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Selling London Property: Exit Strategy Guide for International Investors

How to sell London property: estate agent selection, pricing, EPC, CGT reporting and every step of the disposal process for overseas owners.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Selling London Property: Exit Strategy Guide for International Investors" cover?
How to sell London property: estate agent selection, pricing, EPC, CGT reporting and every step of the disposal process for overseas owners.
Who is this market report guide for?
HNW investors evaluating London prime districts, yield, and entry timing in the current market cycle.
How can Brick & Fortune help with this topic?
Our London Research Desk provides buyer-only advisory, off-market sourcing, and bespoke acquisition strategy for international families and investors.

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