2. Ensure you property is as appealing to buyers as possible. Make rooms ‘do what they say they do’ i.e. a bedroom should have a bed, double where possible. A dining room should be a dining room – not a part-time office!

3. Fix any problems such as leaks, bear wires, cracks in walls – otherwise buyers will think it costs a fortune to put them right and are likely to make a lower offer as a result.

4. Value your property accurately – don’t be the highest priced property in the street, if it’s that good, people will bid over the asking price!

5. Choose your estate agent carefully – not all estate agents sell all types or prices of property, they specialise, so find one that has sold local properties similar to yours.

6. Ensure you agree with an estate agent what service and marketing support they will offer from the start – always ask them to do accompanied viewings

7. When you buy your HIP, make sure you that you purchase it from the same company that will do your legals – or you will end up paying twice for the same information!

8. Check your buyer can afford your property and ask for confirmation that the agent has seen the Mortgage Agreement in Principle and is able to proceed (e.g. sold their own property)

9. Be reasonable when receiving offers, if it’s not what you want – is it still a fair offer that will enable you to secure the property you want to move to? If so, consider accepting the offer but keep marketing it if you think you can get a higher offer.

10. Make sure you obtain three removal quotes from a company which belongs to the British Assocation of Removals or if doing a DIY move, you are packed and ready to leave the property by lunchtime at the latest.