Going through a divorce can be a difficult time for all involved, and amongst everything that is going on, deciding what to do with your marital home can be the last thing you voluntarily wish to deal with.

​

We understand that often your home is the source of many memories and where special moments have been shared. To many people, a house is not just simply bricks and mortar. This naturally makes it even more difficult to decide whether one of you should remain in the property or sell the house quickly after divorce. With so many factors to consider, it is most important to take your time in this period of change.

 

If you both do mutually decide to sell your house after a divorce, there are few things you can do and keep in mind to help ease the process, noted from the experiences of others:

 

Agree on the next steps for your home

 

Whilst this might sound obvious, communications can break down if the relationship is no longer amicable and deciding on next steps can therefore become much more difficult. One of the biggest decisions you will face is whether to stay in your house or sell. Balancing the technicalities and issues of a divorce and selling a property at the same time is certain to be challenging, but is manageable.

 

First and foremost you will need to consider the welfare of your partner and any dependents, such as whether you have children who are settled at a nearby school. Secondly, there will be practicalities to consider, for example, if you or your partner seek to remain in the home, do either of you have the financial means to ‘buy out’ the other, and on a continuing basis will the sole income of the remaining owner be sufficient to meet the running costs of the house.

In the case of an unamicable divorce or one in which you both wish or the need a quick change in living arrangements, you may wish to sell your house. The property market can be slow and unpredictable, so the best option for you to consider is selling your house privately, which will undoubtedly be quicker and safer – buyer dependent of course.

​

Agree a list of who gets what
 

If you have been married and cohabiting for a few years, you are more than likely to have accumulated a number of possessions between you.
 

It is important that you are both open and honest about the items you would like to keep – this will probably require some compromising and maturity, but it is better to amicably agree on this and scribble down a list, as opposed to appointing a costly lawyer to split your possessions. 
 

Remember the allocation does not necessarily have to follow who has paid for what. Some items you may both be willing to give to one another, despite them being presents to the other. Whilst some of your things will undoubtedly and understandably hold a lot of sentimental value, it is best to approach this exercise prepared to let some things go for the sake of peace.
 

De-clutter your home
 

Once you have fairly split your possessions, and written the allocation down to keep things simple when it comes to moving house, it is highly recommended you organise and tidy your house to help maximise its value. Get rid of the things that neither of you wish to keep and give to charity, where possible. Divorce house sales can be tough, but this process should help you get the fresh start you both need in the cleanest, most efficient way.
 

Decide a budget for your next home
 

With next steps in mind, decide where you would next like to live and how much you are able to put towards that home. You may wish to rent for a period to keep your flexibility of location open, or you may simply wish to purchase the house for sale next door if you are in love with the area. There really is no right or wrong here, do what feels best for you and makes you the most comfortable. 
 

When you are budgeting for your next move, remember that the names and the shares specified on the original deeds to your marital home will affect how much money you receive from the sale. This in turn may impact how much of a mortgage you will be entitled to, if you are purchasing another property. 
 

Familiarise yourself with the property market
 

For any recent divorcee, you may have been settled in your current property for a long time, and may be out of touch with recent developments in the property market. With advancements in technology, the property market has evolved and is more diverse than ever, for example you can now sell your house in a variety of different ways, for significantly lower cost than a traditional estate agent, but with increased certainty and peace of mind.
 

Please refer to our FAQs for further detail or speak to us if you think you would benefit from selling your home to us privately – we will try our best to help.

​

​