Page 6 - Page & Wells

HOW CLEAN SHOULD MY
HOUSE BE ON A SALE?
Most would agree that it’s good manners to leave your property in pristine condition so that your buyers can move straight in - without having to scrub before they put the kettle on. But did you know that failing to clean might leave you on shaky legal ground?
In accordance with your sale contract, you must give ‘vacant possession’ - meaning the property must be empty of all belongings (as well as occupiers!).That includes the garden, sheds and garages.
You may only leave items that you have agreed with the buyers to leave - set out in the fittings and contents form that you complete before exchange of contracts.
You may think that certain items might be useful for the buyer (such as matching wallpaper) but unless you have agreed to leave these, you are technically not giving vacant possession.
If possessions are left at the property, the buyers are entitled to arrange for removal and claim the costs from you – potentially through the small claims court, if needed. That said, solicitors will likely pass on any information from the buyers about items left and give you the opportunity to collect them.
So, that’s the legal position. Customarily, most sellers leave their home in an acceptable condition - often hiring professional cleaners, who can arrive on completion morning and clean the property before the buyers arrive.
A word of advice: sometimes the period between exchange of contracts and completion is only
a matter of days, so while you shouldn’t book removals until your completion date is confirmed by your solicitor, prior steps to start the ‘clear out’ process will reap rewards when it comes to the pressures of removal day. Just don’t forget to check the fridge!
LOOKING FOR A CONVEYANCING SOLICITOR?
Brachers is an award-winning law firm based in Maidstone and Canterbury. Our conveyancing solicitors can advise on buying and selling residential property, mortgages and re-mortgaging, joint ownership, equity release, buy-to-let and more.
Call us on 01622 690691 or go to brachers.co.uk for your instant online conveyancing quote. To claim a £50 discount, quote PWBR50 when you instruct us.
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