Selling London Property: Exit Strategy Guide

You invested. Values rose. Now it is time to sell — or at least to think about it.

Selling in England is as systematic as buying. Knowing the steps in advance speeds the process and reduces costly mistakes.

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Before You Decide: Tax Calculation

Calculate CGT (Capital Gains Tax) before marketing.

CGT Calculation

Taxable Gain = Sale Price – Purchase Price – Allowable Costs

Allowable costs:

• SDLT paid on purchase
• Solicitor and estate agent fees (buy and sell)
• Major improvements (not routine maintenance)
• Survey costs

2026 CGT rates (residential):

• Basic-rate taxpayer: 18%
• Higher-rate taxpayer: 24%
• Company (SPV): 25% Corporation Tax

60-day rule: Report to HMRC and pay provisional CGT within 60 days of completion.

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Step 1: Value the Property

Obtain free valuations from three estate agents. Quotes will differ — compare logic, not just numbers.

An independent RICS valuation is advisable on high-value assets.

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Step 2: Prepare the EPC

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is mandatory before marketing. It rates energy efficiency from A to G.

• Valid for 10 years; renew if expired
• Cost: approximately £60–£120
• Ordered from an accredited assessor

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Step 3: Choose an Estate Agent

English agents typically work on "no sale, no fee" — commission is due only on completion.

Commission rates:

• Sole agent: 1–1.5% of sale price (+ VAT)
• Multiple agents: 2–2.5% (+ VAT)

What to check:

• Local expertise and recent sales
• International buyer network (Turkish and Azerbaijani reach?)
• Photography and portal presentation
• Consistent pricing strategy

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Step 4: Prepare the Listing

• Professional photography (good images can affect price by 2–3%)
• Floor plan
• Accurate size and room count
• EPC rating

Portals: Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, plus international channels where relevant.

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Step 5: Offers and Negotiation

When an offer arrives:

• Confirm buyer's funding (cash or mortgage?)
• KYC documents may be requested via the agent
• Multiple offers may lead to a "best and final" round

An accepted offer is not legally binding — either party can withdraw before exchange.

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Step 6: Appoint a Solicitor (Seller)

The seller's solicitor:

• Prepares the title deed pack
• Sends contract to the buyer's solicitor
• Completes TA6 and TA10 (property information and fixtures/forms)
• Handles AML documentation

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Step 7: Exchange and Completion

Mirror image of the purchase — this time as seller:

• Exchange: Both solicitors sign; buyer pays 10% deposit
• Completion: Balance is received, keys handed over, title transfers

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Selling from Overseas

For sellers resident in Turkey:

• POA (Power of Attorney) allows your solicitor to sign exchange and completion
• CGT can be reported online
• Sale proceeds can be received by international bank transfer

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Timing: When Sells Best?

Traditionally active periods in London:

• Spring (March–June): Strongest buyer demand
• Autumn (September–November): Second peak
• Mid-summer and Christmas are quieter

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Advisory on selling your London property:
+44 7990 38 1102 | investinlondon.com.tr