Wed 15 May 2019

Government Issued Help Guides for Buying and Selling Property

The Government have launched two new guides designed to help simplify the process of buying and selling houses.  Specifically targeted at consumers in England and Wales, they provide a high-level overview of some meaty topics.

Of course, the Government must maintain a non-biased opinion when it comes to the pros and cons of online versus high street estate agents.  However, these guides go into more detail on the specific legislation you’d expect the authors to know more about – EPC’s and conveyancing!

We think it’s really useful to have a source of information for home buyers and sellers from an independent body.  It is a continuous battle to shift the preconceived notion that estate agents are only after a quick sale whatever the cost to their client.  In our experience, this is rarely the case and estate agents pride themselves on providing the best advice for any purchase or sale situation.  That said, it can only be a positive thing for guides such as these to exist in the public forum so consumers can feel super informed about the house-buying process they are about to enter into.  

Buying or selling a property is one of the biggest things you will do in your life.  And, given that people often only undertake this process every 15-20 years, it’s not something you’re expected to be a professional at!  Luckily, estate agents have more than a little bit of an obligation to keep up to date with the latest legislation around the home purchase and sale process!

This is why we agree with the Government that it’s really important that any prospective buyer or seller is able to access advice that’s readily available.  Of course, any estate agent that you are dealing with will do their utmost to ensure that you feel confident with your “bit” in the process.  

You can also help to keep the process running smoothly by making sure you understand what’s going on, that you know what your rights and responsibilities are.  As a result of more clarity and understanding on your part, the process is likely to be far less stressful than it sometimes can be!

Whilst these guides are good; indeed, they run to around 18 pages each, of course they are not going to be exhaustive.  So, if you do have any questions that remain about your role in the house purchase or sale process, it’s a good idea to get on the phone to your agent!

The guides are:

How to Buy
and
How to Sell.