WEEKLY PROPERTY ADVICE FROM SIMON MEEK:

Q Dear Simon, we have been fortunate our decorator has finished refreshing our reception rooms earlier than anticipated and the new carpets have subsequently been fitted earlier too. We had planned to put our house on the market in the New Year but as we are ahead of where we thought we would be is it worth going on the market now prior to Christmas?

A If you have definite plans to move early in the New Year and the house is ‘viewer ready’, then yes, you should go for it now. Any agent can scrutinise the average time it takes to find a buyer but I guarantee it will not be as clearly definite as your plans are to you. On top of this you must also consider the actual length of time it will take for your sale transaction to complete, this can take anywhere from two to three months (more like three nowadays), which will also eat in to your planned timescale. It is fair to say there are fewer buyers around at this point of the year but the ones that are around are usually serious. Why else would they brave the wind, rain and, dare I say, snow, to be out viewing properties?

Q Frustratingly, I have just moved in to my new house and the previous owner has left some of their stuff in the loft and under-eaves storage cupboards. There is so much I will need a skip to remove it all. Is there anything I can do?

A Legally the position is quite clear, unless you agreed for them to leave said items, the house should be clear and free from anything belonging to the previous owner. In simple terms, you can take action against the previous owner to clear it or clear it yourself. The trouble is the legal route will probably be more costly than the costs of arranging for a skip and getting rid of it all. In the first instance, I would speak to the agent who sold you the property and ask them to contact the previous owner requesting they pay for a skip or come and remove it themselves. If they have left things behind as an oversight due a frantic removal day then they may well do this (it is possible). If the amount left behind is clearly not an oversight then it is probably easier to get rid of the offending items and start to enjoy the benefits your new home. However, sometimes principles will prevail and you may want to take this further through your solicitor.

Q Dear Simon, we finally exchanged contracts on our house last week and are moving later in January. But we have been so focused on getting an exchange of contracts we haven’t planned what to do next. We now need to forward plan well ahead of moving day so can you give us some tips so we can check it against our ‘to do’ list?

A Firstly, congratulations on selling your house, having exchanged contracts already you can relax and enjoy the Christmas break. There are lots of things to do so doing them gradually over the next few weeks is a great way to do it. Firstly, book removals straightway, if you haven’t done so already as this will ensure you get the date you need. Moving yourself can be done but employing professional removers is worth every penny, believe me I am talking from personal experience. Then start informing organisations you are moving on the agreed date i.e. banks, council tax, DVLA, insurance companies, utility companies, broadband, HMRC, subscription services, doctors etc.  A good way to help with this list would be to go through your personal and joint accounts to check current direct debits and standing orders as these creditors will need to be on there.  As a back-up, set up a mail redirection for three, six or 12 months this can cost around £25 per name, but will give peace of mind. You can now start to de-clutter. Moving offers a great excuse to go through the house, shed and garage contents to see exactly what you need and what you really don’t want. The dreaded loft beckons but procrastination will only lead to a frantic trawling through items and probably keeping some stuff you shouldn’t and vice versa.  Gradually packing a little everyday leaving only essentials will make life a lot easier. However, getting the removal firm to pack for you is even easier!