Can I Sell My UK House from Abroad?

Moving to live overseas is a fantastic opportunity and brings with it many advantages, but it can make selling a UK property a lot more difficult.

In July 2023, there were an estimated 280,021 homes in England and Wales registered to an overseas address or company. Selling a property in the UK while living abroad can be challenging and complicated, especially when it comes to managing the essential paperwork. 

Whether you’re moving abroad from the UK due to work, retirement or just because you want a change of scenery, there’s no doubt it’s a big life-changing event and before going ahead with the move there are a lot of different factors to consider.

Handling the sale remotely often means navigating additional legal requirements, security checks, and logistical hurdles that can be daunting without the right guidance. The process is further complicated by strict identity verification rules, property fraud concerns, and tax obligations that can arise when selling as a non-resident.

This guide aims to simplify the process by highlighting the key documents and legal steps you’ll need to prepare when selling your UK property from abroad.

Can you sell your house from abroad?

The good news is that you can sell your property in the UK from abroad! There is no legal reason stopping you from doing so.

If you use an estate or online agent then they can do all of the leg work for you regarding viewings and offers. You don’t even have to come back to the UK to deal with contracts and other legal documents as your solicitor should be able to recommend a trustworthy courier service. It’s also possible for you to give power of attorney to a relative or close friend who can act on your behalf from the UK.

If you're selling from abroad then the main thing you need to have is a team you trust, and what we mean by that is estate agents, solicitors and everyone else involved who are reliable and who you know won't let you down.

Moving abroad checklist

Moving is a stressful process in itself. That’s before you add in the moving to a different country, which just adds more complications to the sale process. It’s important you make a checklist before jumping straight in, so you don’t miss any crucial steps.

Whilst each individual will have different bits they need to organise, the basics of the moving abroad checklist will be the same:

1. Find a moving company to handle the shipping of your possessions.

2. Make sure any subscription services know of your new address.

3. Ensure there’s something in place for your post to be redirected.

4. Sell any possessions you don’t wish to take, whether this is your car, furniture, or gadgets.

5. Look for new home insurance.

6. Collect together all personal records and paperwork.

7. Let your doctors, dentists, opticians etc know you’re leaving their practice.

8. Set up a new bank account in your new country.

9. Get new currency.

This isn’t an extensive list but provides the basics you will need to think about when it comes to moving abroad from the UK.

What are the legal considerations for selling a UK property from abroad?

Selling a property from overseas involves extra legal considerations compared to a typical UK based sale. Firstly, your identification documents will require verification that can be challenging to conduct remotely. 

UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations require estate agents and solicitors to carry out in-depth checks, which are often easier in person. However, when you’re thousands of miles away, working with professionals who are experienced in handling overseas customers is vital.

You may need to appoint a Notary Public to certify your ID documents, and in some cases, a Power of Attorney may be advisable to allow a trusted person to act on your behalf. This arrangement can help streamline document signings and in-person appointments. However, it is essential to work with a reputable company, as the wrong choice can expose you to fraud or mishandling of your assets.

Furthermore, property title fraud is an unfortunate risk that overseas sellers should be particularly careful of. Fraudsters have been known to impersonate property owners to sell or remortgage homes without permission. 

To safeguard your home, consider signing up for the UK Land Registry’s Property Alert service. This free tool provides notifications if any changes are made to your property’s records, helping you stay aware of any suspicious activity.

When you sell your house with The Property Buying Company, we prioritise security by conducting thorough identification and AML checks, whether you’re based in the UK or abroad. As an online company, there’s no need for in-person visits; our streamlined, digital processes allow you to complete most documentation online, making it easy and convenient to sell your house remotely.

Should you sell your UK property when living abroad?

Before selling your house and moving abroad, you’ll first want to think about what the best option is and whether it may be a better idea to rent instead of sell.

Both options come with pros and cons and each individual will have different ideas on what they want to do, so it’s a good idea to think about what’s more suitable for you.

Pros and cons of selling when moving abroad:

Pros

• Leaves you with no commitments when you move.

• Gives you a large sum of money to start a new journey.

Cons

• Could take a long time to sell.

• The state of the housing market may be poor, meaning you may not get a great price for your property.

Pros and cons of renting out your house when moving abroad:

Pros

• Able to get some income out of your old property.

• If you move back to the UK, you have a house to move into.

Cons

• You will have to pay taxes on your profits, including Capital Gains Tax.

• You will have to hire a management company or letting agent, leaving you with fees to pay.

• If anything goes wrong, you’re too far away to be able to sort it out.

• You're responsible to fix anything that breaks, meaning further costs.

• Will have to convert your mortgage scheme to a ‘buy-to-let’ scheme.

What you decide to do with your property is completely down to you, but it is a good idea to consider all of your options before committing to one.

Should I sell my inherited property from abroad?

If you have inherited property in the UK but are currently living abroad, deciding whether to sell it can be complicated. As a beneficiary, you may be responsible for taxes on any gains made when selling the property, even if you live abroad. 

In most cases, Capital Gains Tax applies to the profit from selling UK property, and this rule generally holds even if the seller is a non-resident. While Inheritance Tax may already have been settled by the estate, any increase in the property’s value since you inherited it may still be liable for Capital Gains Tax.

But, by selling the inherited property, you will be able to unlock its equity without the hassle of maintaining or renting it from abroad. Selling simply, simplifies your responsibilities as a beneficiary, allowing you to access the proceeds with minimal long-distance complications. 

If you are looking for a quick way to sell your UK property, then look no further! Here at The Property Buying Company, we can help you sell your house in as little as 7 days, all while covering the legal and selling costs for you.

What documents are required to sell your house from abroad?

Selling your house from abroad requires a thorough understanding of the key documents involved in the process to ensure a smooth and secure transaction. Each document plays a vital role in verifying ownership, preventing fraud and complying with UK property laws.

Here are the key documents needed to sell your house from abroad:

Proof of identity and address:

Providing proof of identity is vital, as it helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with Anti-Money Laundering regulations. You’ll need to supply a valid form of photo identification, such as a passport or drivers licence, which may need to be certified by a Notary Public if you’re based outside of the UK.

Your proof of address will be found on a recent utility bill, bank statement or other official documents showing your overseas address. As with your ID, these documents may also need notarisation to confirm authenticity.

Many companies (like ourselves) offer remote AML checks through secure video calls or online platforms, allowing you to complete this essential step without having to travel.

Land Registry and Title Deeds:

You’ll need to provide the property’s Title Deeds to verify ownership. These are registered with the UK Land Registry and outline the legal ownership and details of the property.

You will also need to confirm that your property records with the Land Registry are up to date. This is especially important to safeguard against property fraud, as outdated records can create vulnerabilities. Using the Land Registry’s Property Alert service is recommended to monitor any changes to your property’s records.

Property information:

You will need your TA6 Form, which outlines the important details about your property, including boundaries, disputes and any planned developments nearby. It is a standard requirement in UK house transactions.

The TA10 form lists which items within the property are included in the sale, such as appliances, fixtures and furniture. It clarifies to the buyer what will remain and what will be removed before the sale is completed.

For sellers abroad, many conveyancers allow these forms to be completed and submitted digitally, or via international courier if physical documents are required.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):

An Energy Performance Certificate is a legal requirement when selling a house in the UK. This document assesses the energy efficiency of the property and is valid for 10 years.

If your house does not have a valid EPC, you can arrange for an accredited assessor to perform an inspection on your behalf. Many EPC providers allow remote coordination to accommodate sellers living abroad.

Are there any other things I need to consider?

When selling your property in England or Wales, from abroad, there are certain situations that may require additional documentation, particularly if your property has unique circumstances such as tenants or falls into higher tax thresholds. 

Here are some additional documents that may be necessary:

Notary Public:

A Notary Public is a legal professional who authenticates and certifies documents, usually for use in international or cross-border transactions. When selling a house from abroad, a Notary Public can play an important role in verifying your identity and certifying important documents required for the sale.

This verification helps meet UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and ensures that your documents are legally recognised in the UK despite being completed overseas. 

Here’s how a Notary Public might assist in the process of selling a UK property from abroad:

1. Identity verification: The Notary Public will verify your identity through approved identification documents, such as a passport, to satisfy AML regulations. This step helps prevent fraud by ensuring that only the legitimate property owner is authorising the sale.

2. Document certification: Any essential documents needed for the sale, such as proof of ownership, Power of Attorney, or signed contracts, may require notarisation. The Notary Public certifies these documents, confirming they were signed willingly and with property verification.

3. Power of Attorney certification: If you choose to appoint a Power of Attorney to handle the sale on your behalf, the Power of Attorney may need to be notarised. This certification helps the UK solicitor and other parties involved recognise the document’s legitimacy.

4. Remote authentication: In many countries, Notaries can provide remote or digital services, making it easier to complete notarisations without returning to the UK.

Power of Attorney (PoA):

If you are unable to personally handle the sale’s administrative tasks, appointing a Power of Attorney can allow a trusted individual to manage the process on your behalf. This person can handle essential tasks, such as signing documents and liaising with estate agents and solicitors.

Choosing the right person to act as your Power of Attorney is essential, as they will be handling sensitive matters and, potentially, significant financial transactions. Be sure to consult your solicitor to draft a Power of Attorney that meets legal requirements in the UK.

Capital Gains Tax documentation:

If you sell a UK property while living abroad, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax based on any profit made since you acquired the property. The amount owed depends on factors such as the time you’ve owned the property, its use (e.g., rental or personal residence), and your personal taxes.

You are legally required to submit a Capital Gains Tax return within 30 days of selling the property. Failure to do so many results in penalties, even if no tax is due.

Something further to note, is that the UK has agreements with many countries to prevent double taxation. Non-residents should check if such a treaty exists between the UK and their country of residence, as it may affect how much Capital Gains Tax they need to pay.

Do you have to tell HMRC if you sell your house?

Yes, you need to inform HMRC if you sell your UK home, even if no tax is due. When you sell (or ‘dispose of’) your property, you must notify HMRC within 60 days of transferring ownership, regardless of whether there is any Capital Gains Tax to pay. This 60 day rule applies to both residents and non-residents for UK tax purposes.

Even if there is no Capital Gains Tax to pay, such in cases where the property was your main home and qualifies for Private Residence Relief, you are still obligated to inform HMRC of the sale within the 60 day timeframe.

How do I avoid capital gains tax on foreign property in the UK?

If you’re planning to move abroad but own a house in the UK, understanding Capital Gains Tax can help you manage or potentially avoid this tax. Here are some ways to help reduce your tax liability when selling or renting out UK property as you transition overseas:

If you are looking to sell your UK property before moving abroad, why not consider selling to The Property Buying Company? We are one of the UK’s leading cash house buyers, with over 200 years of combined experience, and 13 years of business experience, helping hundreds of people to sell their homes and relocate abroad, quickly. 

It doesn’t matter if you need to sell by the end of this month, or in 3 months time, we can buy your house directly from you in as little as 7 days. And, the best bit? We will cover all your selling and legal fees, which means the offer we agree with you, is the amount of cash you will receive in your bank.

Should I sell a property before or after I move to live abroad?

You may have decided to sell your house but don’t know whether you should sell it before or after you move abroad. Each of these options will have different strengths and it’s all about deciding which is the best route for you.

What happens to my mortgage when moving abroad?

There are a few different routes you may need to take when it comes to your mortgage when moving abroad.

The first is that you decide to keep your UK property for yourself and use it if and when you visit the UK. In this case, the good news is that nothing will change in regard to your mortgage.

All you will need to do is ensure you keep up with the monthly payments and it may be a good idea to leave your UK current account open to make things a little simpler. This will also keep your UK credit score healthy – a bonus if you think you may want to eventually move back to the UK.

The second route you may decide to go down is to keep your UK property to rent it out to others. In this case, you must let your mortgage lender know and they will have to convert you onto a buy-to-let scheme.

This mortgage type tends to have higher interest rates and fees compared to a ‘normal’ mortgage scheme, further adding to the costs you may need to pay when deciding to keep your UK property when moving abroad from the UK.

The final route you could face is if you decide to sell a UK property before moving abroad. In this case, you will pay off your mortgage and then there’s nothing else to worry about! In this respect, selling a property before moving abroad makes the moving process easier for you.

Costs of moving abroad from UK

Putting aside the price you will pay for your new home, there are a lot of costs involved in moving abroad from UK:

• Legal fees (for both buying a new house and selling your old house, if you choose to sell your UK property)

• Stamp Duty (on your new abroad property)

• Mortgage fees

• Buying flights

• Shipping costs of furniture and other goods

• Bills on your new house (water, electric, heating)

• Council tax (or your new country’s equivalent)

• Service charge (if you buy a house on a development)

• Income tax

• Capital Gains Tax (if you keep your UK property and rent it out)

• Currency conversion fees

The number of costs stacks up quickly, suggesting it may be a good idea to sell your property before moving abroad, as it will give you a chunk of money to be able to buy a new house and start your next adventure, without needing to worry about getting work or money from your pension straight away.

Choosing the right conveyancer

One of the main things to be aware of is that it's even more important that you choose the right solicitors. Before committing to a solicitor you should ensure that they can correspond mostly through email or online to make the whole process as smooth and easy as possible..

You might be surprised but a lot of solicitors are still in the pen & papers era. Some solicitors will only accept hand written or signed documents which could mean the whole process is stretched out in comparison to choosing a solicitor that is based purely online.

This means you don't have to rely on sending post back and forth which from abroad can cause significant delays and even cause a sale to fall through if the buyer becomes frustrated.

Can I get a quick house sale when moving abroad from UK?

If you’re looking at selling your UK property when living abroad, then you will more than likely want a quick sale so that you can start your new adventure.

Take a look at your different ways to sell to help you choose the right sale method:

Why are we the right choice?

Here at The Property Buying Company, we’re able to offer you a quick cash sale, with our average completion time at 2-3 weeks, so you can tick ‘sell house and move abroad’ off your checklist.

We will cover all your fees, including any solicitor’s costs, and we complete in a timescale of your choice. We’re also a genuine cash buyer you can trust, with hundreds of good reviews on Trustpilot, and we’re a member of The Property Ombudsman and The National Association of Property Buyers.

We take the stress and hassle out of moving house. With us, there’s no need to hold multiple viewings and have back and forth conversations with potential buyers. If you’re looking to get a fast sale when moving abroad, why not get a no-obligation cash offer from us?

As cash buyers, The Property Buying Company can buy your property from you, even if you live abroad. We make the wholesale process as easy as it possibly can be, we handle absolutely everything for you.

So, if you are looking at selling your home, give us a call or fill in our online form to receive a no-obligation CASH offer, which we could have in your bank in as little as 7 days…