Sellers Guide
Selling your home in Slough
A clear, step-by-step guide from your free valuation to handing over the keys.
Your sellers guide
Sell with confidence
Selling your home is the start of a new chapter. We combine local knowledge with a hands-on, personal service to make the process clear and as stress-free as possible.
This guide explains every stage, what we’ll need from you and what it costs, so there are no surprises. Have a question? Call us on 01753 336 444.
Why sellers trust Apex Real Estate
Your trusted local estate agent in Slough
Local expertise
Deep insight into neighbourhood values, buyer demand and seasonal trends.
Maximum exposure
Multi-channel marketing puts your property in front of thousands of active buyers.
Personalised service
A dedicated point of contact, so you’re never left wondering what happens next.
Transparent fees
Our fee is agreed upfront, with no hidden costs.
“We guide you at every step with clarity, care and commitment.”
Step by step
The 9 steps to selling your home
From your free valuation to completion day, here’s how a sale usually runs. Every sale is different, and we’ll guide you through each stage.
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1
Book your free valuation
We visit your home and give you an accurate, no-obligation appraisal based on local demand and recent sales. It’s also your chance to meet us and ask questions.
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2
Choose your agent
Look for clear advice, quick responses and a team that stays with you after a sale is agreed. With Apex, you have a dedicated contact and a fee agreed upfront.
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3
Get your paperwork ready
We’ll check your ID and proof of ownership, arrange your EPC if you need one, and collect the key details buyers need to know. See what we’ll need below.
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4
Make your home market-ready
A clean, bright home helps buyers picture themselves living there.
- Declutter
- Kerb appeal
- Fix small defects
- Tidy outside space
- Fresh and welcoming
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5
Marketing and viewings
Professional photography, floorplans and a bespoke brochure for you to approve. Then we go live on Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, our website and in print, and arrange viewings.
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6
Receiving offers
We tell you about every offer straight away, verbally and in writing, and check each buyer’s finances, chain and timescale. You decide, and we negotiate for the best result.
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7
Offer accepted
The property is marked Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) and we send a Memorandum of Sale to both solicitors. Need a solicitor? Ask us for a recommendation.
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8
Sales progression
This is where we work hardest. We chase solicitors, searches, mortgage offers and the rest of the chain, and keep you updated so your sale keeps moving.
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9
Exchange and completion
At exchange, contracts are signed, the buyer pays their deposit and a completion date is fixed. On completion day, the money reaches your solicitor and we hand over the keys.
Before you go on the market
What we’ll need from you
Under anti-money laundering regulations, we must verify the identity of every seller before marketing a property. The law also requires an Energy Performance Certificate, and listings must show key material information so buyers can make informed decisions.
Having these ready means we can launch your property quickly and avoid delays once you have a buyer.
Your checklist
- Photo ID and proof of address for every owner
- Proof of ownership, such as your Land Registry title
- An Energy Performance Certificate (we can arrange this)
- Council tax band, tenure, parking, utilities, broadband and any known issues such as flood risk
- For leasehold homes: your lease, service charge and ground rent details, and managing agent’s contact
- Details of any building work, with planning, building regulations sign-off and guarantees
Plan your budget
What selling a home costs
Knowing the costs upfront makes it easier to plan your next move.
- Estate agent’s feeAgreed upfront, with no hidden costs.
- Solicitor’s feesConveyancing fees and small costs such as copies of your title.
- EPCOnly if you don’t have a valid one. Certificates last 10 years.
- Leasehold packCharged by the freeholder or managing agent, for leasehold homes.
- Mortgage redemptionAny early repayment charge or exit fee from your lender.
- Moving costsRemovals, storage and any overlap with your next home.
Our fees
Agreed upfront, no surprises
We’ll explain our fee clearly at your free valuation, before you commit to anything.
No hidden costs, and no tie-in until you’re happy to go ahead.
Good to know
Timescales, leasehold and chains
How long a sale takes
From offer accepted to completion often takes around three to four months.
Chains, leasehold properties and mortgage delays can add time, so getting your paperwork ready early really helps.
Selling a leasehold home
- Order the management pack early, as it can take several weeks.
- Check how many years are left on your lease. A short lease can put off buyers and lenders.
- If your lease is getting short, ask your solicitor about extending it before you sell.
Selling and buying
If you’re moving on, we’ll help line up your sale and purchase so both sides of the chain move together.
Read our buyers guide or register to hear about new properties first.
Selling commercial property?
Whether it’s a shop, office, industrial unit or an investment, our commercial team can advise on value and the best route to market.
What our clients say
Trusted by sellers across Slough
Seller FAQs
Your questions answered
What happens at a free valuation?
One of our team visits your home, looks at its features and condition, and compares it with local demand and recent sales. We’ll give you a realistic asking price, explain how we’d market it and tell you our fee. There’s no cost and no obligation.
What do I need before my home goes on the market?
Photo ID and proof of address for every owner, proof of ownership, a valid Energy Performance Certificate and key details such as council tax band, tenure and utilities. For leasehold homes, we’ll also need your lease and service charge details. See the full checklist.
Why do you need to check my ID?
Estate agents are legally required under anti-money laundering regulations to verify the identity of everyone selling a property before it’s marketed. It only takes a few minutes and protects everyone involved.
How much does it cost to sell my home?
Our fee is agreed upfront at your valuation, with no hidden costs. You’ll also need to budget for your solicitor, an EPC if you don’t have one, any leasehold pack and any mortgage early repayment charge. See the costs checklist.
How do I make my home market-ready?
Declutter to create space and light, tidy the front garden, fix small defects and touch up paintwork, and keep outside areas clean. A bright, welcoming home photographs better and attracts stronger offers.
What marketing will my property get?
Professional photography, a floorplan and a bespoke brochure that you approve before we go live. Your property then appears on Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket and our own website, with printed brochures and flyers too.
What happens when offers come in?
We tell you about every offer straight away, verbally and in writing. We check the buyer’s finances, chain position and timescale so you can compare offers properly. You decide whether to accept, and we’ll negotiate on your behalf.
What does Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) mean?
SSTC means you’ve accepted an offer, but contracts haven’t been exchanged yet. The sale isn’t legally binding until exchange, which is why we work hard to keep everything on track.
How long does it take to sell?
Every sale is different. Once an offer is accepted, completion often takes around three to four months, and it can take longer with a chain, a leasehold property or mortgage delays. We’ll keep things moving and keep you updated throughout.
What happens at exchange of contracts?
You and the buyer sign the contract, the buyer pays their deposit and a completion date is fixed. From this point the sale is legally binding, so it’s the time to book your removals.
What happens on completion day?
The buyer’s solicitor sends the money to your solicitor. Once it arrives, we release the keys to the new owner. Remember to take meter readings and leave the property clear on the day.
Ready to get started?
Talk to our sales team
Let’s make your sale simple and successful. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation valuation or a friendly chat about your plans.