Plant power: use botanicals to impress buyers

It’s true – the wonder of nature can be harnessed to help you sell your home. Homes & Gardens even claimed in a recent article that ‘houseplant staging’ was the secret to property sales success.

Botanical elements can definitely add appeal before you open your door to buyers. With everything you need freely available from garden centres, DIY stores and even your humble supermarket, what’s stopping you?

Fill a vase with flowers & foliage

Yes, it’s a cliché but cut flowers will always make a home for sale feel fresher and better dressed. If you’re heading out to buy a ready-made bunch, opt for UK-grown blooms to support local growers. If your garden is in good shape, you may be able to pull together your own display using what’s in season – and reduce the bouquet’s air miles to zero at the same time. Pad out your vase with foliage and twigs or opt for single-stem vases if you’re short of flowers.

Try a houseplant take-over

Achingly in fashion, houseplants are guaranteed to impress and you don’t have to wait for the right season for the best results. Their evergreen nature and adaptability is ideal if you have an empty shelf or a bare corner. Some houseplants prefer bright light, while others can tolerate shade. Some even thrive in steamy environments, such as bathrooms. If the thought of keeping a houseplant alive is daunting, choose almost-indestructible varieties such as pothos, money tree, lucky bamboo, spider plant or snake plant.

Prioritise pots of joy

The plus points of pots are numerous and they really are a seller’s friend when it comes to making a shrewd investment. Unlike shrubs and trees, which ideally need planting into beds, pots can move with you (even with plants and bulbs still in them) and provide years of joy.

Pots can go almost anywhere too – on your doorstep filled with bright bedding plants, by your back door crammed full of culinary herbs, grouped together on the patio or added to a balcony. Opt for vibrantly-coloured, unusually-shaped and interestingly-textured pots and they’ll become statement items on their own, or when paired with foliage-only plants.

To ensure the health of any pot plants, always add crocks to the bottom of the pots to improve drainage, use peat-free container and basket compost, ensure the soil doesn’t dry out and feed in the growing/flowering seasons.

Notes for the not-so-green fingered

Plants are a little like children – they need a certain degree of feeding and nurturing. If your past growing track record leans more towards neglect, never fear. There are low and no-risk ways to flood your home with flora and fauna.

  • Keeping it real

There are many houseplants that need little or no moisture. Ponytail palms, tillandsia, burro’s tail, sedums, sago palms and zebra plants (haworthia) are ideal for busy households who may overlook strict watering schedules.

  • If you can’t make it, fake it

Faux plants have evolved to become ultra-realistic but while they can fool even the most observant of property visitors, faux plants haven’t always had a good reputation in the sustainability stakes. Thankfully a number of companies are addressing the issue, one of which is Bloomist, who’s EcoFaux™ uses upcycled and recycled plastics.

  • The compromise

Preserved plants are an interior designer’s favourite as they keep the characteristics of living plants and fuse them with the zero-maintenance of faux plants. A more advanced art of flower drying has allowed gypsophila, hydrangeas, heathers, linum, bunny tails and craspedia to be preserved for natural beauty with none of the plastic.

  • Opt for flora and fauna on fabrics & wallpaper

Buds, petals, leaves and trees have long been fashionable motifs in the interior design world, with a style to suit all tastes. All manner of items can be boosted by botanicals, and examples include Cath Kidson’s ditsy design cushions and Orla Kiely’s retro stem pattern bedlinen, to Colefax & Fowler’s embroidered crewel fabric and Graham & Brown’s jungle wall mural.

We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation appraisal for a property you are looking to sell. You never know – a stunning garden or balcony display may just add a few pounds to your home’s value. Get in touch to make an appointment.

Should vendors commission surveys before they sell?

The buying and selling process in the UK hasn’t changed for decades. Most home movers understand a survey that examines the condition of a property is commissioned by the purchaser as part of ‘caveat emptor’ – let the buyer beware.

There is, however, another approach that puts the seller in the driving seat when it comes to surveys. It’s very much a pre-emptive move that arms a homeowner with essential facts about their home before they put the property on the market.

You may ask why a seller should bear the cost of certain surveys when usually the bill is picked up by the buyer. Let’s explain. One of the most common reasons for a purchaser to withdraw from a transaction is a negative set of survey results. By the time the survey is received, the transaction is usually quite far along, with the house taken off the market, a degree of financial investment and the seller making onward plans.

If a buyer isn’t happy with the survey results, there are a number of paths they can follow. They can ask the seller to reduce the asking price to a figure that factors in the cost of remedying any issues; the buyer can ask the seller to undertake the work to correct defects in order for the sale to proceed, or the buyer can walk away from the purchase.

Each option delays the process and the first two options will cost the seller money, as well as incur delays. Pre-emptive surveys carried out by the seller before the ‘for sale’ board goes up can help mitigate these scenarios and prevent unwanted surprises.

So, what type of surveys should a seller consider commissioning? The top two survey discoveries that would prompt a buyer to withdraw from a purchase are subsidence and Japanese Knotweed. Other aspects that may trouble a buyer are damp and mould.

Seller-commissioned surveys are sensible if the homeowner suspects there is an issue – perhaps they have seen large cracks appear since they bought the property. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some problems can be genuinely missed. A new survey by Legal & General’s team of accredited surveyors found damp was the most common issue to go unnoticed by homeowners prior to a survey. Asbestos and electrical issues were also aspects that were only picked up by a surveyor’s assessment.

Such issues can be identified upfront by specialised contractors, who will inspect the property and grounds, highlight any issues that may come up in a buyer’s survey, give an estimated price to correct the faults and carry out any work necessary.

The information gleaned from any specialist surveys allows sellers to take a course of action that best suits their circumstances: carry out any work before a sale starts, price according to the home’s condition or prepare to make allowances when the buyer’s survey results are received.

Not every seller will need to conduct their own specialist surveys and we feel they will never replace a HomeBuyer Survey or a full structural/building survey carried out on behalf of the purchaser.

If you’re a potential seller in any doubt, we can advise if any action needs to be taken before your home comes to market. The age, location and condition of your property will be taken into account, and the survey report from the last sale may be used for background information. Please contact us to discuss your moving plans.

Kitchen Q&A special: What to do before a sale

There’s a saying in estate agency that goes ‘kitchens and bathrooms sell homes’ and we tend to agree. We’re often asked by prospective sellers what they should do to make their kitchen ultra-appealing and many ask if it’s possible to add value too. Our answers to the most commonly-asked questions should help inform your kitchen plans.

Q. Should I completely replace my kitchen?

A. Our answer would follow an in-person visit. Exceptionally dated or poor-condition kitchens can put buyers off and decrease a home’s value, so we may recommend a refit before the property goes on the market. How much value a new kitchen adds varies – it can be as much as 10% – but we can help you establish whether the cost of a refit’s labour and materials is more than the price uplift achievable.

Q. Is there a cost-effective alternative to replacing my kitchen?

A. Buyers are looking for bright, social and practical kitchens and if your kitchen doesn’t deliver, it may be seen as a negative. If your budget or time scale prevents remodelling, illustrating what’s possible is an option. A small investment in plans for a revised kitchen layout and creating a mood board to show prospective buyers will highlight potential. You may go as far as obtaining drawings or even full planning permission for a kitchen extension – it will cost a fraction of actually undertaking the work.

Q. My cabinets are from the 1990s – should I change them?

A. Cabinetry fashions change over time and the style makes it possible to pinpoint the age of a kitchen. If your carcasses are in good condition, a cosmetic makeover may be enough. It’s possible to replace the doors – or have them resprayed – and a change of handles can make an instant impact. You can also replace worktops, or have poor-condition surfaces wrapped or overlayed.

Q. I have freestanding appliances – will they hinder a sale?

A. While research by Ideal Home found UK buyers would pay £1,761 extra for fitted appliances, freestanding appliances are rarely so off-putting they cause a prospective purchaser to walk away. Indeed, we feel integrated appliances are ‘nice to have’ rather than essential. What matters more is the brand, the energy rating and the age of the appliances – the newer the better.

Q. You can’t sit down to eat in my kitchen, is that a problem?

A. There are advantages to an eat-in kitchen if you haven’t got a separate dining room. If space is at a premium, you may wish to consider a slim bar-height table with stools, a drop-down table that can be folded flush against a wall or a drop-leaf dining table with integral chair storage. Alternatively, make use of bench-style seating in alcoves and bay windows, and save space with fold-up dining chairs.

Q. Should I upgrade the lighting in my kitchen?

A. Kitchens have evolved from merely a place to prepare food to social hubs, and a variety of lighting options can help set the scene. Overhead task lighting – such as spotlights – is essential for cooking but being able to switch to pelmet and plinth lighting is an attractive feature. Pendant lights over an island or peninsula also make a great design focal point.

Q. I haven’t got much of a budget, are there cheap ways to improve my kitchen?

A. Yes! Some of the best transformations follow a simple trip to a DIY store. You should never underestimate the power of a clean kitchen, so pick up a limescale remover, a degreasing product and a stainless steel cleaner to make your kitchen sparkle. Cleaning your oven and hob are also must-do jobs before a sale. Decluttering will help make your kitchen feel more spacious and a coat of neutral paint will freshen the walls. Add a scented candle or reed diffuser to your shopping basket to help neutralise cooking odours, and a houseplant or vase of flowers never fails to add finesse to a set of property photos.

If you would like advice regarding your kitchen or a free, no-obligation valuation, please contact us today.

Dos & don’ts when it comes to devaluing your home

There is nothing wrong with wanting to add value to a property. In fact, it can be exciting to think altering, enlarging or upgrading your home may allow you to recoup more than you’ve spent when you come to sell.

There are, however, high points and pitfalls when it comes to adding value, especially if you’re looking to undertake much of the improvement work yourself.

Be prepared to go neutral

It’s an oldie but a goldie – many buyers are put off by brave interior design choices. Most buyers make snap judgements based on aesthetics, especially when viewing online, while other people want a ‘ready to live in’ home where they don’t have to spend time or money on redecorating.

Dark paint colours, bold wallpaper and fun themes rarely add value and can actually prompt potential buyers to offer less, so don’t follow fashion when revamping the interior. Redecorating with neutral colours will give your home the broadest appeal and attract more buyers. Plus, a light, unfussy interior has the added bonus of making rooms feel more spacious too.

Enquiry levels, viewing feedback and offers received will be a good indicator if some décor tweaks could improve the property’s appeal. We’ll always advise you before you put your home on the market but acting on comments during the marketing process can also have a positive effect.

Consider reinstating coveted aspects

In most cases, some basic DIY and maintenance is enough to add appeal and help a home achieve its true sales value. In some cases, however, more major alterations could be required.

Reoccurring aspects that can devalue a home include bathrooms where the bathtub has been replaced with a shower cubicle, bedrooms that have been converted into dressing rooms, a gym or hobby spaces, and rooms that have been knocked through to create open-plan living. The latter has been under scrutiny more recently, with buyers concerned about the cost of heating larger spaces.

Careful planning is required, however, when it comes to reversing substantial property aspects. Don’t automatically assume reinstating a dividing  wall or ripping out fitted wardrobes is the right decision – you’ll need to establish whether the work will cost more than the value it will add.

In some cases, there may be a more practical middle ground – such as installing a shower over a bath, for example. As we discuss below, removing or adding an element is one thing, how well it’s executed is another.

Know when to call in the professionals

Knowing your limits is important, especially in light of a new study commissioned by British Gas. In its list of ‘Top 25 jobs Brits don’t feel confident carrying out’ were wallpapering a room, patching a hole in the wall and replacing a light fitting.

While it’s tempting to think ‘that’ll do’ if you’ve slapped on a coat of paint or literally papered over the cracks ahead of selling, sloppy workmanship can come back to haunt you. In two separate reports, one by Pension Times and another by Loveproperty.com, poor quality DIY was deemed to devalue a home. In the case of the latter, it was cited as the top reason why a home could lose value.

If you’re not a perfectionist or have never tackled such jobs before, don’t go it alone. It could be more cost effective to hire a professional to undertake the work for you.

Homeowners rarely set out to devalue their property and more often than not, DIY and maintenance can enhance the value, if done well. If you’re in any doubt about how you can achieve the very best sales price for your home, feel free to contact us.

Gen Z renters seek sustainable properties

What you think Generation Z want from a rental property and what they would actually like may surprise landlords hoping to target students, recent graduates and young professionals.

While Generation Z have a reputation for living their lives voraciously – and rather superficially – via social media, their property wishes are far more considered and cautious. A new survey of more than 2,500 people aged between 16-25, featured in an article published by PBSA News, set out to establish what was important to them in a rented home.

Flashy luxuries took a back seat to more sustainable aspects, illustrating that Generation Z is far more prudent and eco-conscious than landlords may believe. The headline statistic showed that 80% of Generation Z said it was important that their home had sustainability credentials – a figure that rose to 86% among the international Generation Z community based in the UK. In fact, only 6% of participants said sustainability features would not be important when deciding on their accommodation.

When it came to specifics, those taking part in the survey had a clear idea on how their home should be energy efficient. Good insulation to cut down on energy bills was important to 67% of respondents, while 35% said they would like to see solar panels installed.

Smart technology that can help save the environment and money was most important to 16 to 18 year-olds, with 57% of this age group expressing a willingness to pay more for smart tech as opposed to a concierge (35%), gaming room (39%), cinema room (46%), pub or bar (41%) or communal dining room (37%).

Landlords should also take heed of some other interesting findings – especially those looking to make new property investments. Becoming more self-sufficient was a surprising desire, with 22% of young people saying they want outdoor space to grow their own produce. And for landlords offering furnished properties, it’s worth noting that 73% of those surveyed would be comfortable living somewhere with second-hand or upcycled furniture.

The new findings follow a set of similar survey results released earlier in 2022. When questioning younger generations, E.ON found the majority (83%) of Generation Z and Millennials (the latter who are aged between 28-41) would be more inclined to speak to their landlord about installing a heat pump, than those in Generation X (those aged between 42-56). E.ON’s survey also revealed 8 in 10 from Generation Z would reject properties that didn’t meet minimum energy efficiency ratings, compared to only 6 in 10 Generation X who would do the same.

With tightening EPC standards set to be phased in from 2025, landlords should be preparing now in order to market more sustainable, legally-compliant properties in the future. For landlords who are early-adopters, a more energy efficient buy-to-let will appeal to a growing group of sustainably minded Generation Z tenants. If you would like advice on improving the energy efficiency of your portfolio, please get in touch.

Self-care crosses over into the home

Self-care’ is a concept that’s gained momentum in the last two years, especially as we look to rebalance our lives after the pandemic. Although what may immediately spring to mind is a walk in the countryside or an hour-long aromatherapy massage, the self-care trend has crossed over into our homes.

A new study has shown how self-care is shaping where we live. Not On The High Street recently questioned Brits on the matter of what it calls ‘self spaces’ – rooms devoted to self-care, hobbies or leisure activities.

The study found people in 2022 wanted to enjoy more ‘me time’ (68%), maintain a better work/life balance (58%) and spend more time on hobbies (66%). As a result, many were thinking about creating a room in their home dedicated to their passions and more holistic past-times. In fact, research revealed over a third of us have already designated a space where we can practice a form of self-care – not surprising when 7 in 10 people said they felt most relaxed while at home.

This rising interior trend is already having an effect on the property market. Almost half (48%) of those taking part in the research said a self-care room would be a priority when looking for their next home.

To quantify just how important self-care has become, Not On The High Street asked people what was most essential within the home. It found some Brits felt a self-care room was more important than a new kitchen (38%), a new en-suite bathroom (39%), a new living room (37%) or a new garden (37%).

According to the online retailer, our top 10 self-care spaces are:

  1.     Reading corner (16%)
  2.     Gym (16%)
  3.     Walk in wardrobe (14%)
  4.     Cinema room (14%)
  5.     ‘Man cave’ (14%)
  6.     Music room (13%)
  7.     Arts and crafts studio (12%)
  8.     Gaming room (12 %)
  9.     Study room (11%)
  10.     Mini library (10%)

Stay flexible when it comes to self-care

Interior trends come and go, so before you rush out to reconfigure your property or install permanent pieces of gym equipment, think about how versatile the room could be, especially when it comes to selling or renting out your property in the future.

Retaining flexibility can be achieved by using freestanding furniture that isn’t screwed or nailed down; using screens to divide rooms on a temporary basis; opting for multi-purpose furniture, such as a snooker table that converts into a dining table, and keeping the décor neutral.

Easy self-care ideas to introduce

Adding an element of self-care to your day doesn’t have to involve a dedicated room. Why not try one of these small-scale ideas instead?

  • Encourage a spa-like ambience in your bathroom: clear away empty toiletry bottles, buy a fresh set of fluffy towels and light candles instead of turning on a harsh overhead light.
  • Find bedroom bliss: banish the TV from the bedroom and instead, play a soothing soundtrack of music you may hear when going for a massage.
  • Create a reading corner: just add a comfy chair, a side table for your coffee, a freestanding lamp and a pile of classic novels.
  •  Install a window seat: if you have a window with a view, think about installing a window seat as there’s something meditative about simply watching the world go by.
  • Make a mindfulness zone: clear clutter and minimise distractions to create a place to practice mindfulness or meditation.

If you are searching for a new home and a self-care space is on your ‘most wanted’ list, talk to us about available properties.

Property positives & negatives: what puts buyers off?

For many, selling up represents a decision to leave a property that the owner has invested time and money into making it a home. Others, however, may have fallen out of love with where they live, letting it get a little ‘rough around the edges.’

Like or loathe your current home, it’s not the opinion of the seller that counts. As soon as that ‘for sale’ sign is up, all that matters is what buyers think about the property and how much they’re willing to pay to make it theirs.

New research from Tapi was commissioned to establish the top five negatives that put potential purchasers off. It’s a study that has been carried out numerous times by different people but after the last two years and many people making lifestyle changes, it’s good to get a fresh perspective on what may scupper a property sale.

The research found a home that needed a lot of work doing to it was the most off-putting aspect, with 45% of those taking part in the research saying they’d pass on a property if it needed too much modernising or maintenance.

On a similar theme, 22% of participants commented that they’d discount a property that needed complete redecoration, while 28% would be deterred if the home had an old kitchen that needed replacing.

The other two aspects in the top five property negatives really fall outside of the seller’s control. Purchasers value their peace and quiet, with 43% of respondents saying they’d snub a property if there was a lot of external noise pollution. Completing the list was unsightly surroundings in eye view of the property – a negative cited by 36% of people.

Rather than dwelling exclusively on the adverse, the study also asked what people found most attractive when looking for a new home. Unsurprisingly, more than half of Brits (52%) said private outdoor space was the most important factor when searching for a new home.

Just behind a garden or a balcony was a new kitchen, with 51% saying this was a top consideration when looking for a property to buy. Another feature that finds favour with home movers is a new bathroom, with 42% of respondents saying this was very important to them. Other property plus points included freshly painted walls (20%), new flooring (15%), modern appliances (12%) and neutral colours (19%).

Before you rush out to buy a new kitchen or rip out your bathroom, talk to us about the financial investment needed to make improvements versus the actual value and appeal it will add to your property. Sometimes the simplest (and cheapest) alterations, such as tidying the garden and repainting throughout in white, can make all the difference. Contact us for free advice and a property valuation.

5 value-adding ideas to help achieve your asking price

While it’s universally accepted that, in many circumstances, the price we pay is the price we see – in supermarkets and restaurants for example – there are a couple of instances where a little haggling is to be expected.

Buying a property is one of them. After all, estate agencies are staffed with skilled negotiators and the clue is in the name. Even in the strongest selling market, buyers may offer a figure below the asking price, hoping the seller will say yes in order to secure a sale.

As a guide, we traditionally see buyers offering up to around 5% less than the asking price on their first bid. The longer a property is on the market, the more likely an offer will be 10% under what the property is marketed for. There’s even such a thing as a ‘lowball’ offer – a figure that’s 25% or more below the asking price, but this is highly unusual.

As experienced agents, we understand your need to achieve as close to the asking price as possible but what happens if you come across a buyer who drives a hard bargain? A keen purchaser who repeatedly submits low offers shouldn’t always be dismissed.

They may be an excellent prospect in terms of their circumstances – perhaps a cash buyer, someone with no chain behind them or a purchaser who can offer a quick exchange – and we’re here to help you weigh up a person’s situation versus their offer.

If low offers persist but you are worried you may lose the interest of potential purchasers, there are ways to keep buyers engaged without budging on your asking price. It all comes down to adding extra value.

Here are 5 value-adding ideas to explore:

  1. Sell with planning permission already granted: the cost of submitting a full planning permission application for alterations/extensions to a single dwelling house or a flat is £206 but it could add as much as 10% to your home’s value.
  2. Leave behind high-value items, such as white goods: fridge freezers, ovens and even furniture can all be used as bartering tools. If this approach appeals to your buyer, ensure negotiations are conducted through the solicitors using the TA10 contents and fixtures form.
  3. Be flexible with the completion date: value can’t always be measured in monetary terms, so being in a position to exchange and complete at speed will be an advantageous trade-off tool among buyers who are in a hurry.
  4. Offering to rectify flaws found in the survey: one of the most common reasons for a low offer is unfavourable survey results. Offering to pay for issues such as damp is a cost but it could allow you to stick to your asking price – a critical point when funding an onward purchase.
  5. Throw in extras: there’s definitely something in the concept of buying a lifestyle so if your purchaser has fallen in love with your home, they may be persuaded to up their asking price if you include accessories such as lamp shades, curtains and rugs.

If you are hoping to come to market this spring, why not start with one of our free valuations? We will suggest an achievable asking price and advise on ways that you can add value to your home. Contact us to get started.

Taxing matters for landlords in 2022

‘Tax doesn’t have to be taxing’ is a favourite slogan of HM Revenue & Customs and it’s true! For many people, paying tax and working out VAT is an aspect of our daily lives that someone else works out on our behalf.

If you’re a landlord or property developer, however, you are classified as a business owner who is responsible for their own tax bill and possibly VAT too. While a good accountant is vital when it comes to filing returns and reducing bills, understanding the relationship between tax, VAT and property before you invest and during a tenancy is key to healthy yields and profits.

This year will see landlords settle into a new tax and VAT pattern, and while we can’t predict what the Chancellor may introduce later in 2022, here are 6 things we do know:

Mortgage interest tax relief changes are in full effect
The tapering of mortgage interest tax relief is complete and from now on, landlords filling in their self-assessment tax return will only be able to offset 20% of their mortgage interest payments against their tax bill.

There’s more time to report & pay CGT
When a landlord sells a buy-to-let property, there is usually CGT (Capital Gains Tax) to pay. This year has already heralded a positive change to how landlords report profits gained from selling additional properties and how long they have to pay the CGT bill. The timeframe has been extended to 60 days, up from the previous 30.

The tax liability notification period may shorten
The Government is keen to boost its coffers and it is consulting on an Income Tax Self-Assessment reform, which would prompt landlords to pay taxes due more quickly. At present, landlords have six months to notify HMRC of a tax liability if they’re making money from additional properties but this timeframe may be reduced to something much shorter, possibly one month.

Stamp duty may rise for mixed-tenure purchases
Property investors with one eye on the High Street should plan for a possible SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) hike. The Government wants to change how mixed-tenure purchases – such as a ground floor retail unit with a residential flat above, sold as one transaction – are taxed. Currently, purchasers pay lower commercial rates of SDLT on the entire purchase but the proposed change would see the residential part taxed at the higher residential rate.

5% VAT for developer landlords is available
Landlords who engage in development and conversion work before they let out a property still have access to more flattering rates of VAT. Building work to change a commercial premises into a residential buy-to-let home may attract 5% VAT, while developing student accommodation could see VAT reduced to zero in some cases.

Reduced VAT rates for providers of holiday accommodation ends soon
One of the Government’s pandemic rescue packages saw suppliers of holiday accommodation – including short Airbnb lets – pay a reduced rate of VAT but this benefit ends on 31st March 2022. As of 1st April 2022, the VAT rate will rise from 12.5% to the pre-pandemic standard rate of 20%.

Still find tax taxing?
As buy-to-let and property specialists, we can advise on all matters of lettings, including tax and VAT. Get in touch and we can help you find financial efficiencies and run profitable property investment portfolios.

Don’t forget your toothbrush holder: the TA10 form explained

There are a multitude of acronyms and abbreviations to get your head around when buying or selling a property. Something you may see in your pile of paperwork are forms with the letters TA at the start.

The TA stands for transaction and these letters come in the form of templates drafted by The Law Society. They are sent out by conveyancing solicitors and estate agents to those involved in the moving process, and one form that every seller will be asked to complete is a TA10.

More commonly known as a ‘fittings and fixtures’ or ‘fittings and contents’ form, a TA10 is completed by the seller so they can clearly identify what’s included in the sale and what is going to be removed.

A TA10 form is largely a tick-box exercise. Once you have filled in details about yourself, your solicitor and your property’s location, the most common fittings are presented as a list with boxes by their side. The seller simply ticks ‘included’ if it’s being left at the property, ‘excluded’ if it’s being taken with them and ‘none’ if the item listed is not relevant to their property.

It’s completely natural to think of fittings and contents as items such as integrated storage, kitchen appliances and built-in furniture. When it comes to a TA10 form, however, even the smallest and sometimes most unconventional of details needs consideration. Be prepared to weigh up whether you’re going to leave your toothbrush holder, loft insulation, dustbins and even your doorbell. Yes, these are all listed on The Law Society’s TA10 template form.

The latter item – the humble doorbell – is actually part of a wider conversation within conveyancing. The Law Society is currently holding a consultation with solicitors on the matter of smart products and connected appliances – items that are increasingly being fitted to homes. These can include smart doorbells, wifi-enabled CCTV and app-controlled central heating systems.

The current TA10 template doesn’t have a smart device section and this may not appear until after The Law Society’s consultation ends on 28th February 2022. Until changes are made, sellers should use the ‘other items’ section at the end of the TA10 form to list any smart devices, being clear on what’s being taken and what is being left. If it’s the latter, the seller should detail how the new occupant can access the service and take over any subscriptions.

There are also boxes for ‘price’ and ‘comments’ against each item on the TA10 form. It is here where a seller can let the buyer know what items are for sale, for how much and if there are any related notes.

Negotiations to purchase items are usually conducted between the buyer and seller directly, or we can mediate, if that’s preferred. It is sometimes possible for the solicitors to negotiate the sale of any items but there may be an additional charge for this service. If a price is agreed and an item is to be bought, both solicitors need informing.

As with all paperwork relating to a property sale or purchase, speed is of the essence if you want to complete without delays. If you are a seller, fill out and return your TA10 form to your solicitor promptly. If you are the buyer, ensure you read through the form upon receipt, flagging up any questions and requests to purchase as soon as you can. We’re here to offer guidance, so get in touch with any TA10 form questions.