The exchange of contracts might feel like the finish line, but seasoned property sellers know better. Those final few weeks between exchange and completion can make the difference between a smooth handover and a relationship-souring nightmare that follows you long after you’ve moved on.
Sellers who thought their job was done after the exchange only found themselves fielding angry calls months later about missing instruction manuals or malfunctioning boilers that weren’t properly serviced. Working with experienced estate agents in Camberley and across Surrey has taught me that the most successful sales are those where sellers go the extra mile during this crucial final phase.
The truth is, how you handle these last few weeks can impact everything from your reputation in the local community to your legal liability down the line. More importantly, it’s simply the right thing to do – after all, you’d want the same consideration if you were on the buying end.
The Great Clear-Out: More Than Just Empty Rooms
Moving house inevitably means confronting years of accumulated belongings, but the clearing-out process goes beyond simply packing boxes. Start by walking through each room with fresh eyes – what have you become blind to over the years of living there?
That pile of old magazines behind the sofa, the collection of plant pots in the garden shed, or the mysterious collection of keys that definitely don’t fit anything in the house anymore – these seemingly insignificant items can leave new owners feeling like they’re inheriting someone else’s mess rather than starting fresh in their new home.
Pay particular attention to built-in storage areas. Loft spaces, understairs cupboards, and garage corners have a habit of becoming repositories for items we’ll “deal with later.” The new owners don’t want to discover your old Christmas decorations tucked away in the eaves six months down the line.
Essential Documentation: Your Property’s Paper Trail
One of the most valuable gifts you can give new owners is a comprehensive file of property-related documentation. This goes well beyond the legal paperwork your solicitor will handle – think of it as creating a user manual for your home.
Start with appliance manuals and warranty information. That fancy integrated dishwasher might seem intuitive to you after years of use, but the new owners will thank you for leaving the instruction booklet that explains the various wash cycles. Include warranty cards, service records, and contact details for any appliances still under guarantee.
Energy certificates, boiler service records, and any electrical or gas safety certificates should be easily accessible. If you’ve had any major work done – roof repairs, damp proofing, extension work – include the relevant certificates and guarantees. These documents can save the new owners a significant amount of time and money if issues arise later.
Don’t forget the seemingly mundane but genuinely useful information: where the stopcock is located, how to reset the boiler, which circuit breaker controls which rooms, and the location of any hidden services like septic tanks or oil tanks. A simple typed sheet with this information can prevent emergency call-out fees and frustrate new homeowners.
The Final Deep Clean: First Impressions Matter
There’s clean, and then there’s “ready for new owners” clean. The latter goes beyond your normal weekly routine and addresses areas that might not usually get attention but will be glaringly obvious to fresh eyes.
Inside cupboards and drawers often harbour crumbs, sticky residues, and mysterious stains that you’ve learned to live with. New owners opening these spaces for the first time will notice immediately. The same goes for the inside of appliances – a thorough clean of the oven, microwave, and refrigerator shows consideration and professionalism.
Windows are particularly important because they’re one of the first things people notice when viewing a property. Clean windows inside and out make rooms feel brighter and more welcoming. Don’t forget to wipe down window sills and frames, which can accumulate surprising amounts of dust and debris.
Carpets benefit from a professional clean if budget allows, especially in high-traffic areas. Even if the new owners plan to replace flooring eventually, starting with clean carpets makes the transition period more pleasant and shows you’ve cared for the property.
Garden and Outdoor Areas: Curb Appeal to the End
Your garden made a good impression during viewings, so maintain that standard right up to handover. This doesn’t mean launching into major landscaping projects, but basic maintenance like mowing the lawn, weeding obvious problem areas, and clearing any accumulated debris shows ongoing care.
If you have garden furniture or equipment that’s staying with the property, make sure it’s clean and in good working order. That includes checking that garden taps work properly, clearing gutters of any obvious blockages, and ensuring external lighting is functional.
Consider the season when planning your garden handover. If you’re moving in autumn, a final leaf-clearing session will be appreciated. Moving in spring might call for some basic pruning or clearing of winter debris. The goal isn’t perfection but rather leaving the outdoor spaces ready for the new owners to enjoy immediately.
Utilities and Services: Smooth Transitions
Few things frustrate new homeowners more than discovering that essential services aren’t working properly on moving day. Test everything in the final week – heating, hot water, electrical outlets, and water pressure throughout the house.
If any issues arise, address them promptly rather than hoping the new owners won’t notice. A boiler that’s been playing up occasionally but usually works fine needs professional attention before handover, not a crossed-fingers approach.
Arrange for final meter readings on completion day and ensure you’ve provided the new owners with contact details for all utility suppliers, including any less obvious services like oil deliveries or septic tank maintenance contracts.
The Handover Meeting: Beyond Just Keys
Consider arranging a brief handover meeting with the new owners, either on completion day or shortly before. This doesn’t need to be lengthy, but it provides an opportunity to walk through any quarrels or useful information about the property.
Every house has its peculiarities – doors that stick in damp weather, switches that control unexpected outlets, or heating systems with their own logic. Five minutes of explanation can save the new owners hours of puzzlement and potential frustration.
Final Thoughts: Your Reputation Matters
Property circles in local communities are often smaller than you might expect. How you handle your sale – particularly these final stages – can impact your reputation long after you’ve moved on. Future recommendations, references, or even chance encounters in the local area can all be influenced by whether you’re remembered as a seller who cared about doing things properly.
More practically, taking care during this final phase can prevent legal complications later. While your solicitor handles the major legal aspects, small oversights can still create problems that reflect poorly on you or even result in financial liability.
