Thinking of Selling Your Home Early 2026? Here’s Your Essential 8 Point Preparation Checklist
As 2025 draws to a close, many homeowners are already looking ahead to 2026 with new goals and fresh starts. If selling your home is on your list for early next year, now is the perfect time to get organised. A well-prepared home not only attracts more buyers but can also help you achieve the best possible price in a competitive market.
At Redrose Estate Agents, we’ve put together this practical checklist to help you start the year ahead of the game.
Thinking of Selling Your Home Early 2026? Here’s Your Essential 8 Point Preparation Checklist
1. Review Your Finances
Before you put your home on the market, take a clear look at your financial position.
- Get an up-to-date mortgage statement so you know your outstanding balance.
- Check your affordability if you plan to buy another property. Speak to our independent mortgage adviser, who can offer impartial advice tailored to your circumstances.
- Set a realistic budget for moving costs, legal fees, removals, and any improvements needed before listing.
2. Book a Valuation
Understanding your home’s current market value is the foundation of any successful sale.
Our free, no-obligation valuation service provides an honest assessment based on local market trends, recent sales, and the unique features of your property.
Having this early insight allows you to plan your sale timeline and price expectations realistically.
3. Leasehold? Get Prepared Early
If your property is leasehold, it’s especially important to get your paperwork and legalities in order before listing.
For example, on developments like Buckshaw Village, you may need a Deed of Variation to update or clarify lease terms before a sale can proceed.
This process can take time, so we strongly recommend speaking with your solicitor now to get everything sorted well in advance.
Having the right documentation ready will save you significant time, stress, and potential complications later in the selling process.
4. Declutter and Depersonalise
Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home – and that’s hard to do when every surface is covered with personal items.
- Declutter room by room, donating or storing items you don’t need day-to-day.
- Neutralise décor where possible – fresh paint in light, modern tones can make a big difference.
- Create a sense of space and flow, especially in hallways and living areas.
A light, tidy home photographs better and feels more inviting during viewings.
5. Tackle Repairs and Maintenance
Small issues can easily put buyers off. Use the next few months to get everything in good order:
- Fix leaky taps, cracked tiles, or scuffed skirting boards.
- Check your roof, gutters, and fencing for any wear and tear.
- Service your boiler and ensure all certificates (gas, electrical, EPC) are up to date.
If you don’t have a valid Energy Performance Certificate, we can arrange one for you – saving time and hassle later. Contact us
6. Boost Kerb Appeal
First impressions count.
- Jet wash paths and driveways.
- Paint or clean your front door.
- Add seasonal plants or pots to frame your entrance.
Even small touches can make your property feel welcoming and well cared for.
7. Gather the Paperwork
Get your documents in order before your home hits the market. You’ll need:
- Title deeds or proof of ownership
- Recent utility and council tax bills
- Building regulation certificates or warranties
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- For leasehold properties: service charge accounts, ground rent details, and the management company’s contact information
Having everything ready can speed up the conveyancing process later on.
8. Choose the Right Estate Agent
Finally, partner with an experienced local agent who understands your area and can market your home effectively.
At Redrose Estate Agents, we pride ourselves on doing things differently:
- We don’t outsource our services – your viewers, valuations, and communications are all handled by our trusted in-house team.
- We’re not driven by sales targets or commission-based upselling.
- Our focus is on honest advice, personal service, and achieving the best outcome for you.
We combine local knowledge with professional marketing, including high-quality photography, video tours, and online exposure on leading property portals.
From valuation to completion, we’ll guide you through every step – making your 2026 move as smooth and successful as possible.
Ready to Start Planning? – Thinking of Selling Your Home Early 2026? Here’s Your Essential 8 Point Preparation Checklist
If you’re thinking about selling in early 2026, now is the perfect time to start preparing. Contact Redrose Estate Agents today to arrange your free valuation and expert advice.
📞 Call us: 01772 456 558
📧 Email: sales@redrose.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.redrose.co.uk
Make 20https://redrose.co.uk/26 the year you move forward with confidence – with Redrose by your side.
For a free, no-obligation chat, call us on 01772 456 558 and we’ll arrange for one of our advisers to get in touch.
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- Call into our office at 15 Barnes Wallis Way, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7JA
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Copyright Redrose Estate Agents – Thinking of Selling Your Home Early 2026? Here’s Your Essential 8 Point Preparation Checklist
Thinking of Selling Your Home Early 2026? Here’s Your Essential 8 Point Preparation Checklist