Frequently Asked Questions

01 How much is my property worth?

2026 is buzzing in Preston and the market is moving fast for well-presented homes!

At Clarkson Holden, we’re achieving fantastic results for sellers right now — strong offers, quicker sales, and excellent prices. With our standout professional photography, premium Rightmove & Zoopla exposure, and huge database of motivated buyers, your property could be under offer in weeks, not months.

Clarkson Holden would be happy to provide you with a realistic, up-to-date valuation including three clear figures: a recommended asking price, an optimistic target, and a quick-sale price, backed by recent sold evidence. This is completely free and without obligation.

02 What are your fees and commission rates?

Our standard commission rate is 1% + VAT for sole agency. This is one of the most competitive rates for a full-service local independent agency and includes professional photography, floor plans, Rightmove and Zoopla premium listings, regular viewings, negotiation, and full support right through to completion. Always clarify:

  • Is it sole agency, multi-agency, or sole selling rights?
  • When is the fee payable (usually on exchange of contracts or completion)?
  • Are there additional costs for photography, floorplans, advertising, or “For Sale” boards?

03 What type of agency contract do you offer, and how long am I tied in for?

Our standard Sole Agency contract is for 8 weeks. After this period you can cancel at any time with just 14 days’ written notice if you’re not happy. There’s no long lock-in — we only want to work with you if you’re delighted with the service.

We also include a ready-to-sell clause — if you find a buyer yourself during the contract, you can still proceed with a reduced fee. This structure is very client-friendly and one of the most flexible in the industry. Most sellers stay with us well beyond the initial 8 weeks because they see the results we’re delivering. Would you like me to email you a copy of our standard agreement to review?

We are more than happy to go through it in detail with you and discuss any terms of the agreement.

04 How will you market my property?

We market every property with a professional, multi-channel campaign designed to reach the maximum number of serious buyers quickly. Here’s exactly what you get with our standard service:

  • High-quality photography & video: Professional photographer plus optional twilight/evening shots and a 3D virtual tour or Matterport walkthrough.
  • Floor plans & EPC: Accurate, stylish floor plans included.
  • Premium online listings: Prominent placement on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket with enhanced features.
  • Targeted social media & email: We actively promote your property across Facebook, Instagram and our large database of over 5,000 registered buyers.
  • For Sale Board: A quality board outside (if permitted) to generate local interest.
  • Brochures & print: Professionally designed colour brochures.
  • Weekly viewings & feedback: We handle all viewings (including evenings and weekends) and give you detailed buyer feedback.
  • Open House events when appropriate to create urgency.
  • Agent network: We discreetly share details with our trusted local buyer introducers.

05 Is now a good time to buy/sell in and around Preston?

Yes - 2026 is an excellent time to move in Preston. The local market is stable and active, with average house prices at around £187,000 — up over 4% on last year and showing healthy growth.

Demand remains strong for well-presented homes, especially family houses in popular areas, while increased choice gives buyers good opportunities and negotiating power.

Properties priced correctly are selling steadily, and with improving affordability and spring momentum, it’s a balanced market that rewards realistic sellers and proactive buyers alike.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or making your first move, now is a positive time to act and achieve a great result.

06 Once an offer is accepted; how long will it take complete the purchase?

In the Preston area, once an offer is accepted, the average time from acceptance to moving day is 12 to 16 weeks for a standard chain-free or straightforward mortgage purchase.

More complex chains typically take 12–16 weeks.

We work closely with a small group of tried-and-tested local solicitors who have outstanding reputations for speed, clear communication, and excellent client care. We can request competitive quotes from them on your behalf and recommend the best fit for your situation, which helps keep the process on track and often faster than the national average.

The key to a smooth sale is instructing your solicitor quickly and having everything prepared in advance. We can send you details and quotes from our recommended solicitors.

07 Can you help me find my next property as well?

Of course! Many clients ask us to handle both the sale and purchase. We have an excellent network of off-market opportunities and can search proactively for your next home while your current property is being sold. This “one agent” approach often leads to smoother transactions and better coordination.

08 How important is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

  • Very important. Buyers and mortgage lenders now pay close attention to EPC ratings.
  • If yours is below C, it’s worth considering low-cost improvements (loft insulation, LED lighting, draught-proofing) before marketing. A better rating can make your home more appealing and help justify the asking price.

09 Do you do accompanied viewings?

Yes, absolutely. I personally accompany almost all viewings. This allows me to highlight the best features of your home, answer questions on the spot, and get honest feedback from buyers immediately. It also gives you peace of mind that your property is being looked after professionally.

10 Should I stage my home or declutter before putting it on the market?

Yes — staging and decluttering make a big difference. A clean, spacious, and neutral-looking home helps buyers imagine themselves living there. We recommend removing personal items, excess furniture, and bright colours. Many of our sellers see quicker offers and higher prices after a good declutter and simple styling. We can recommend local stagers at reasonable rates if you’d like help.