A guide when selling due to job relocation - Knightsbridge Estate Agents & Valuers

A guide when selling due to

job relocation

f you’re moving home for a new job, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate.

From selling your current home to finding another property, meeting your job contract start date, researching schools and local amenities in your new area, and much more. There’s so much to consider.

By working with us, we hope to take some of that stress away. We’ve got the experience and know-how to sell your current home as quickly as possible and for a premium price. This ensures you can focus on your new job, settle into your new home, and start a new chapter in your life.

is it the right job for you?

Whether it’s a completely new opportunity or a promotion, the first thing you really need to ask is whether it’s the right move for you. Does the job suit your lifestyle? Your career goals? Can you see yourself settling into the new position and area? It’s really important you consider all the options and speak to your loved ones before deciding to make the jump – after all, it's not just you who will be affected. Also, in the new post-pandemic world of working from home, is relocation absolutely necessary? Speak to your prospective employer to explore the options.

What’s the new area like?

Before committing to a new location, it’s worth spending some time in the area to see if you really want to live there. Visit local high streets, grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a walk in a nearby park, and consider staying in a local Airbnb. Your downtime is important. So, take the time to see if you enjoy being in the area that could become your new neighbourhood. Also, familiarise yourself with local transport routes and commuting times so you can widen your property search area, if necessary.

Relocating with kids

If you’ve got a family to consider, one of the first things you’ll need to think about is schools and/or childcare. The Ofsted website is a great resource for finding schools. Always contact your preferred choice to find out about their application criteria and catchment area. In some places, you can apply directly to the school, in others you may have to apply via the local authority. Also, if you’re moving during term time, applications may take significantly longer to be processed. Remember, you’ll need proof of your address to apply for a new school - if you haven’t moved yet, that could be tricky. Check with the local authority to find out what documents you’ll need.

Are you entitled to a relocation allowance?

Can you do a trial run?

A big move can feel very overwhelming, especially if you have a partner and/or kids to think about. It may be worth exploring the idea of a trial run. You could stay in temporary accommodation before making a permanent move, or perhaps live away from your family during the week and return home on weekends for a period of time. It’s worth talking to your employer about this before you sign a new contract so they are aware of potential difficulties and can perhaps offer assistance.

Get social

If a move is definitely on the cards, you might want to start building up a network in the new area. Facebook is great for finding local groups, especially if you’re moving with a partner and/or kids and want to make new friends. Connect with your new colleagues. Having friends at work can make life a lot easier and if they live locally, they can offer great advice to help you get settled.

Before you put your home on the market because of a new job, make sure of the following:

You have a written job offer
You and your employer are clear about start dates
You have discussed the possibility of a relocation allowance with your employer

It’s time to get your sale moving.

While we believe we’re the best agents to sell your home, we want you to be sure of that, too. So, here are six tips to make the sale of your home a bit easier before you relocate.

Trust us

We’re experts in all things property and have worked with many people in your situation. You’re probably spinning lots of plates getting things together for the new job: packing up, organising family, finding schools… that’s why you need an agent you can trust. We will provide a realistic valuation of your property so you know what you’ll be able to afford in your new area. Also, while we can’t promise a specific timescale, we will work hard to get your property sold as quickly as possible. We’ll seek feedback from potential buyers who have viewed your home, keeping you informed every step of the way. Trust us to get the sale done.

Prepare your property

Before putting your home on the market, you may need to spend a bit of money getting it ready. Properties that are presented without any glaring problems (such as cupboards coming off hinges, doors that won’t shut, wobbly and broken paving stones) are more likely to catch a buyer’s eye. The better your home looks before it's marketed for sale, the more interest you’re likely to get when it’s on the market. Clear away clutter (kids’ toys, heaving bookshelves and the like) and keep décor neutral. That way, buyers can really get a feel for your property.

Time pressure

If you’re just a few weeks away from starting the new job and your property still hasn’t sold, keep calm, we’ll get there. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed quick sale. So, you may need a Plan B. Can you afford to move into temporary accommodation before you commit to buying another property? Perhaps your employer will cover this cost?

Legalities

Make sure you have the right people in place to deal with the sale of your property. Start looking for a recommended conveyancer (we can help with this) before you put your property on the market, so you can move as fast as possible with any legal paperwork.

Budget

There are lots of costs associated with selling a property. While agency fees and lawyers can be paid once a sale has completed, you may need to budget for some extra costs before that. These might include: removal companies, storage fees, home clearance, repairs (to the property prior to sale), and travel. It’s important to keep these costs in mind and prepare for them in advance so that they don’t cause you financial worries at the time.

Explore all your options

A job relocation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sell your current property. Have you explored all the other options? Perhaps you can afford to rent a property in your new location and let your home out. This will save you hassle and possible generate extra income. Renting is a great option if you’re not totally sure about the new job and want a Plan B. And if your new job is abroad, letting your home instead of selling it can save a lot of money if things don’t work out. Remember, if you want to return home and have a tenant in place, you may need to wait until their lease term is up.