Selling for the first time can feel overwhelming. Everyone has advice, most of it conflicting. Here are the key questions to ask every estate agent, plus the step-by-step process you’ll go through to launch your home the right way.

If you’re planning to sell in early 2026, now is the time to understand the timeline, the preparation and the steps that will help you move smoothly from listing to completion.

A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.

Fresh market insights reveal that homes are still taking longer to sell, with many remaining unsold. This shift highlights how crucial realistic pricing is from the start. Properties priced correctly attract more interest and sell faster, avoiding price cuts and the frustration of lingering on the market.