Remaining in a family home after a divorce can be difficult. There are many things to consider and organise such as transferring mortgages, finding enough assets to even out the value in the divorce, or assessing if you can afford the monthly costs of the home on your own.
Sometimes the best way forward is to sell the property you own together and divide the proceeds between you.
If you have decided to sell your house as part of your divorce settlement, the last thing you will want is to have a long and drawn-out selling process ahead of you.
Our tips can help you best approach selling your home after a divorce.
Get a valuation
If you get a valuation on your property, you will be able to work out with your spouse how much you can expect to get in the sale of the house so that both parties will be in a comfortable enough financial situation to move on. Remember to factor in your legal costs to get the best understanding of how much money you will end up with.
A
surveyor will be able to give you an independent and unbiased valuation of your property, having an idea of this can help you when negotiating with buyers and estate agents and protect you from accepting any offer that is too low.
You can also both feel comfortable that you have had an independent expert opinion, not someone who is taking sides.
Prepare yourself for the possibility that to get a faster sale, you may have to accept a lower offer. You might find this is worth it in the long run so that you can begin to build your new lives.
Compare conveyancing solicitors
The best way to find a great conveyancing solicitor is to do your research and shop around for quotes to find who you feel is efficient and will keep you informed at every stage of the selling process.
Be sure to check testimonials, reviews, and ratings of your conveyancer to ensure you choose the right one for your move.
Many solicitors now have online case tracking systems which will help keep you up to date at any time of day or night.
Get a Notice of Home Rights
The selling process is not always easy, or quick. If you are still living in the property, and it is not in your name, it is worth getting in touch with Land Registry to get a
Notice of Home Rights.
This will mean your ex-partner will not be able to sell the property without alerting you. Hopefully, this wouldn't be necessary, but it's important to protect yourself.
Clear out your home
One or both of you may have already moved out of the home you're selling. If this is the case, then it may be easier for you to prepare the property for viewing, as you can stage the space more easily than you could if you still had all your belongings there.
Hiring a
removal company to put your non-essential items into
storage could be helpful at this time, and it could also help you to review and separate your possessions.
Our
guide to staging your home can give you more tips on how to dress your property for viewings.
Don't mention divorce
Buying from a divorcing couple can put some buyers off, so it's best to keep quiet about it unless you're asked. If you are both trying to find new places to live, potential buyers may be concerned about the property chain.
It also can put you at a disadvantage - if potential sellers know you are divorcing, they will assume you are eager to move out and get on with your life as soon as possible - they may offer a lower than reasonable price, knowing you're likely to accept just to move on.
If the potential buyer asks, you shouldn't lie, but do what you can to lessen the risk - for example, by one or both parties in the divorce moving in with family or into rented accommodation to break the chain - and reassure the potential buyer that you're doing what you can to avoid it being an issue.
Work out the finances
It is important to be fully aware of all the costs associated with selling your home, and how those are going to be split between you.
If you have continued paying bills and the mortgage since separating, but before the sale goes through, then this must be taken into account when the proceeds from the house are split.
Try to remain detached, amicable, and straightforward - you both want the best deal possible from selling your home, so keep records organised and be clear about who does what when it comes to selling the house. Your solicitor
Finding a new home
Selling your home due to a divorce is one of the most stressful things you can go through. Yet, it's important to pause and look forward to the next stage - picking a new home.
Whilst leaving behind memories can be sad, choosing a home that reflects your tastes and needs can be a great fresh start. Try to enjoy considering different types of homes, in different areas based solely on what
you want - revel in not having to compromise in your choices and know that the sooner your property is sold for a decent price, the sooner you can move on.
Selling your home during a divorce FAQs
Do I have to sell my house in a divorce?
You may not have to sell your house during your divorce. It is between you and your ex-partner to decide if the house needs to be sold or if one can buy the other out, or if you are willing to continue to co-own.
Can I be forced to sell my house during a divorce?
If you refuse to sell your house during the divorce, your ex-partner may be able to force the sale using a court order.