, gas and electrical certificates all help answer enquiries quickly.
EPC
You need a valid Energy Performance Certificate before marketing your home.
Avoiding delays
Common delays and how to avoid them
Most hold-ups are avoidable with a little preparation.
Be prepared
Documents you’ll need
Have these ready when you instruct your solicitor.
- Photo ID and proof of address
- Your mortgage lender and account number
- Planning and building regulations paperwork
- Guarantees and warranties
- Gas safety and electrical certificates
- FENSA certificates for replacement windows
- Your EPC
- Lease and service charge details (leasehold)
Related services
Related services
Selling in a Kent town
CanterburyHerne BayWhitstableMargateRamsgateAshfordFolkestoneDoverDealBroadstairsFavershamAll Kent towns →
FAQs
Conveyancing for selling a house: FAQs
Can’t see your question? Browse all FAQs or get in touch.
When should I instruct a solicitor to sell?
As soon as you put your home on the market. Your solicitor can then prepare the contract pack in advance, so it goes to the buyer’s solicitor the day you accept an offer.
How long does selling take?
Usually 8 to 12 weeks from sale agreed to completion. The buyer’s mortgage, searches and the length of the chain set the pace.
What does selling cost?
A fixed legal fee, typically £800 to £1,300 + VAT for a freehold, plus small disbursements such as title copies, ID checks and a bank transfer fee.
Do I pay my mortgage off before completion?
No. Your solicitor pays it off on completion day from the sale money, then sends you the balance.
What if I’m buying at the same time?
Use one firm for both sides. It keeps exchange and completion in step, which is easier and often cheaper. See sale and purchase conveyancing.
Can I switch solicitors during the sale?
Yes, although it can cause delay. Your new solicitor asks the old one to transfer the file. Choosing a local, responsive firm from the start avoids the need.
What happens if the sale falls through?
With a no-sale-no-fee option, you won’t pay the firm’s legal fee if the sale collapses. Costs already paid out on your behalf may still be charged, so check the terms in your quote.
Official guidance on conveyancing for selling a house: Buying or selling your home (GOV.UK) · Find an energy certificate (GOV.UK) · HM Land Registry · SRA register of solicitors
Fees and timescales checked for Kent · Last updated September 2026
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