Guide to Buying and Selling

Start by finding out the value of your current property. We offer a free valuation tool to help you understand how much your home might sell for. This will give you a clearer idea of what you can afford to pay for your next property.

Once you know the value of your current home, you can factor in your equity, any savings, income, and mortgage options. Keep in mind that a lower loan-to-value ratio can help you access better mortgage rates. Don’t forget to account for any renovation costs, Stamp Duty, and other moving expenses.

Make sure your property is ready for the market, by decluttering, neutralising, and making any necessary repairs. You may want to consider small upgrades to help attract buyers.

We can help you with the paperwork to secure a mortgage in principle. Based on your income, outgoings, and equity in your current home, a lender will issue a document outlining how much they are willing to lend. 

Having this prepared when viewing properties also shows sellers you are serious about making an offer.

When selecting an estate agent, trust and experience are key.

Pattinson Estate Agency is the North East’s largest independent estate agency, consistently selling more properties than any other estate agency in the region. We have been property industry leaders since 1977, which is testament to our honesty, reliability, and the strong relationships we build with our clients. Over the years, many agents have come and gone, but our commitment to exceptional service remains steadfast. Sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants return to us time and again, confident in the knowledge that we’ll guide them through every step of their property journey with ease and support.

We prioritise keeping you informed with regular updates and feedback, and we ensure you're never left in the dark about the progress of your sale.

How long will it take?

Timeframes differ, depending on the method of sale taken.

How much will you sell my property for?

We pride ourselves on honest, realistic valuations. While some agents may promise inflated prices, our goal is to help you move swiftly by setting a fair and achievable price, by attracting multiple offers.

We work with all major property portals as well as the main social media platforms to actively promote your home. We also have 30 interlinked branches with extensive databases which will be utilised. Every viewing can be accompanied by one of our professional estate agents.

Begin looking for your next home (if you haven’t already!). 

By registering your requirements with us at Pattinson Estate Agency, you’ll receive notifications as soon as a suitable property becomes available. We wouldn’t want to let you miss out on your new dream home!

Our expert agents will arrange and accompany viewings with any interested buyers on your behalf. Where possible we will arrange viewings to be booked in succession to minimise disruption in your day as much as possible.

We can also field any questions potential buyers may have and will be on hand to advise you (and them) on what happens next.

Once you’ve found a property (or several) that interest you. Where these are also listed with Pattinson, we can arrange a viewing and answer any questions you have. Our team works flexibly to find a viewing time that suits you. If you are relocating or struggling with timing, let us know, and we can arrange a video viewing. Use the arrange viewing button on the property page, or

We would advise you to evaluate each offer carefully. Consider factors like the buyer’s financial situation and whether they are part of a chain, and don’t be afraid to negotiate in order to get the best possible deal.

Once you find a home you love and have the finance for, you can submit an offer through the estate agent. Having your current property under offer or close to selling will strengthen your position as a buyer.

Once you’ve made an offer, it’s time to instruct a conveyancer to handle the legal work. They’ll manage tasks such as property searches, contract exchange, and the transfer of ownership. At Pattinson Estate Agency, we can assist you with the legal side of things using our trusted conveyancing services:

• No hidden charges – We offer a guaranteed fixed-fee model.

• No move, no fee – If your purchase falls through, you pay nothing.

We would recommend for you to use the same conveyancer for both the sale and purchase, as this will most likely save you money, and may help the transaction go more smoothly.

Typical Timeframe: 1-2 weeks

Your solicitor will receive the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor and review it. During this period, you'll clarify what’s included in the sale (e.g. fixtures, fittings) and confirm the completion date and any conditions.

You'll also review the contract for the property you are selling to ensure the buyer is happy with all the terms.

Typical Timeframe: 2-4 weeks

Your solicitor will carry out various searches to identify any legal issues with the property, including:

• Local authority search: Planning, highways, and building regulations checks.

• Water and drainage search: Ensures connection to mains water and drainage.

• Environmental search: Assesses risks like flooding or land contamination.

Typical Timeframe: 1-2 weeks (may overlap with searches)

Your mortgage lender will arrange a valuation to confirm the property’s value. You may also wish to commission a property survey to check its condition. At Pattinson, we can also help with this:

Snagging Survey: Ideal for new builds, this inspection identifies issues for the developer to fix before completion.

Homebuyer’s Survey: Suitable for properties under 50 years old, this mid-level survey provides an overview of the property’s condition.

Full Structural Survey: A comprehensive assessment of the property's structure, crucial for older or listed buildings.

Typical Timeframe: 2-3 weeks

Once your lender approves the valuation, a formal mortgage offer will be issued. You’re now ready to proceed with the exchange of contracts.

Typical Timeframe: 6-8 weeks from offer acceptance

When everything is in place, your solicitor will finalise the contracts for both your sale and purchase. The exchange of contracts legally binds the transactions, and the completion date will be confirmed.

Typical Timeframe: 1-2 weeks after exchange

Finalise your moving arrangements, secure buildings insurance (usually required by your lender), and review the completion statement. Your solicitor will prepare a completion statement detailing the final amount owed.

Typical Timeframe: On the agreed completion date

On completion day, the balance of the purchase price is transferred from your mortgage lender to the seller’s solicitor. You’ll hand over the keys to your buyer, and in turn, receive the keys to your new home. Legal ownership is officially transferred, and you can potentially move in.

Timeframe: On the day of completion

Once the transaction is completed, you can move into your new home. Make sure you’ve arranged a removal company or moving service ahead of time. Be sure to set up utilities and any other services in your new property.

Typical Timeframe: 1-2 weeks after completion

Your solicitor will handle final tasks, including paying Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable), registering the property with the Land Registry, and settling any remaining legal fees.