Looking to sell your home quickly? With it taking up to 6 months to sell a home in the UK, you might need to do more than usual to secure a fast deal.
Despite this, the real estate market in the UK is currently experiencing high demand for residential properties due to low interest rates and an increase in foreign investors. This presents a great opportunity to get a good deal if you’re willing to do what it takes.
Whether you need to relocate for a new job, free up cash, or just want to close a chapter quickly, here’s everything you need to know to sell your house fast!
1. Is it a good time to sell?
Let’s take a holistic look at the situation!
The market is showing signs of a modest recovery.
Just in July, house prices increased by 3%, which has lifted the annual rise to 2.1%, bringing the average property price to around £266,334, according to the latest data from Nationwide Building Society.
Now, while this growth rate may not be breaking records, it does signal that the market is starting to recover from previous lows. Could this be a great opportunity for you to tap into the equity you’ve built in your home and potentially unlock more value? Absolutely!
Despite the lingering challenges in the UK housing market, such as the highest interest rate environment seen in over 15 years, there are a few positive aspects that might make selling houses more profitable than ever before. With inflation decreasing from its peak of 11% in 2022 to just 2.0% in June 2024 and a new government coming into power, buyers can benefit from relief in mortgage rates, which increases your chances of selling.
Additionally, the current market conditions might help you sell your home faster, especially if buyers anticipate further price increases. Furthermore, there are various alternative methods to selling your property quickly in 2024. What do you think? Does this seem like a good time to explore your options?
Now this brings me to my next question how fast is ‘fast’ in your dictionary. Because this could dictate the kind of profits you are set to earn.
2. How fast is too fast to sell a home in UK?
Everyone wants a quick sale, but rushing the process can get you in a pickle. Let me explain!
Generally, selling a house in less than 4 weeks is considered unusually fast. This timeframe might indicate potential issues such as:
- Severe underpricing: Selling significantly below market value to expedite the sale.
- Overlooked property defects: Insufficient inspections might reveal hidden problems later.
- Legal oversights: Rushing through paperwork can lead to errors or complications.
Unless you are under financial stress, I’d suggest you to not rush the process. Remember, a hasty sale might not always be the most profitable one.
A timeframe between 4 to 6 weeks for accepting an offer and completing the sale is generally the norm. If you cannot wait until then there are a few options that you might want to explore!
3. What are my options to sell?
Your options when looking at selling your home quickly include either case home buying companies, property auctions or online quick sales real estate agents. You can even explore the services of high street agencies or people you have in your circle looking to buy a house!
3.1. The Fast Lane: Cash House Buying Companies
One of the quickest ways to sell your house is for cash. If you’re wondering, “Should I sell my house to a cash buyer?” — the answer is simple. If you want to sell your home fast, cash buyers can close the deal in as little as 7 days, offering around 80-85% of your property’s market value.
3.1.1 Now, how do you find these companies?
These companies market themselves as ‘We Buy Any House’ companies. You can find them easily through online searches or local advertisements.
3.1.2 How do these Cash buying Companies help?
3.1.2.1 Enquiry and Desktop Valuation:
- Upon receiving your enquiry, the house buying firm conducts a desktop valuation of your property, taking into consideration recent house sale values and the current condition of your property.
3.1.2.2 Initial Cash Offer:
- Following the valuation, the home buyer will make you a cash offer to buy your house quickly, usually within 75-80% of the property’s market value.
3.1.2.3 Formal Valuation:
- If you accept the offer, the company will send a local estate agent or independent surveyor to double-check the market value to ensure the offer is fair and based on an accurate assessment.
3.1.2.4 Final Offer:
- After the survey, the company will provide you with a formal offer. This process eliminates the need for staging your home for viewings and avoids the complications of lengthy property chains.
3.1.2.4 Benefits:
- This method is ideal for those in financial straits or requiring urgent sales, as it guarantees speed but typically at a discounted price. valuation, the home buyer will make you a cash offer to buy your house quickly, usually within 75-80% of the property’s market value.
3.1.3 Are these companies reliable?
Yes or no! There are a few of these who genuinely work in this market and can give you an offer in 24 hours. Such companies often complete the transaction in less than a month. But it is also true that 97% of such companies out there are not ‘genuine’ cash buyers!
3.1.4 Then, How to different the genuine buyers from the scammers?
Good question! Here are four key characteristics of scammers and how they can rip you off:
3.1.4.1 They will overpromise in their initial offers!
If the offer is too good to be true, chances are that your gut feeling is spot-on! Shady cash buying companies will make an unrealistic high offer. Not only this but they will also promise to get the money in your hands in a matter of days pending an official valuation. They usually do not come back and ghost you!
3.1.4.2 They will delay the payment
For someone who wants to sell home fast, this would be the last thing you need. After giving you a lucrative offer that you won’t be able say no to, these scammers will use every tactic in the book to drag out the process for months.
3.1.4.3 They will leverage your desperation to close and cut back on the prices
Yes! Such buyers are known to cut back savagely because they know you are desperate to close and
| Note: Only a few companies actually have the cash on hand to buy your home and quickly solve any property related problem you’re facing. The vast majority of these firms are lead generators selling your personal details or brokers passing your details on to small-time investors. They promise you the world to trick you into signing an option contract. The option contract is needed to hold you in place (i.e. stop you being able to sell elsewhere) while a buyer and/or mortgage funding is secured. This makes the process risky and your sale far from guaranteed. |
3.1.4 Pros and Cons of selling home for Cash
| Pros | Cons |
| Speed of Sale | Lower Sale Price |
| Quick closure, often within weeks. | Cash buyers may offer less than market value. |
| Certainty | Potential for Scams |
| Less risk of the sale falling through. | Risk of encountering less reputable buyers. |
| Convenience | Limited Market |
| Simplified process, often buying “as-is.” | Fewer buyers, mainly investors, and property companies. |
| Avoidance of Fees | Less Room for Negotiation |
| Some buyers cover legal and other fees. | Offers may be more “take it or leave it.” Even a good deal may only achieve around 85% of your property’s value, while a bad deal could be as low as 65% |
| Flexibility | Pressure to Make Quick Decisions |
| More control over terms and move-out dates. | Pressure to decide quickly, potentially missing better options. |
3.1.5 Additional Ways Property Buying Companies Work
3.1.5.1 Direct Purchase (75-80% Market Value in 2-6 Weeks):
- The quickest way to sell your house fast, with property buyers purchasing directly using their own cash funds.
- Ideal for sellers needing a rapid sale to meet financial obligations or to fix a failed chain.
- Legal fees are often covered by the buyer, and companies may even help with arranging removal firms.
3.1.5.2 Assisted Sale (80-85% Market Value in 8-12 Weeks):
- A property buying firm helps arrange a faster house sale to a pre-qualified investor, usually a landlord, developer, or company that buys houses fast.
- Takes longer than a direct purchase but can be useful for selling properties with tenants in place.
3.1.5.3 Auction Sale (80-85% Market Value):
- Some firms partner with property auction houses to offer auction sales without the associated risk.
- The company purchases your house for a pre-agreed price, then takes it to auction, either at a physical location or online using the Modern Method of Auction (MMoA).
3.2. Going, Going, Gone: Selling at Auction
Auction sales are another speedy alternative, particularly appealing if your property is a bit of a fixer-upper.
Selling your house at auction means you can potentially wrap up the transaction within 28 days.
The competitive atmosphere of an auction can also push the price up, but it’s a gamble—your property could sell for less than market value if the right buyers aren’t in attendance.
3.2.1 Pros and Cons of Selling Property at Auction
| Pros of Selling Property at Auction | Cons of Selling Property at Auction |
| Achieving the Best Price: Competitive bidding can drive the price higher, especially if the property has desirable attributes. | Risk of Not Selling: There is a possibility the property may not sell if the reserve price isn’t met or if there’s insufficient interest. |
| Quick Sale Completion: The sale can be completed within 20 business days, ideal for sellers needing a fast transaction. | Market Conditions and Timing: The success of the auction can be affected by market conditions or unfavorable timing. |
| Certainty of Sale: Once a bid meets the reserve price, the buyer is legally obligated to complete the purchase, reducing the risk of the sale falling through. | High Reserve Price: Setting a reserve price that is too high could deter potential buyers, leading to the property not selling. |
| High Sales Rate: Auctions have a high success rate, with 75%-80% of properties typically selling, compared to about 50% in traditional sales. | Documentation and Administrative Issues: Delays or issues with required documentation could hinder the sale process. |
| High Transparency: The auction process is open and transparent, allowing all bidders to see the offers being made. | |
| Appeal to a Broad Audience: Auctions attract buyers for unique or difficult-to-value properties, including those in poor condition. | |
| Reserve Price Protection: Sellers can set a reserve price, ensuring the property does not sell for less than they are willing to accept. | |
| Access to Ready Buyers: Auction buyers are typically well-prepared with finances in place, facilitating a quicker and smoother transaction. |
3.2.2 How to sell your property in Auction!
Selling a property at auction in the UK can be a straightforward process if you know the ins and outs. Here are the steps involved:
Step 1 – Find a local auction house and arrange an auction appraisal.
It’s a good idea to work with a property auction house that has local knowledge, experience, and positive testimonials. A reputable property auctioneer can guide you through the process and provide a free auction appraisal based on their knowledge of local markets.
Step 2 – Instruct the auctioneer by signing and returning the auction agency agreement.
The agreement protects your interests and those of the auction house. It includes property details, auction company details, and terms and conditions under which the auctioneer will sell the property on your behalf. It outlines details such as the type of property, auction schedule, reserve price, auctioneer’s charges, marketing plan, and seller obligations.
Step 3 – Instruct a solicitor You’ll need to instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to prepare the necessary legal documents for the auction.
These legal documents are required when selling a house at auction in the UK. A solicitor can also help ensure all legal requirements are met and assist with preparing the contract of sale.
Step 4 – The property will be advertised The auctioneer will market the property through various channels, including property websites and media coverage.
They may also conduct block viewings to create a competitive atmosphere and generate interest in the property.
Step 5 – The auctioneer will conduct block viewings on the property.
Prospective buyers will be invited to view the property in scheduled block viewings to create a competitive atmosphere and potentially increase the sale price.
Step 6 – The auctioneer will set an auction date Your property will go to auction on a specific, pre-agreed date.
Auctions typically take place every 6 weeks on average.
Step 7 – Your property is sold if the reserve is met At the end of the auction, the property will be sold only if the reserve price is met or exceeded.
At this point, contracts are exchanged, and a deposit is paid, marking the official sale of your property. Both the seller and the buyer’s solicitor or licensed conveyancer are informed in readiness for completion.
Step 8 – Completion Completion will be scheduled to take place in 20 business days unless otherwise specified within the special conditions of sale.
Source: 3
3.3. Online and On Point: Leveraging Digital Estate Agents
Digital estate agents offer a more modern approach. They list your property on popular platforms like Zoopla and Rightmove, reaching thousands of potential buyers instantly.
The services offered by each online agency may vary, but the main advantage is that you can sell your home through an online platform. Some online agents charge zero fees and simply connect you to potential buyers, leaving you with the rest of the work.
To minimize the stress of the process, some agencies will handle parts of it for a low fee. While online agencies can save you money, if you prefer a selling experience that is efficient and stress-free, going online might not fully meet your needs.
3.3.1 Advantages of Using a Digital Estate Agent
- Speed: Online estate agents often have faster turnaround times for listing properties and generating interest.
- Cost-effective: Typically, they charge lower fees compared to traditional estate agents.
- Control: You have more control over the selling process and can manage viewings and offers directly.
- Wider Reach: Digital platforms can expose your property to a larger audience.
3.3.2 Main Online Quick Sale Estate Agents:
| Agent | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Springbok | One of the oldest and largest in the market, offering cash purchases and general estate agency services. Known for reliability and quick sales. Basic package price: Not publicly available (Typically focuses on cash purchases and various selling options). Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Reliable, quick sales, multiple selling options (cash, auction, open market) | Typically achieves lower prices, often around 80-85% of market value. |
| GAO (Get an Offer) | Focuses on securing offers within 28 days, with a large investor network. Mixed customer reviews, with some praising speed and others criticizing responsiveness and fees. Basic package price: Not publicly available (Focuses on securing offers with a large investor network). Trustpilot rating: 3.7 | Extensive investor network, quick offers | High fees, mixed reviews on customer service, often lower offers. |
| Property Solvers | Offers auctions, cash buying, and quick estate agency services. Active for nearly two decades, known for low pricing to secure quick sales. 28-day tie-in period for estate agency. Basic package price: Not publicly available (Offers auctions, cash buying, and estate agency services). Trustpilot rating: 4.8 (highly rated for its quick sales and customer service). | Variety of services, time-sensitive solutions, long-standing reputation | Lower sales prices, tie-in period restricts flexibility, no unique selling strategies over other online agents |
| Purplebricks | One of the pioneers in the online estate agent market, known for its hybrid model combining online and offline services. Basic package price: £999 (£1,499 for London and surrounding areas) includes a dedicated local property expert, professional photography and floor plans, listings on Rightmove, Zoopla and more. Trustpilot rating: 4.6 | Hybrid model, potential for higher sale price, national coverage | Higher fees than some purely online agents, reliance on local agents |
| Emoov | Offers a fully online service with a focus on transparency and cost-effectiveness. Basic package price: £699 (for a basic online package, with additional costs for premium services). Trustpilot rating: 4.5 | Low fees, transparent pricing, online control | Limited local market knowledge, potential for slower sales |
| Strike | Known for its fixed-fee pricing model and emphasis on technology. Basic package price: Free, includes valuation by a local expert, photos and floorplan, advertising on Rightmove and Zoopla, professional offer negotiation and dedicated support to completion. Strike gets paid by selected partners if you choose one of their optional services, such as free mortgage advice or removal services. Trustpilot rating: 4.7 | Fixed fees, focus on technology, online control | Limited local market knowledge, potential for slower sales |
| Doorsteps | Provides a mix of online and offline services, with a focus on local market expertise. Basic package price: £99 (for a basic online package, with additional services available for extra costs). Trustpilot rating: 4.3 (solid reputation with good customer service). | Combines online and offline, local market knowledge | Higher fees than purely online agents, less control over process |
| I Am The Agent | Offers a hybrid model with a network of local agents. Basic package price: £399 (for a basic listing package, with optional add-ons). Trustpilot rating: 4.4 (generally positive reviews). | Local agent support, potential for higher sale price | Higher fees than purely online agents, less control over process |
| HouseSimple | Focuses on a streamlined selling process with a fixed fee. Basic package price: Free (no upfront fee, but charges a fee only when the property is sold). Trustpilot rating: 4.5 (good reviews, especially for value and ease of use). | Fixed fees, streamlined process, online control | Limited local market knowledge, potential for slower sales |
3.3.3. Pros and Cons of Quick Sale Estate Agents
| Pros of Online Quick Sale Estate Agents | Cons of Online Quick Sale Estate Agents |
| Speed of Sale: Can sell properties quickly, often within 28 days. | Lower Sale Prices: Typically sell properties at 80-85% of market value. |
| Variety of Selling Methods: Offers multiple options like cash buying, auctions, and open market listings. | Inconsistent Buyer Quality: Pre-qualified buyers may not have the necessary funds, leading to potential fall-throughs. |
| Convenience: Takes over the entire selling process, reducing hassle for sellers. | High Fees and Commissions: Some agents charge high fees, reducing net proceeds. |
| Access to Cash Buyers: Often have networks of cash buyers and investors ready to purchase quickly. | Limited Advantage Over Regular Online Agents: Beyond quick sale features, they offer little more than traditional online agents. |
| Flexibility: Provides options that can cater to different seller needs, such as quick sales or open market listings. | Potential for Low Offers: May result in lowball offers, especially if unable to find the right buyer. |
| Less Risk of Sale Falling Through: Assured sales with cash buyers can mean fewer issues with financing delays. | Pricing Pressure: May pressure sellers to accept lower prices to ensure a quick sale. |
3.4. DIY Your Sale
Want to sell your home fast that too the traditional way? Then you have to bring out the big guns! Your creativity and marketing skills into action.
With only 37% of folks in the UK trusting real estate agents, as per the latest Ipsos MORI Veracity Index, real estate is the sixth least trusted profession out here! But hey, don’t worry, trust is actually on the rise, hitting a 7-year high. So while you’ve got your agent doing their thing, why not crank up the volume on your own efforts?
Make your house a local landmark (yes your marketing needs to be that dramatic) by making noise (not quite literally) on social media, engaging local community groups, and maybe even hosting an open house or two.
The more you promote your home, the higher will be your odds of finding a potential buyer quickly.
3.4.1 Go all out on the social media:
Make reels, TikTok’s and even utilize your personal networks on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Think fun tours, a sneak peek into what makes your home special, or even quirky things about your house that you love.
These platforms favor entertaining and heartfelt content, so a series like “Why I Love My Home and It Sucks I Have to Sell It!” could really resonate with viewers.
You can also create a content series leading up to the open house or the sale deadline to build momentum and keep your audience engaged.
Plus, if you are confident about what you are posting, put some money behind it!
Just maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your followers interested and informed. Regular updates about the sale process, new features of your home, or community highlights can keep potential buyers engaged and eager to see more.
Content is the name of the game and until you utilize it well you won’t be able to get as many eyeballs as you need!
3.4.2 Leverage Your Existing Communities
Tap into local community boards, online groups like Nextdoor, or community centers.
Posting on local forums can reach people who are looking to move within the area or who have family and friends they’d like to live closer to.
3.4.3 Host an Open House:
Organize and host open houses to create buzz around your property. Ensure you have well-prepared brochures and property details for visitors to take away. Make the open house event enjoyable with light refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere.
3.4.4 Quality Visuals:
Invest in professional photography to make your listing stand out. High-quality images can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells. Consider also creating a virtual tour or video walkthrough, which can help distant buyers get a better sense of your property’s layout and feel.
3.4.5 Effective Descriptions:
Craft compelling and clear descriptions of your home. Highlight key amenities, the neighborhood, and any recent upgrades. Be honest but appealing in your portrayal to ensure it aligns with what visitors will see during viewings.
3.4.5. Pricing Perfection: Attract Buyers with the Right Tag
Price your home wisely to catch the eye of potential buyers. A slightly lower asking price can lead to quick offers and even trigger a bidding war. Remember, setting an attractive price is more an art than a science, and getting it right could mean the difference between a quick sale and a prolonged market stay.
3.5 Part exchanging your house via a new build developer
If you are looking to purchase a home after selling this one, then this is one option you can explore.
You can exchange your house with a developer as a part payment for a new property. They can effectively act as cash home buyers as they do not have to sell a property themselves in order to buy your property.
This means you could sell your house quickly without waiting for the developer to find a buyer.
The developer will ask two independent agents to:
- Find out the value of your property
- Set the right ‘Selling Price’ on it.
Note that these developers will set the selling price lower to have room for negotiation and facilitate a quick sale. This approach helps them recoup the money spent on buying your old house.
3.5.1 Pros and Cons of Exchanging Your House via a New Build Developer
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides a higher level of certainty that your sale will proceed. | The time saved is dependent on the construction progress of the new build. If the property is still under construction, the move-in date could be delayed. |
| Avoid paying estate agent’s fees, potentially saving thousands of pounds. | Offers are typically around 80-85% of your current home’s value, which might be lower than selling on the open market. |
| Avoid being part of a property chain, reducing uncertainties. | Part exchange programs usually require your property to be in good condition. Leasehold properties may need at least 80 years remaining on the lease to qualify. |
| You receive a new build property as part of the exchange. |
3.5.2 Are these deals intimidating? Can I negotiate?
Even if you think you’re not in a position to negotiate with a development company, remember that they are keen to sell all their properties quickly.
You might not be able to budge much on the price, but it’s still worth pushing for a better deal.
Demand that they cover your stamp duty or conveyancer’s fees, or throw in white goods for the property. There are levers the salesperson can pull to ensure they sell all their properties—find and work those angles.
3.6 List 1,2,3: Multi-Agency Listings
It is as simple as you can understand. In multi agency listings several estate agents list your property simultaneously.
The benefit?
Unlike a sole agency agreement where one agent holds the exclusive rights to sell, a multi-agency approach maximizes your property’s exposure across various platforms.
Your home is showcased on more websites, features in different estate agents’ windows, and is actively promoted by multiple sales teams.
It’s like using a fleet of fishing boats instead of just one, increasing your chances of a big catch in the property market.
3.6.1 How It Works
- You sign agreements with several estate agents, each authorized to list and sell your property.
- These agents compete to secure a buyer first, potentially speeding up the sale process.
- You only pay a commission to the agent who successfully closes the sale, although this fee might be higher than with a sole agency agreement.
3.6.2 Pros and Cons of Multi-Agency Listing:
| Pros | Cons |
| Wider Exposure: Your property is seen by a broader audience. More listings lead to more viewings, thus increasing the chances of a quicker sale. | Higher Fees: Multi-agency agreements often come with higher commission rates, costing you more upon a successful sale. |
| Competitive Edge: Agents know they are in competition, creating a sense of urgency and drive to secure the sale first. | Complex Coordination: Managing multiple agents can be challenging, requiring you to keep track of various marketing strategies and viewing schedules. |
| Quicker Sales: The competitive environment among agents can lead to faster deal closures. | Risk of Reduced Effort: Some agents might not invest as much effort, knowing they are competing against others. |
| Possibly Better Offers: The increased visibility can lead to higher offers from potential buyers. |
3.6.3 Cost of Multi-Agency Listing
When you opt for a multi-agency contract, you can expect to pay a higher fee compared to standard agreements.
Typically, multi-agency contracts charge between 3.6% and 4% of the final sale price of your property.
These costs are higher because multiple agents are involved in selling your home, and only the agent who successfully closes the sale gets paid. This setup creates a competitive environment where each agent is motivated to act swiftly and efficiently.
The advantage of this arrangement is that it often leads to a quicker sale because each agent is incentivized to bring the best offer to the table quickly.
In a winner-takes-all contract, the commission goes to the agent who secures an offer that meets or exceeds a previously agreed-upon price. This ensures that all agents are fully committed to selling your property rather than just listing it.
3.6.4 Understanding the Joint Sole Agency
A joint sole agency agreement is an option to consider if you want to combine the services of a local and a national agent.
This type of agreement is usually more cost-effective compared to multi-agency contracts, typically costing around 2.3-2.5% of the sale price including VAT.
In this setup, two agents work together instead of competing, which can be less confrontational but equally effective, particularly if they serve different market segments.
3.6.5 The Effectiveness of Having Multiple Estate Agents
In a lively market with a sought-after property, one agent may be sufficient as they can generate several strong offers during their exclusivity period.
However, in slower, less active markets where properties remain on the market without receiving offers, using multiple agencies may be necessary in order to generate more interest and, subsequently, more offers.
Negotiating a short exclusivity period initially allows you to evaluate an agent’s effectiveness before deciding whether to involve more agents in the process.
While some may view enlisting multiple agents as a sign of desperation, it can actually be a strategic move to ensure that your property receives maximum exposure and attracts more potential buyers.
Professional property investors often use this strategy to their advantage, leading to quicker sales and potentially better offers due to increased competition among buyers.
4. Bottom Line
When selling your house, consider cash house buyers for a quick sale with certain assurance but not the full market value.
Auctions can be unpredictable. Estate agents offer fewer guarantees but may achieve a favorable price in the long run. Consider your timeframe and risk tolerance when choosing a method to sell your property.
5. FAQs
The fastest method to sell your house is through a cash house buying company.
These companies can typically complete the purchase within a month, offering cash regardless of the property’s condition or location. This option is ideal for those prioritizing speed over sale price.
Yes, it is possible to complete a house sale in 2 weeks using quick sale house buying companies. These companies expedite the process using efficient conveyancers and accelerated search services. However, this rapid timeline assumes no complications arise during the sale process. Any issues could extend the timeline beyond the initially projected 2 weeks.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the best estate agent for selling a house. The ideal agent depends on your property’s type, value, location, and your specific needs. Look for agents with a successful track record of selling similar properties in your area, as they are likely to have access to suitable buyers and can negotiate the best price.
Yes, some estate agents might overvalue houses to secure listings by giving homeowners an optimistic but unrealistic estimate of their property’s value. This tactic can lead to longer sale times and eventual price reductions. To avoid this, get multiple valuations and understand the local market trends.