FAQs

Can you help with holiday lets or short-term lets in North Wales?

Do I need an EPC to sell or let my home?

Yes, you need a valid Energy Performance Certificate to market a property for sale or to let, and we can arrange one for you if you do not already have a current certificate.

Is a valuation free, and is there any obligation?

Yes, our valuations are free and come with no obligation. We will give you an honest, evidence based figure for your home, whether you are ready to move now or simply weighing up your options.

Are you a regulated and registered agent?

Yes. We are members of the Property Redress Scheme, registered with the ICO for data protection and with HMRC for anti money laundering, and we hold professional indemnity insurance. For lettings we also have Client Money Protection and a Rent Smart Wales licence, so you are dealing with a properly regulated agent.

What are your contract terms, and is there a tie-in period?

We work on a sole agency basis and keep our terms clear and fair, with everything agreed in writing before we start. We are always happy to talk through the contract and any tie-in period with you up front, so there are no surprises later.

How quickly can you get my property on the market?

Quickly. We use a dedicated half day media shoot for professional photography, cinematic film and drone footage, and can typically have your property live within days of that shoot.

What are your opening hours?

We are available seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm, so you can reach us around work and family life rather than only in office hours.

Will I deal with the same person throughout?

Yes. SOLM is a personal, sole agent service, so you deal directly with the same person from valuation through to completion. There is no call centre and no being passed around a team, so you always know exactly who is handling your sale or let.

How do I make an offer once I have found a home?

Simply let us know and we will put your offer to the seller, along with your position and timescale. We keep you updated throughout and guide you through exactly what happens next if it is accepted.

How do I arrange a viewing?

Just contact us with the property you would like to see and we will arrange an accompanied viewing by appointment. Viewings are booked in during the week, and we will always do our best to find a time that works around you.

How do I register as a buyer and hear about new homes first?

You can register with us through the website or by getting in touch, and we will match you to suitable properties and let you know about new listings, often before they appear on the portals.

Do I need to register as a landlord in Wales?

If you let property in Wales, you must register, and usually be licensed, with Rent Smart Wales. We hold a Rent Smart Wales agent licence ourselves and can manage your property compliantly, so you do not have to navigate the Welsh requirements on your own.

Can you take over a property that already has tenants in it?

Yes. If you have tenants in place and want to switch to us, or move from managing it yourself to full management, we can take over the tenancy, check that everything is compliant, and pick things up smoothly from there.

What type of tenancy will my property be let on?

Since the Renters' Rights Act, assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by assured periodic tenancies, which roll on until ended properly. We set your tenancy up correctly under the current rules, including the written statement of terms every tenant must now be given.

How often will my property be inspected?

We carry out regular inspections during the tenancy and report back to you with any findings, so you always know how your property is being looked after and can deal with any issues early rather than at the end.

Do you handle repairs and maintenance?

Yes. For managed properties we arrange repairs with trusted local tradespeople, deal with day to day tenant issues so you do not have to, and keep you informed throughout. For anything significant, we always check with you before going ahead.

What happens if my tenant falls behind on rent?

We stay on top of rent payments and act quickly if anything is missed, chasing the tenant and keeping you informed at every step. If arrears become serious, we guide you through the correct legal process, which has changed significantly under the Renters' Rights Act.

How and when will I receive my rent?

Rent is collected into our dedicated client account and passed on to you promptly, with a clear statement each time so you can see exactly what you have received and when. Your money is kept separate and protected throughout.

Will I get the final say on which tenant moves in?

Yes. We reference and credit check every applicant thoroughly and give you our honest recommendation, but the decision is always yours. We will never move a tenant into your property without your approval.

How long does it take to find a tenant?

It depends on the property, the rent and the area, but a well presented home at a sensible rent in our areas usually lets quickly. We will give you an honest view of demand and a realistic timescale before we start, rather than an optimistic guess to win your instruction.

Can you advise me on whether to sell or let my property?

Yes, and because we do both, we can give you a genuinely balanced view. We will value your home for sale and appraise it for letting, show you the realistic figures for each, and be honest about which option suits your situation rather than steering you toward one.

How do you find and reference tenants?

We market your property across the major portals and our own channels, carry out viewings, and fully reference and credit check applicants, including Right to Rent checks. Our aim is to find you a reliable tenant, not just a quick one.

How do you keep my rental compliant with the latest rules?

Letting has become far more regulated, particularly since the Renters' Rights Act came in. We keep your tenancy compliant, from the correct tenancy paperwork and notices to safety certificates and deposit protection, so you do not have to track the changing rules yourself.

How is my money protected as a landlord?

Your rent and deposits are held in a dedicated client account, we are covered by Client Money Protection, and tenant deposits are registered with a government approved deposit scheme. Your money is kept separate and protected at every stage.

Can you let and manage property in both England and North Wales?

Yes. We are fully licensed to manage properties in both England and Wales, including a Rent Smart Wales agent licence. The rules differ on each side of the border, so we make sure your tenancy is set up correctly for wherever your property is.

What lettings services do you offer?

We offer two main options. Full management, where we handle everything from finding and referencing tenants to rent collection, inspections and day to day issues, and tenant find only, where we market the property, find and reference a tenant and set up the tenancy, then hand it back for you to manage. We will help you choose the right one for your situation.

Do you handle lettings and property management as well as sales?

Yes. Alongside our sales service, we now offer residential lettings and full property management across Chester, the Wirral, Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales. You get the same personal, hands on service whether you are selling or letting.

Do you handle negotiations on my behalf?

Yes, we manage all negotiations professionally, ensuring you achieve the best possible price for your property while keeping the process smooth and stress-free.

Can you help with properties needing refurbishment or development potential?

Yes, we specialise in selling homes with refurbishment or development opportunities, attracting investors and buyers looking to add value in Chester and the surrounding area.

Can you help with quick sales or cash buyers?

Yes, we have access to a network of serious cash buyers in Chester and the North West, allowing for fast, hassle-free property sales when speed is essential.

Do you provide advice for first-time sellers or landlords?

Absolutely, we guide first-time sellers and landlords in Chester through pricing, marketing, and legal requirements, making the selling process clear, simple, and stress-free.

How do you ensure my property gets maximum exposure online?

We optimise your property listing with professional photos, engaging descriptions, and promotion across major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, plus social media and email campaigns to reach thousands of potential buyers.

Do you offer tailored marketing for luxury or high-value homes?

Yes, we provide bespoke marketing for premium properties in Chester, including professional photography, detailed floor plans, and targeted advertising to attract serious buyers and investors.

Do you sell properties across Chester and the surrounding areas?

Yes, we sell properties across Chester, Cheshire, and the wider North West, including high-demand suburbs and rural villages, helping you reach the right buyers locally and regionally.

Can you help sell properties that haven’t sold with other agents?

Absolutely, we specialise in selling homes that have previously struggled on the market, using tailored marketing strategies and expert advice to attract motivated buyers in Chester.

Do you offer guidance on legal processes?

Yes, we work closely with solicitors and conveyancers to guide you through contracts, legal requirements, and completion, ensuring your property sale proceeds efficiently and without stress.

Can you help if I’m buying and selling simultaneously?

Yes, we coordinate both buying and selling processes, offering strategic advice to minimise delays and avoid chain complications, ensuring a seamless property transition.

Will you market my property online and offline?

Yes, we deliver a full marketing strategy including property portals, social media campaigns, email marketing, and local outreach to maximise exposure and attract serious buyers.

Can you assist with probate or sensitive sales?

Yes, we handle probate and sensitive sales with discretion and empathy, providing clear communication and a single point of contact to make the process smooth for families and executors.

Can you manage sales for investment or development properties?

Yes, we specialise in investment and development property sales, including plots, refurbishments, and new builds, ensuring professional marketing to the right buyers.

Do you provide photography and virtual tours?

Yes, we use professional photography, high-quality floor plans, and immersive virtual tours to showcase your property online and make it stand out on portals like Rightmove and Zoopla.

Do you offer advice on improving my property’s value?

Absolutely, we offer expert guidance on home improvements, staging, and presentation strategies to maximise your property’s appeal and attract higher offers.

Can you help with property valuations?

Yes, we provide accurate property valuations based on current market trends, local demand, and comparable sales, helping you set a competitive and realistic asking price.

When can I expect a response?

We aim to reply to all enquiries as soon as humanly possible. In many cases, we strive to reply within 1 hour of the initial contact.

How do you market my property?

We use a mix of professional photography, compelling property descriptions, online listings on major portals, social media promotion, email campaigns to our buyer database and targeted digital advertising. Every property gets a bespoke marketing plan tailored to its type and location.

What fees do I pay when selling through SOLM Property?

Our fees are transparent and agreed in writing before we begin. You will pay a sales commission once your property has sold. We do not charge upfront fees or hidden costs. We cover all standard marketing expenses unless you request additional premium services.

How long will it take to sell my property?

Timescales depend on various factors including location, price, condition and demand in your area. We provide a realistic timescale at the outset after assessing your property.

Do you handle viewings and negotiations?

Yes. We manage all viewings on your behalf and handle negotiations with potential buyers. Our aim is to secure the best possible price while keeping the process stress-free for you.

Can you help if my property has been on the market with another agent?

Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us after struggling to sell elsewhere. We review your property’s current marketing, refresh the presentation and relaunch with a tailored strategy designed to attract the right buyers.

Which regions do you cover when selling properties?

SOLM Property specialises in selling homes across the North West of England and North Wales. We offer expertise and local knowledge in both urban and rural markets within these regions.

What makes SOLM Property different from traditional estate agents?

We are a modern, sales only agency focused exclusively on property sales. We deliver a personalised experience, honest advice, standout results and invest in advanced digital marketing tools like drone footage, 360° virtual tours and lifestyle photography to ensure your property gets noticed.

What sales marketing services do you provide?

Our marketing strategy is comprehensive. It includes drone footage, 360° virtual tours, lifestyle photography and targeted social media promotion. We ensure maximum exposure across platforms and effective buyer outreach.