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8+
Years buying properties
Saif Derzi
I feel like this is the perfect topic for me to write about.
Why?
Because I’ve personally bought and sold over a thousand properties. And my sole focus right now is doing this as fast as possible.
In this article, I’ll show you my proven strategies and realistic timelines for selling your house quickly, plus help you avoid the mistakes I’ve made. I’ll also share my insider forecast for the 2025 property market.
You have three main options to sell your house quickly.
I’ve been through each option many times. So here’s a realistic overview of each one:Â
The traditional route requires patience and investment:
When speed is your priority:
Going under the hammer offers fast, certain sales:
You’re probably thinking “Surely there are more than 3 ways to sell my house?”
And yes, you’re right.Â
There are tons of complex ways people sell their home, such as:Â
However, these are the main three that anyone can use.
You don’t need to “know someone” or go through any weird legal processes with confusing jargon that often put you out of pocket.
And, in reality, each of the three methods can be broken down into these six variations. This table will help you to quickly see the pros and cons of each approach:
| Sale Method | Timeframe | Price Range | Fees | Hands-on Level | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash House Buyers |
7-28 days |
75-85% |
None + legal fees covered |
Minimal
|
Quickest most certain sale route |
|
Traditional Auctions
|
3-4 months |
75-90%
|
2-3% + entry fee + legal fees
|
Medium |
Exchange on auction day in a physical auction house |
|
Modern Method of Auction
|
3-5 months
|
75-90% |
2-3% + entry fee + legal fees
|
Medium |
Online bidding, more flexible completion
|
|
Online Estate Agents
|
4-7 months
|
80-100% |
Fixed fee i.e. £500-£1000 + legal fees |
Very High |
Self-manage viewings & marketing |
|
Traditional Estate Agents |
6-9 months |
85-100% |
1-3% + VAT + legal fees |
High |
Regular viewings, negotiations |
|
Assisted Sale (with or without cash advance) |
~12 months |
100% + |
Mortgage payments deducted + renovation costs |
Low |
Can have partial upfront payment, buyer handles all refurb costs |
Need a guaranteed quick house sale with minimal hassle?Â
Cash buyers could be your best bet. They’ll sort everything – no estate agent fees, no endless viewings, and they even cover your legal costs.Â
While you might get less than market value (typically 75-85%), you’ll have the certainty of cash in your bank within weeks. After the additional fees (legal, marketing, mortgage payments etc.) the take home amount can often be similar.Â
Perfect if you’re looking to move quickly or avoid a chain breaking down.Â
Fast Sale Tip- This method is the quickest way to sell your house. Period. Just be sure to choose a reputable buyer with proper credentials such as NAPB and TPO as if you work with a bad one you can be left in square one after a few months or negotiations.
Your property goes under the hammer in a live auction room, where serious buyers bid against each other.Â
You’ll likely get a decent price (80-90% of market value), and once the gavel falls, that’s it – sold!Â
The buyer puts down a 10% deposit straight away.Â
The catch? You’ll need to pay entry fees and commission, plus you might have to wait a couple of months for completion. Great for unique properties or ones needing work.
Fast Sale Tip: Make your property stand out with a realistic reserve price – too high and you’ll deter bidders, too low and you risk underselling. Consider offering a pre-auction viewing day to build buzz and get serious buyers lined up before the big day. A well-marketed auction property can spark a bidding war, pushing your final price higher.
Think eBay for houses!Â
This online approach gives buyers more time to sort their finances compared to traditional auctions. You’ll still get competitive bidding and a decent price, but with more flexibility on completion dates.Â
The fees are similar to traditional auctions, but the whole process happens online. It’s a nice middle ground between the rush of a traditional auction and the drawn-out traditional sale process.
Fast Sale Tip: List your property on a Thursday to maximise weekend viewing requests. Online auctions typically run for 30 days, so timing your listing to end when most buyers are active (usually Sunday evenings) can increase competitive bidding. Consider including a 360-degree virtual tour to attract serious buyers who may be browsing from anywhere in the country.
Happy to do some of the legwork yourself?Â
Online agents (such as Purple Bricks) offer a budget-friendly option with fixed fees rather than commission. You’ll need to handle your own viewings and negotiations, but you could save thousands in fees.Â
You’ll likely get close to full market value, but be prepared to wait a few months. Perfect if you’re confident showing your own home and happy to save some cash by doing the leg work.
Fast Sale Tip: Take professional-quality photos and create a highlights sheet for viewings. When showing your home, collect visitor feedback to improve your presentation and speed up the sale.
The classic way to sell – your local estate agent handles everything from photos to viewings and negotiations.Â
You’ll typically get the best price this way, but it comes at a cost: commission fees plus VAT.Â
They’ll do all the hard work, but be prepared for plenty of viewings and potentially months of waiting. Best if you want full service and aren’t in a rush.
Many good ones are a hybrid estate agents, offering digital convenience of online services alongside the personal touch and local expertise of traditional high street agents.
Fast Sale Tip Multi-Agency Listings: Consider listing with multiple estate agents to accelerate your sale. While this increases exposure and potential buyer interest, it typically comes with higher fees. You’ll need to carefully manage agreements and potentially competing agents, but it could lead to a faster sale through wider market reach.
Got a property that needs work but don’t want the hassle of renovating?Â
Assisted sales could be your answer.Â
The buyer handles all the improvements and sale process while you get the full market value of the improved property. They might even offer some cash upfront.Â
The catch? You’ll need to be patient as it can take up to a year, and any renovation costs come out of your final payment.Â
Perfect if you want maximum value but can’t face managing improvements yourself or don’t have the funds for it.
Fast Sale Tip: Consider getting multiple renovation quotes before choosing assisted sale. This helps you compare whether managing repairs yourself might be more profitable than sharing the improved value.
An alternative option not mentioned above as it’s still rare…
Need a guaranteed house sale with no property chain complications? Part exchange with new build developers could be your solution.
The developer becomes your cash buyer, typically offering just under market value if your property’s in good condition and worth no more than 65-70% of the new build’s value. While you’ll save on estate agent fees, you might need a mortgage broker to secure higher LTV mortgages for the price difference.
Fast Sale Tip: Prepare your EPC and maintenance records before approaching developers. Having paperwork ready speeds up their valuation process and shows you’re a serious part-exchange candidate.
First of all, you can go down any of the routes above.Â
We are not suited for everyone.Â
To be transparent, you will likely get a better price using another route. Mind you, this doesn’t always mean you end up with more money in your bank, when all the fees are accounted for!
But I know you’re here as you want to sell your house fast.Â
And I can guarantee we are the best route for speed.Â
So there are three main benefits of using our service if you are looking to sell your house as fast as possible:
Don't Just Take Our Word For It...
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So you’ve seen the options and methods for selling your house fast. Now I bet you’re wondering how fast property sale specialists actually work…
So I’m going to do something I shouldn’t and explain what most cash buying companies do:
Â
Here’s exactly what we do at Property Buyers Today:
Notice the difference?
If our offer doesn’t suit you we can even put you in touch with someone else that may be able to help you based on your individual circumstances.
It is hard to say without knowing the specifics of your house. Each property has it’s own unique appeal due to factors such as the finish and location.
But here are some ballpark figures, which should help you to understand the reasoning:
80-85% of Market Value
75-80% of Market Value
~75% of Market Value
~75% of Market Value
You can also try our calculator here to get a rough idea (just remember each property and area will be unique so it may vary):
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Chances are you fall under one of these groups of people if you are looking to sell your home fast in the UK:
You can click on any of these links to find out more about options for your specific situation.
Do essential repairs (replace handles fallen off any doors etc.), make sure it’s clean and tidy, and check what the front of the house looks like (mow the lawn, remove debris etc.)
First impressions matter, even in a quick sale, and basic maintenance can significantly impact your sale’s success.
Mainly your property deed (check your email from your previous solicitor), energy performance certificate (EPC), and recent utility bills.Â
Having these documents prepared speeds up the process and demonstrates your commitment to a smooth transaction.
It should reflect both the quick sale nature and current market conditions.Â
While you might need to offer a lower price than market value, ensure it aligns with your financial needs whilst remaining attractive to cash buyers. Check Rightmove sold prices (not properties up for sale) for comparable properties that have sold in your area.Â
This is the most important step in my experience. Often sellers do not have an accurate idea of what their house is worth which makes the process drag on much longer than it needs to.Â
Just be aware of the basic conveyancing process before any legal transfer of a property. Make sure you know about any outstanding mortgage obligations and how much equity you have.
Consider appointing a solicitor experienced in quick sales to handle the legal aspects efficiently. If you work with us we do this for you.Â
If you are moving to a new property make sure you have spoken to a mortgage broker to ensure you’re eligible for a mortgage on your new place if you need one.Â
When selling your property quickly, protecting yourself from potential risks is crucial. Professional cash buyers will always be transparent about their process and happy to provide proof of their credentials.
Key verification steps include:
Â
Watch out for these red flags:
Â
Remember you have the right to:
Â
Always trust your instincts and don’t feel rushed into making decisions about your property sale.
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With a professional cash buyer, you can sell your house in as little as 7 days. Traditional estate agent sales typically take 6 months+, while auctions usually complete within 28 days of the auction.
The main factors that may affect your house sale include property condition, required searches, mortgage status, and legal complexities. Cash buyers can often work around these issues more quickly than traditional sales.
We use our own software that takes into account current market data, recent local sales, and property condition assessments. Our experienced valuers provide realistic cash offers based on quick-sale market values (around 70-85% of the current market value).
The initial offer within 24 hours, followed by a formal valuation. Once terms are agreed, solicitors are instructed, and completion can occur in as little as 7 days.
We cover all standard legal fees and surveys. There are no estate agent fees or hidden charges – the offer we make is the amount you’ll receive.
There is no marketing, we are the buyers. We purchase directly with our own funds, eliminating chains and reducing delays. No viewings are required, and we buy properties in any condition.
Essential documents include ID, proof of ownership, EPC certificate, and recent utility bills. Our team will guide you through exactly what’s needed and where to find them if you’re not sure.
No you shouldn’t blindly trust any property cash buying company. Look for membership with the NAPB and registration with the Property Ombudsman. Request proof of funds and previous purchase examples.
While we can recommend solicitors, you’re free to choose your own. Independent legal representation is important for protecting your interests.
Solicitors are instructed immediately, searches are ordered, and contracts are prepared. We maintain regular communication throughout the process.
Yes, you can withdraw at any point before exchanging contracts without penalty. Our service is completely obligation-free.
We purchase residential properties of all types and conditions, including flats, houses, and problem properties requiring renovation.
Funds are transferred on completion day and typically clear in your account within a few hours.
We buy properties in any condition. Unlike traditional sales, you won’t need to make repairs or improvements before selling.
Once we make a formal offer, it’s guaranteed unless survey findings differ significantly from initial assessments. We don’t reduce prices at the last minute.
Written on 14th January 2025.
The property market has experienced notable shifts since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The challenging conditions of 2023-2024 have tested the sector significantly, and market volatility is expected to persist through 2025.
Stamp duty modifications affecting second-home owners, investors and developers have made a considerable impact, particularly on higher-value properties. These changes are set to notably influence owner-occupiers and first-time buyers from 1st April 2025.
Looking ahead, whilst 2025 is likely to see fluctuating buyer demand and property availability, we anticipate overall market stability. Our forecast suggests a modest house price growth of 2-3% across the year.
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