Who You Actually Need to Sell a Property in the UK (And Who You Don't)

Once sellers understand that estate agents are optional, the next logical question is:

So who do you actually need to sell a property in the UK?

The answer is far simpler than many people expect.

This article explains:

• Which professionals are legally required
• Which are optional
• Who handles the legal and financial work
• Why sellers often misunderstand the roles involved

The Only Professional You Legally Need

To sell a residential property in the UK, there is only one professional you must legally instruct:

A solicitor or licensed conveyancer.

They are responsible for:

• Preparing and issuing contracts
• Handling searches and enquiries
• Managing exchange of contracts
• Completing the legal transfer of ownership
• Handling client money securely

Without a solicitor or conveyancer, a property sale cannot legally complete.

Why This Often Comes as a Surprise

Many sellers assume estate agents:

• Handle the legal process
• Prepare contracts
• Manage the transaction after an offer is accepted

In reality, estate agents are not legally trained and cannot conduct conveyancing.

Once an offer is accepted, the sale becomes a legal process led by solicitors — regardless of whether the property was marketed through an agent or sold privately.

Other Commonly Used Professionals (Optional, Not Mandatory)

In addition to a solicitor, sellers often use other services. These can be helpful, but they are not legally required.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Assessor

An EPC is legally required before marketing a property, but the assessor works independently and can be instructed directly by the seller.

Photographer and Floorplan Provider

Professional presentation can improve buyer interest, but sellers may choose their own suppliers or manage this themselves.

Sales Progressor

Sales progressors help coordinate communication between solicitors and parties in a chain.

They are often independent and may be instructed directly by sellers or buyers.

Who Handles the Money?

A common misconception is that estate agents handle sale funds.

They do not.

• Buyer deposits and completion funds are held by solicitors
• Funds are transferred between solicitors
• Estate agents do not control client money for the sale

This remains the case regardless of how the property is advertised.

Why Understanding This Matters

Once sellers understand who is legally required — and who is optional — they will be able to make informed decisions about how much support they actually need.

Some sellers will choose a fully managed route.

Others will prefer to manage enquiries and viewings themselves, using only the services that are essential.

Neither approach is right or wrong.

The key is understanding the difference.

Where Nestive Fits

Nestive sits at the advertising stage only.

It provides private sellers with a dedicated platform to market their property directly to buyers — something that historically wasn't accessible without using an estate agent.

Nestive does not:

• Provide legal services
• Act as an estate agent
• Replace solicitors or other professionals

It simply gives sellers a legitimate alternative for advertising.

Understanding Your Options

Selling a property is not about following a single fixed route.

It's about understanding:

• What is legally required
• What is optional
• What level of support suits your situation

Once sellers understand this, they can choose confidently — without unnecessary cost or complexity.