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- Buying Guide

	Property Buying Guide
	This Guide is intended to explain the typical steps involved in buying a property. The Guide is free to everyone. After reading it, you should have enough knowledge of how to successfully go through the buying process and to handle your purchase with confidence.

	Questions:
	* What service can I expect from an estate agent? * What costs do I need to consider? * I' m a first time buyer, what's the process involved? * What survey will I need? * How should I choose a solicitor? * What's involved in the Solicitor's role? * What do I need to arrange at exchange of contracts?

	What service can I expect from an estate agent?
	The estate agent is paid by the Vendor, so they act for them not the purchaser. He is not obliged to highlight negative aspects of the property to you. The agent will show you suitable property and put any offers to their vendor clients.

	What costs do I need to consider?
	There are a number of costs to be taken into account when buying property. Typically these are: * Solicitor's fees (Including government charges, transfer fees, local authority searches, etc) * Part payments on municipality charges, service charges * About 10% deposit * Property insurance and house contents insurance * Mortgage (indemnity premium and arrangement fees - usually can be added to mortgage) * Surveyor's fees * Removal firm * Municipality Charges * Estate Agent fees * Services (Any utilities that need to be reconnected, mail redirection)

	I'm a first time buyer, what's the process involved?
	Roughly these are the steps involved in buying property: * You find a property * You get a mortgage and appoint a solicitor * The mortgage company will carry out their valuation on the property * You instruct a surveyor to do a home buyers report or a full survey * The Vendors Solicitor supplies draft contract, title deeds on the property to your Solicitor or any other proof of ownership * Your solicitor arranges for local search and raises any queries with the Vendor's solicitor. * Once your solicitor is satisfied you can proceed to signing contracts and agreeing a completion date. * You provide the Vendor with the deposit * Signed contracts are sent to you from Vendor * Contracts are exchanged and you arrange insurance for the property * Completion takes place on agreed date * Your solicitor pays remainder of purchase price to Vendor's solicitor * Vendors solicitor confirms that sale is complete and arranges for keys to be handed over. * You move in!

	Tips for home buyers
	* Keep registering with estate agents. Sometimes agents don't get back to you or send details. It can seem like they're not interested and you wonder if they want to sell houses! This is a misleading perception - they're just busy and someone else might have beaten you to the post. Estate agents are not obliged to call you when your ideal property comes in. So it pays to call and visit regularly. * Appoint a solicitor before you find a property. This will avoid delay once you've found a property and want to proceed to survey. It also shows the purchaser/estate agent you're serious about buying. * Find out the history of property you're interested in. For example, how long it has been on the market, if any offers have fallen through etc. This'll highlight any possible problems - for example did the purchaser find a problem at survey stage. * Offers should always be subject to survey. Make an initial offer of around 10% less than the purchase price and be prepared to go upwards. You may meet somewhere in the middle. However, in a market where demand is high, properties usually achieve their asking price and you run the risk of loosing it. * Establish solicitor's costs up front. Legal costs can mount up so establish what it could cost best and worst case. That way you can budget.

	What survey will I need?
	If you wish to appoint a Surveyor to prepare a report on the condition of the property then this should be done when your offer has been agreed. Normally, three types of Report are available, depending on the extent of information you require. You should ask your solicitor which type of survey is appropriate for the property you're buying. Mortgage Valuation Report - This one is carried out by the mortgage company to determine that they are prepared to lend you money to buy the property. Often their valuation can be up to 15% lower than the asking price - this is because they are always more cautious. It does not mean that the property will not sell for the asking price. It's not advisable to rely on a mortgage valuation - the mortgage company has no legal obligation to you. So you should arrange either a Home Buyers or Full Structural Survey. Full Structural or Building Survey Report - This survey can be a very detailed report depending on what is agreed with the surveyor. It goes a few steps further than the Home Buyers report and is often recommended for property that is particularly old.>

	How should I choose a solicitor?
	It is important to appoint a Solicitor who will deal with the sale of your property promptly. The cheapest might not be the one who looks after your interest best. It is essential the Solicitor is geared to handling residential sales, can be readily contacted and can deal with your work speedily. In our experience, it is in your interest to appoint a Solicitor who is fairly local.

	What's involved in the Solicitor's role?
	You may want to get your solicitor involved as soon as you make an offer (which should be made subject to survey). Your solicitor can then advise what steps to take if there are any problems with the survey. When the buying processes start and the Vendor's Solicitor has obtained the property title deeds or proof of ownership, they will prepare the contract of sale. Your Solicitor will then examine the papers and raise any queries based on the title deeds, and related matters about the property. When your Solicitor is in receipt of all replies to enquiries, a satisfactory local search, a copy of a mortgage offer, a signed contract and a deposit cheque, they can then proceed to exchange of contracts. The deposit cheque is normally for a sum of 10% of the purchase value of the property. You therefore need this sum in order for you to progress to exchange. Exchange means the transaction is legally binding. Completion is normally 28 days from the date of exchange. On completion your Solicitor hands over the remainder of the purchase money to the Vendor's Solicitor. At completion, not before that exact time, you can move into your new home. Keys will be handed over by the Vendor or estate agent.

	What do I need to arrange at exchange of contracts?
	Obviously, also see if a friend or neighbour can recommend a removal firm. Get more than one quotation and don't base your decision on price alone. Arrange insurance - Buildings & Contents - You will need to arrange insurance for your property usually when contracts have been exchanged. Your solicitor will be able to advice. Services & Maintenance Contracts - It is important, in order to avoid unnecessary costs/avoid disconnection, that you notify the service authorities (gas, water, telephone, electricity) of the date that you will be moving from your property. Also you'll need to notify the service authorities in the area you are moving to of your move in date.

- Investement Guide

	Why Invest in Dubai
	* Year round sunshine * Tax-free environment * Cosmopolitan community * One of the world's highest standards of living * Low inflation * One of the safest cities in the world * Low cost of living * Stable currency * Peaceful co-existence of ethnic groups * Dubai Means Business As a leading regional commercial hub with a state-of-the-art infrastructure and a world-class business environment, Dubai provides investors with a unique and comprehensive value-added platform that make Dubai the logical place to do business.

	The Most Pro Business Attitude
	* Robust economic clusters including technology and internet hub, media hub, finance hub and healthcare hub * Dubai believes that â€œif its good for business, its good for Dubaiâ€? * Sophisticated fast - track business initiatives (business set up in 20 minutes in free zones) * 139 of the G500 MNC`s in Dubai, 9 out of top 10 present in Dubai * World class free zones

	The Best Regulatory Environment
	* No Corporate Tax * No Income Tax * 100% Ownership in Free Zones * No foreign exchange controls, trade barriers or quotas * No restrictions on capital repatriation * Strong investor incentives and protections * Easy access to key decision makers * Relatively Low Cost Work Environment * Access to low cost regional talent * State of the art telecommunications * Competitive energy costs * Competitive real estate costs * Competitive import duties (4% with many exemptions) * Less expensive than Singapore, Hong Kong, Cairo and Bahrain

	The Best Connected Location in the Region
	* Ultra modern airport handling 13.5 million visitors in 2001 connecting to over 140 destinations * Emirates Airlines consistently ranks among top 5 airlines in world * Over 630,000 tons of air cargo handled in 2001 * 125 shipping lines with 47 million tons of cargo visited Dubai's world class ports in 2001 Consistently Strong Economic Outlook * GDP/Capita over $20,000 among highest in the year * 10 year GDP Growth 8% * Diversified economy - oil only contributes 10% to GDP * Stable currency â€“ pegged to US$ at AED3.67:US$ * Very low inflation (less than 2.5% from 1991 â€“ 2000) * Non-Oil GDP growth of 9.6% per annum from 1990 â€“ 2000 * Only 1.7% of active population unemployed

	Easy Access to Regional Markets
	* Total region population of 1.8 billion ($1.5 trillion of combined GDP) * Access to huge talent pool of 13.8 million skilled degreed candidates * World-class land, sea, air cargo infrastructure Strong Foreign Trade * Third most important re-export center in the world (after Hong Kong and Singapore) * Ongoing effort to become a member of WTO * Trade makes 16.4% of GDP compared to 14.5% for Singapore * 9.2% growth in non-oil trade between 1989 and 1999 Thriving Tourist Destination * 11.6% of Dubai GDP invested in tourism * Hotels rank amongst the best in the world * Over 2.8 million tourists visited Dubai in 2000 * World class restaurants, beaches and tourist attractions * Internationally renowned sports facilities including golf, tennis, water sports, horse riding, dune driving and sand skiing.

	Cosmopolitan Work Environment
	* Over 185 nationalities * Expatriates comprise of more than 75% of the UAE population * Strong work ethic * World-class international schools * Excellent facilities for leisure, sports shopping and healthcare * Progressive, tolerant and multicultural society * Island of Calm in a Turbulent Region * Stable economy with relatively low volatility * Continuous political stability since its inception in 1971 * Ranked 23rd in 2002 Index of Economic Freedoms

- Renting Guide

Renting Guide:

Finding the perfect apartment or villa can at first appear quite a daunting task. The ability to determine your needs and what you require will narrow down your search considerably. You need to identify problem areas and asking the right questions will help you make the right choice before you sign the lease. Remember, once you have signed on the dotted line you are typically committed for the duration of the contract.

Determine your needs
Price range:

Price is one the most important considerations. Decide how much you can afford or want to spend. Remember to factor in utility costs, municipality charges, parking and your usual monthly bills. Knowing your price range from the outset will focus your search, saving you time. In Dubai prices vary considerably, depending on if it is furnished or unfurnished, and most importantly location. Expect to pay more for fashionable areas like Jumeirah.

Location:

It is important that the neighbourhood you choose to live in is well suited to you and your family. Consider the distance from your work place or schools. Do you mind a long commute every day? Traffic in Dubai during peek times can become very slow moving, and should therefore be a consideration when renting. The different regions in Dubai often have a unique feel and look to them, which may play a large role in your choice of where to live in the city. The proximity of amenities such as grocery stores, Hospitals, shopping malls and the beach should also be considered.

Type of apartment:

Consider the size of your family and the space you require for your furniture and other possessions. Will you be happy in 500 square feet or will you need 1000? Will a one-room bachelor be adequate or do you require a one, two or three bedroom apartment? Typically, the larger the apartment the higher the rent will be.

Features and amenities:

Determine what features you need or desire in your future home. Is an en suite or on-site laundry facility important or do you mind going to the dry cleaners? Does the building feature security features such as security patrols, video cameras or a controlled-access public entry? Do you want the convenience of a dishwasher, an on-site gym or pool, a balcony etc?

Inspect the apartment:

Never rent an apartment sight-unseen. It is essential that you tour the apartment and examine it closely for problems. Areas that warrant inspection include:

	The building:
	What is the state of repair outside and inside? Are common areas kept clean and in good repair? Are the walls in need of paint? If maintenance appears to be lacking it could be a sign of poor building management.
	The apartment:
	Upon entering the apartment take note of general appearance and upkeep. Are the carpets or flooring worn? Are the walls cracked or in need of paint? Is there staining on the roof or walls (an indication of a water leak). Check all light switches and outlets to ensure they are working. Poor general maintenance may also be an indication of poor maintenance in other areas.
	Doors and windows:
	Are there secure locks, a peephole and deadbolts on all outside doors? Check for gaps around windows, doors, light switches and electric outlets. The kitchen: Check faucets for water pressure and hot water. Examine the base of the faucet for leaks and look under the sink for signs of water damage. Turn on the stove and oven and check that the refrigerator, dishwasher and any other appliances are in good working order.
	The bathroom:
	Check faucets for water pressure and hot water. Examine the base of the faucet for leaks and look under the sink and around the tub or shower stall for signs of water damage. Press gently on tile. If the tile moves, it could be a sign of water damage in the wall behind the tile. Flush the toilet to ensure it drains properly.

Questions to ask before you sign the lease

* If you have found an apartment that fits your needs you should ask the landlord about important details regarding conditions of the lease and building regulations. Remember, the lease is for your protection too. Ensure that any verbal promises are also included in the lease. Get it in writing.

How long is the lease? (Typically one year, although shorter periods including month to month are available.)
* Can I sublet the apartment if my circumstances change before the lease period is over?
* How much do you require for a deposit?
* Can I have roommates?
* Are any utilities included in the cost of rent? What about parking?
* Is there special building rules regarding quiet times, pets etc.?
* What is the procedure for obtaining repairs to the apartment? Is emergency maintenance available 24 hours a day?
* What maintenance (if any) am I responsible for?
* What changes can I make to the apartment (paint, wallpaper, carpeting, pictures or shelves that attach to the wall)?
* When is the apartment available?
* When can I move in?

- Selling Guide

Property Selling Guide:

This guide to selling property in Dubai aims to set out the main steps that are involved and that are likely to be encountered when selling your property. Hopefully the information contained within the guide will give you enough understanding and knowledge of the selling process in Dubai to approach the transaction in good confidence.
Your questions answered:

* Where do I start?
* Do I really need an Estate Agent?
* How does an Estate Agent arrive at a realistic valuation?
* I've had several valuations. Which Estate Agent do I choose?
* How much do Estate Agents charge, and is this negotiable?
* What about choosing a Solicitor? How much do they charge?
* What can I do to increase the value of my Property?
* How should I prepare my Property for viewings?
* What's the best way to conduct viewings?
* When I get an offer, should I take my Property off the market?
* How does the sale proceed towards 'Exchange of contracts'?
* How long should I give my Estate Agent to sell my Property ?
* What can I do to speed up the sale of my Property?
* What if the Buyer reduces their offer at the last minute?
* What if I can't sell, but have a property I want to move to?
* Do I have to pay the Estate Agent if my Property doesn't sell?
Add your content here

Where do I start?

With a number of issues to pursue regarding the sale, the first step is to appoint some professionals to help you. Unless you are prepared to pay for your own advertising and promotional material, this means choosing an Estate Agent to value and market your property for you, and appointing a Solicitor to handle the legal side of the sale. If you are planning to buy another property, you may also wish to speak to a Financial Advisor about mortgage options.
Frequently people forget to appoint a Solicitor until a firm offer from a potential buyer is received and suddenly jolts them into action. But there are several things a Solicitor can do to help prepare for a speedier sale. And experience shows that it's a good idea to be ahead of the game, especially if you are buying another property at the same time. This is covered elsewhere in the Guide.

Do I really need an Estate Agent?

This depends on whether you have the expertise, time, patience and resources to do it yourself. However in the majority of cases it would be the best course of action to acquire such expertise. Estate Agents don't charge you a penny unless they sell your property. You only pay for results, and a good Estate Agent will draw in more potential buyers than you would otherwise be likely to attract so it makes sense.
There is also the convenience of having someone else to field calls, to weed out time-wasters, and to act as a go-between in tricky negotiations. An experienced Estate Agent can offer advice and expertise, too, if you have problems with a chain, say, or receive multiple offers. The Agent will have seen these many times before, and be able to handle things to your best advantage.
Remember: no up-front payment is required with Estate Agents. The Estate Agents fee is normally paid by the seller and the buyer equally or worked into the total price of the property however the arrangement may differ based on the agreement between the concerned parties .

How does an Estate Agent arrive at a realistic valuation?

* An Estate Agent will visit you at your property to have a look around, and carry out what's known in the industry as a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA). This costs nothing, and is based upon a number of criteria:
General market demand from Buyers
* The popularity of your area (shops, schools, transport etc)
* Current asking price of similar properties nearby
* Prices recently achieved for similar properties nearby
* Significant works/improvements carried out to the property
The CMA will give you an 'estimated market value'. From this, you can decide on the price at which to market your property. Agents do not charge for their valuations.
The Estate Agent will probably ask you a lot of questions. Don't be put off. This is the mark of a professional Agent, who may ask you for your desired moving date, your reason for selling, and so on. Some people are wary about telling the Agent how quickly they want to sell in case it lowers the valuation. But a good Agent will tell you a minimum and maximum price they could achieve.
Be wary of any Agent who just asks you the price you want for your property and agrees. The Agent should be able to demonstrate why they think your property could achieve their stated valuation price. They may be able to quote selling prices they have achieved for similar property in the area, or have a Buyer on the books who wants a property much like yours. But ensure this is genuine: a few agents may use this tactic!

I've had several valuations. Which Estate Agent do I choose?

Do some research on the Estate Agents you invite to value your property. When you telephone them, do they answer swiftly and politely? When you visit their offices, are you made to feel welcome? Little things like this can have a big effect on potential buyers.
Sometimes people immediately plump for the Agent who values their property much higher than any others. But it's a good idea not to be swayed by valuation alone. If a valuation is exaggerated, you could waste weeks of time while your property languishes on the market, unsold. It's not unknown for an Agent to call you in a few weeks to suggest the property be marketed at a lower value. Remember, too, that you are employing a whole firm, and not just the person who came and valued your property.
* Your gut instincts aside, here are some marks of professionalism that you may want to look out for:
Polite, friendly and well-trained staff.
* Bright colour photos of properties in an attractive window display.
* Clear and helpful advice literature.
* High profile in the area.
* Efficient, computerized administration system.
* Comprehensive marketing e.g. newspapers, signboards, leaflets, Internet.
Potential Buyers all over the world can now view details of property for sale simply by hitting a few keys on their home computer. Why wait for details to arrive in the post, when they can have instant access to Estate Agents' filing cabinets from home, 24 hours a day?

How much do Estate Agents charge, and is this negotiable?

An Estate Agent's fee tends to range from 1-3% of the total sale price, and is paid on completion. 'Sole Agency' deals (where you only instruct one Estate Agent) tend to be significantly cheaper than 'Multi-Agency' deals.
When there is a shortage of property on the market, you will find Agents offering to match or beat a competitor's fee, and cut-price offers appear in the property newspapers. You may be able to negotiate a favourable deal. In steadier times, most agents charge around 2%, but the service they offer is likely to vary considerably.
A higher fee is worth paying if the Agent has the experience and ability to get you the maximum price within a reasonable time. For example, let's say an Agent charges a fee of 1.5% to sell your flat. If he achieves a final selling price of AED 100,000, the fee will be AED 1500. Now, suppose another Agent charges a fee of 2%. If he finds a buyer prepared to pay AED 105,000 for your flat, the fee will be AED 2100. But you will still be AED 4400 better off than taking the "cheaper" option.
Choosing the cheaper Agent is a mistake if they don't get results. An Agent who has to carry the cost of well-maintained premises, experienced staff, efficient computer systems, and professional advertising is truly earning their fee.
And it's worth saying again: "No Sale - No Fee". A bonus to the seller.

What about choosing a Solicitor? How much do they charge?

It may be that you already have a Solicitor who can handle your sale. If not, ask your Estate Agent, friends and neighbours if they can recommend one. If you happen to choose a Solicitor who is recommended by your Estate Agent, communication between them will probably be very good. The Solicitor and Agent are likely to be in regular contact on a number of sales, so they won't waste time chasing one another.
The Solicitor should be a specialist in residential conveyancing for a basic conveyancing service but - as with Estate Agents - it may not be a good idea simply to go for the cheapest deal. Solicitor's costs can mount up, so make sure their charging structure is clear at the outset.
Ask what sort of service you can expect: will a Solicitor handle your sale, or will it be a less experienced legal clerk? Does the Solicitor have reliable systems for obtaining information speedily from local authorities and financial institutions?
When you come close to "exchanging contracts" on a property (the legally binding part of the sale process), speed is often of the essence, particularly if you are also in the process of buying another property. The last thing you want is to be held up by an inefficient Solicitor.
Fast-track Solicitors start the ball rolling as soon as they are instructed, so that a draft Contract of Sale can be drawn up and sent to the Buyer almost as soon as their offer is received. They will also ask you to complete a "Vendor's Questionnaire", to provide information for your Buyer's Solicitor, which should reduce the number of queries and replies that have to be faxed back and forth between the two sides.

What can I do to increase the value of my Property?

In General Estate Agents will advise against major home improvements. This is because you rarely recoup the cost of your investment, and the Buyer may change it anyway. However, there are a number of simple low cost techniques that can help enhance interest in your property:
* Give the front door a coat of paint
* Fill in and redecorate any cracks to walls and ceilings
* Put a lock on any rear gate
* Spring clean throughout the property
* Weed and clean up the garden
* Maximize a feeling of space - get rid of clutter
* Decorating may not be necessary - discuss with your Estate Agent.
* Make sure the shower works and is free from mould

How should I prepare my Property for viewings?

First impressions do count, and the following tips should help viewers to appreciate your property at its best. Although you may be at work when viewers are brought round, try to do whatever you can:
* Tidy up
* Air the rooms
* Hide clutter
* Vacuum clean and dust the main rooms.
* Give the bathroom sinks and baths a wipe over.
* Have some flowers in the main room.
* Fully draw back the curtains to get maximum daylight in the rooms.
* Turn the television and radio off (light music is fine).
* Close all windows that are affected by background noise (traffic, cars etc).
* Banish off-putting smells with, say, the aroma of brewing coffee.
* Try not to let pets and children interrupt the viewing; keep them occupied.
Bear in mind that potential buyers can sometimes be a bit later than the viewing time arranged. With this in mind, when a viewing is arranged (and you want to be there), be clear about the window of time they have if you mean to go out afterwards. This will also help discourage lateness.

What's the best way to conduct viewings?

There are no hard-and-fast rules here, but do:
* Agree with your Estate Agent who will conduct the viewing.
* Ensure you have all keys readily available
* Give time for viewers to discuss the property alone before they leave.
* Resist the temptation to badger viewers for a decision or opinion during the viewing
* A good Agent will call you with feedback after every viewing.

When I get an offer, should I take my property off the market?

Your Estate Agent will probably advise you against this, just in case the sale falls through. Even if everything seems to be in order, it's possible that after the survey, say, the buyer may want to negotiate on price and you cannot reach a deal.
On the other hand, if you leave your property on the market, your Buyer may naturally feel somewhat aggrieved, since they may fear they could be "gazumped" by a higher offer. Whether or not you wish to pursue any additional offers is your decision. To do so might risk discouraging your Buyer, who may pull out of the Sale and start looking at other property as a result. If the latter is not convinced by your assurances that you will not accept other offers so long as the Sale is proceeding smoothly, you could also consider making a verbal or written undertaking to take your property off the market for an agreed period of, say, 7-28 days, whilst surveys and mortgage finance are arranged by the purchaser.

How does the Sale proceed towards 'Exchange of contracts'?

In general, the sale process goes something like this:
Your Solicitor prepares the contract of sale. For this, you will need to have certain documents to hand. Please note that obtaining these often causes delays, so it is in the interests of the Vendor to chase them as soon as the property goes on the market. If your property is freehold, you will require:
* Title documents or any other proof of ownership
* Paid utility bills.
* Guarantees and warranties
* If your property is leasehold the documents will be as above, except:
* Leasehold title deeds will replace title documents.
* A history of service charge payments.
* A history of municipality charges.
Next, the draft Contract of Sale and a copy of any other proof of ownership (if the property is leasehold it will include a copy of the lease) will be forwarded to the Buyer's Solicitor. The Buyer's Solicitor will check the small-print of the contract, title deeds, service charges, and so on. This checking process may involve many specific queries. A good Vendor's Solicitor will deal with many of these in advance, by asking you to complete a 'Vendor's Questionnaire', which may cover:
* Restrictions/boundaries.
* Owner's understanding of rights of access.
* Any disputes over the above.
* Guarantees/insurance policies.
* Utility services at property.
* Planning.
* Lists of fixtures and fittings.
* Exchange of contracts:
After settling any queries, the Buyer's Solicitor will also need to obtain a satisfactory local search, and a copy of a mortgage offer. Once satisfied, the contract will be signed and a cheque for the deposit sent by the Buyer to the Vendor's Solicitors. Exchange of contracts can then take place. Exchange means that the transaction is legally binding.
At this point in the procedure, it is important that the Buyer arranges building insurance cover for the property, as technically the property comes under the Buyer's ownership.
Completion:
The final stage of the sale is normally set 2-4 weeks from the date of Exchange. On Completion, the Buyer's Solicitor hands over the remainder of the purchase money to your Solicitor. From this, your Solicitor will pay off the Building Society or Bank (if there has been a mortgage on the property), as well as deducting their legal fees, and whatever fee you have agreed with your Estate Agent.
And there you go. It's (sometimes!) as easy as that.

How long should I give my Estate Agent to sell my property?

You should allow an Agent 6-8 weeks to get a secure offer. After this, it usually takes about 4-8 weeks for an Exchange of contracts, and a further 2-4 weeks for Completion. Be aware that time-scales do vary with market conditions.

What can I do to speed up the sale of my property?

* You can't always guarantee that other parties in the sale won't delay you. On your part, however, you can speed things up by doing as much of the work in advance of the Sale as possible.
* Choose a "fast-track" Solicitor who will obtain and hold the Title Deeds in readiness to prepare a draft Contract of Sale, and to apply for a Local Authority Search
* Allow the Estate Agent reasonable access to the property to show potential Buyers round. If possible, let them have keys to show the property when you are out.
* Be flexible about last-minute viewings.

What if the Buyer reduces their offer at the last minute?

As the time to Exchange Contracts approaches, your Buyer may think you can be pushed into accepting a reduced offer (rather than lose the sale, and having to go all the way back to Stage One). It's important not to panic, get furious and call the Buyer yourself. Instead, agree on a course of action with your Solicitor and/or Estate Agent to show the Buyer that you'll not bow to such tactics.
In the first instance, for example, your Solicitor may wish to contact the Buyer to reassert your position, demanding whether they are serious about proceeding with the purchase, and asking for any serious reason to be put in writing. It may be that, when the Buyer's bluff is called, they will soon back down. The success of this tactic does depend on whether either party can afford to delay the Sale. If the Buyer sticks to their guns, you will have to weigh up whether it is worth finding another Buyer. Carefully discuss the options with your Solicitor and Estate Agent. You may be able to reach a compromise with the Buyer.
Sometimes a Buyer may reduce their offer after the survey, or after their mortgage valuation survey. You will have to negotiate through this, again taking the advice of your Solicitor and Estate Agent. It is unfortunately quite common for the Buyer's mortgage company to err on the side of caution, and value the property at up to 15% below the Estate Agent's valuation. Sometimes buyers may proceed despite this by making up the difference from their own funds. If this is not possible others in the selling chain may be prepared to make up the difference - your Estate Agent and/or Solicitor will advise if appropriate, and carry out negotiations.

What if I can't sell, but have a property I want to move to?

It's unlikely that going ahead with buying the other property will be a viable option, unless you have sufficient spare capital to do so. But you do have the option of letting your property (on a short let for, say, 3 months) whilst marketing it for sale. Rents for short lets can be high - so you could cover your mortgage and have a bit left over to help with other expenses. If your Estate Agent does not offer a short let service, find one who does.

Do I have to pay the Estate Agent if my Property doesn't sell?

You won't have to pay the Estate Agent any fee. However you may have to pay your Solicitor's legal costs incurred to date, although some Solicitors, particularly those operating a 'fast-track' service, may operate a 'no sale, no legal fees' scheme and it is worthwhile speaking to your Estate Agent about this before instructing a Solicitor.