Everything you need when buying and selling a property

Discover what services and professionals you need when buying or selling a property.

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, bungalow, flat or semi-detached home, it’s a significant life event. Taking the time to understand what services you may need can make the process smoother and less stressful.

What we’ll cover in this article:

• The home buying and selling process
• Essential services for buyers
• Essential services for sellers
• Services for both buyers and sellers

The home buying and selling process

Before we dive into the world of services and what you may need when selling or buying a property, let’s break down the overall process to help you understand when each service might be needed:

1. For buyers: Meeting with a mortgage consultant.
2. For sellers: Meeting with an estate agent and having your property valued.
3. Finding a suitable property or preparing your property for sale.
4. Making or accepting an offer.
5. Arranging a mortgage and protection products.
6. Instructing a conveyancer or solicitor.
7. Arranging surveys and valuations.
8. Exchanging contracts.
9. Completing the sale and moving out and/or in.

While the process may vary slightly depending on the individual circumstances, these steps offer you a very basic overview.

Now let's explore the services both buyers and sellers need to consider.

Essential services for buyers

If you’re buying a property with a mortgage, one of the first steps will be securing a loan.

To make sure you tick all the boxes and find the best mortgage for your needs, we recommend talking to a mortgage consultant. Our qualified consultants will help you:

• Search through thousands of mortgage deals to find the right one for you.
• Confirm how much you’ll be able to borrow.
• Explain all the steps and costs involved.
• Help you construct a suitable offer.
• Assist in finding your perfect property.

Find out more about how we can assist you with your mortgage needs by clicking here

While lenders arrange a basic mortgage valuation for their own needs, you, as a buyer, should consider additional surveys to identify any structural issues before completing your purchase.

Although you’ll need to pay for the survey, it could provide you with peace of mind and save you thousands.

Benefits of a survey:

• Offers you an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition.
• Helps to evaluate any repairs and maintenance needs.
• May give you more room for negotiating with the seller.

There are various types of surveys available, including the RICS Home Survey Level 2 (survey and valuation) and the RICS Home Survey Level 3.

Note that when buying a property in Scotland, the Home Report already includes a survey, meaning buyers may not require this additional service.

Find out more about which survey would be most suitable for you and get an instant quote now.

Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership. A conveyancer, property lawyer or solicitor will handle all legal work, searches, and checks on the property.

The benefits of using a conveyancing service include:

• Offering you a single point of contact, saving you time and effort.
• Helping to speed up the exchange of contracts and completion.

Additionally, if you choose to work with our property lawyers, we can offer you a “No sale, no legal fee” promise. Find out more and talk to one of our conveyancing experts here.

Buying a property is a significant investment, so protecting this new asset of yours is crucial.

For this reason, consider investing in:

• Buildings insurance: Required on freehold properties by lenders from the point of exchange.
• Contents insurance: Protects your belongings inside the home.

In addition to the property insurance, there are a number of protection products to help safeguard your family and your mortgage. These include:

• Life insurance
• Critical illness cover
• Income protection

Make sure that you’ve got the insurance you need and discover the various services we offer by clicking here.

Essential services for sellers

An estate agent, like us, with years of experience in the local and national market can be invaluable when selling your home. We can:

• Provide a market appraisal of your property to ensure you’re selling for the right price.
• Market your property effectively to potential buyers.
• Handle viewings and negotiations on your behalf.
• Offer advice throughout the selling process.

If you haven’t yet found an estate agent that ticks all your boxes, find out how we can help. find your local branch.

2. Conveyancing services

Similar to a buyer, sellers also need conveyancing services to handle the legal aspects of the sale. This includes:

• Preparing the sales contract.
• Dealing with enquiries from the buyer's solicitor.
• Handling the transfer of funds.

Find out more and talk to one of our conveyancing experts here.

3. Energy performance certificate (EPC)

As a seller, you are legally required to provide an EPC when selling your home. This document provides information about the property's energy use and costs.

To learn more about what’s involved and stay prepared, here.

Services for both buyers and sellers

Removal services are an excellent choice for anyone who is moving homes. Professional removal services can:

• Pack and unpack your belongings.
• Safely transport your possessions.
• Provide temporary storage if needed.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or seller, or a seasoned property investor with plenty of buying and selling experience, all of these services are designed to make your journey as smooth as possible. And the best part is that we can offer you these in branch, thanks to our access to reputable providers, to help make the process feel more straightforward and supported.

With the right support, you can navigate the complexities of the property market and achieve your housing goals.

Information correct at the time of publishing: 16/04/2026

Any fees payable will be explained in your initial no-obligation appointment, before you choose whether to use our Mortgage Services.

Countrywide Mortgage Services is a trading name of Countrywide Principal Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Registration Number 301684). Registered Office: Witan Gate House, 500–600 Witan Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 1GF. Registered in England no. 01707341.

MS/CW/8196/05.25