Founder, Property Entrepreneur and Sell House Fast Expert
James Durr is a passionate property entrepreneur with a strong foundation and background in business.
Selling a Tenanted Property
It’s easy to see why selling a tenanted property may not be the best of ideas. Monthly rent rolling into your bank account and an appreciating asset – why would you want to give that up?
But the reality is very different and people often don’t realise there’s a lot more to owning and managing tenanted properties than meets the eye.
In this chapter, we look into why more people are exploring selling their tenanted properties.
These days, to simply ‘set and forget’ a rental property is no longer really an option.
There are often more hassles than many expect and landlords need to take a professional attitude.
As a result, below are some of the main reasons why more landlords are deciding to sell…
Buy-to-Let is Not as Profitable These Days
Although arguably better than investing in the stock market, rental property ownership is much riskier – especially if the landlord has taken on a lot of secured debt.
With all the regulation, costs and tax burdens highlighted below, it’s sometimes simply not worth the hassle.
Property Market Risks
The post-pandemic property market saw strong price growth, fuelled by low interest rates and other stimulus measures such as the Stamp Duty holiday.
Now may well be a great time to sell and maximise your proceeds of sale.
Rising Interest Rates
Related to the above, the Bank of England looks set to continue increasing the Base Rate as a principal measures of controlling inflation.
If you are on tracker or floating rates, or any fixed rates are coming to an end, it may make sense to sell up if cash flow could end up getting tight.
This grossly unfair legislation means that landlords can only offset 20% of their mortgage interest costs against their total rental receipts / revenues (in the form of a credit).
In short, unlike any other business, landlords are taxed on their profits.
At most risk are those in the higher and additional rate tax bracket. Some landlords are gradually being classed as higher rate taxpayers, even though they’re not earning extra income!
In the examples below, we assume that Landlord A and Landlord B own very similar properties. The market values are both £100,000, achieving a gross yield of 7.2% – i.e. £600 per calendar month in rent – at the point of the full effect of the legislation (which occurred in the 2020/21 tax year).
The above assumptions also do not factor non-mortgage interest costs such as voids, legitimate running expenses and other holding obligations. These overheads will still remain fully deductible against gross rental income (revenue).
Note that if you have zero or low mortgage debt against your rented property or own your property through a Limited Company, Section 24 is unlikely to impact you.
However, before you think about selling, we suggest approaching a professional accountant or tax advisor as every landlord’s situation is different. Remember also to calculate your Capital Gains Tax liability.
Increased Regulation
The government has begun to roll out a number of regulatory measures aimed at improving quality standards across the private rented sector.
Examples selective licensing, compulsory electrical certifications and registration requirements at some point in the future.
Of course, raising standards should certainly be welcomed – especially given the growing evidence of ‘slumlording’. But most landlords will face higher costs to run their operations.
Costly Energy Efficiency Improvements
Proposals requiring landlords across the country to pay up to £17,000 to improve the energy efficiency of rental properties to a minimum C rating could place a lot of pressure on cashflows.
End of the Buy-to-Let ‘Boom’
The stamp duty surcharge imposed in April 2016 and stricter mortgage borrowing requirements (under the Prudential Regulation Authority stress-testing criteria) have evidently slowed down the market.
As will be explained below, buy-to-let property valuation should be viewed differently. Factors such as the affordability crisis and Brexit’s potential impact on house prices could mean that now is an opportune time to exit the market.
Remember, the notion that house prices double every 10 years, often cited by property ‘experts’ and uninformed media sources, is simply not true.
Difficulty in Raising Rents
By and large, landlords are rent takers – not makers. Rents may end up rising due to limited market supply but this is not a dead cert.
Landlords should also be wary of affordability issues. Already taking up a significant share of people’s take-home pay, low wage inflation may mean that the risk of arrears could rise if rents are raised too much.
Besides that, landlords are generally disliked and vilified by certain sections of the media. Any increases will not do us any favours.
Rising Interest Rate Concerns
Despite being at historic lows, it’s never easy to predict by how much the Bank of England will next push rates up (particularly with continued inflationary pressures).
Even though any rises will be gradual, owning a rental property could end up being an unwanted cash cow – especially if the level of secured borrowings is high.
Housing Benefit Caps
Landlords operating in the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) space are grappling with lower benefits receipts. This is making the financial viability of these rental properties less profitable.
Delays in processing Universal Credit housing benefit claims and under-resourced local authorities are also not helping matters.
To make things worse, many mortgage lenders often don’t want anything to do with these types of lets.
Refurbishment Works Required
Your rented property may need significant refurbishment that you do not have the time, budget or inclination to do yourself.
Growing material and labour costs are further adding to the problem.
Sometimes it’s easier and more cost-effective to sell up ‘as is’ to avoid the stresses and hassles.
Our table in Chapter 4 weighs up the costs and benefits of selling an unrefurbished buy-to-let property with tenants ‘in situ’ versus spending the money to get it done up for resale.
Problem Tenants
Most experienced landlords would have had at least one bad tenant.
A trashed house, months of unpaid rent and a legal system that favours tenants can easily result in a decision to simply sell up.
The Rise of Build to Rent
The number of purpose-built developments made specifically for the rental sector has grown significantly in recent years.
Although mainly located in urban regions, smaller landlords may struggle to compete with the better standards offered by these schemes.
Release “Locked In” Equity
You may simply release capital to enjoy the benefits of the extra cash, diversify into other investments or fund your lifestyle.
Making the Right Decision
Deciding whether to sell a buy-to-let property (or not) will ultimately depend on your own goals.
Some have accidentally become landlords, hate the experience and cannot wait to get rid of the property.
Others have their eye on the long-term financial gains and are willing to put up with the burdens of operating in the sector.
Wherever you find yourself, it’s always worth taking having a good think before making any decisions you’ll regret down the line…
You may have already made your mind up but, before thinking about putting your rental property on the market, it’s worth asking yourself the following questions:
If it’s affordable, is it worth working with a reputable managing agent to deal with the day-to-day issues?
Have you talked to an experienced Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) about your goals and whether selling is a good idea?
Have you looked at your remortgaging options? Even though borrowing is stricter these days, there are still some very good deals available for buy-to-let property owners. It may be worth contacting an experienced mortgage broker;
If you own multiple properties, perhaps it would be worth selling one or two to pay down some of the debt? Then you could keep the better-performing properties that do not give you so much trouble. Here, you would also reduce your exposure in the event of a market downturn;
Perhaps you have another asset from which you could tax-efficiently withdraw funds to pay down your secured debts?
If you’re selling because of Section 24, have you spoken to an accountant about how you could potentially mitigate the effects of this tax? There’s a chance that some restructuring could get matters resolved.
Selling a Rented Property – Your Options
If you have definitely made your mind up to sell, it’s now time to think about the best way to get maximise your chances of getting the best price.
In this chapter, we run through the main ways you can sell – namely: through an estate agent, online / offline auction house or fast house buyer.
With estate agents, although you are more likely to get a better price, the sales by and large take longer.
Auctions are good for attracting landlord buyers, as are fast house sale companies. With these latter two options, you should be prepared to accept a lower price.
However, you may find that your net losses may not be as bad as you first think.
Below are some of the tips that will help you on your way…
Speak to at least 3 estate agents;
Consider using a ‘find an agent’ service;
Watch out for ‘too good to be true pricing’ (check out the Property Solvers Express Sale service for some information on how we can get you an offer within 28 days);
Make sure your property will be advertised well (marketed on the main portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location);
Choose a sole agency sale;
Check out the estate agency reviews and feedback;
Check out the estate agent’s knowledge of the market and previous performance;
Ensure the estate agent will conduct viewings and provide prospective buyers with key information such as efficiency ratings or when the boiler was installed.
Check out our extended post which contains 101 tips to sell your house quickly. Based on our 17 years’ industry experience, these actionable pointers will help you navigate the selling process in record time and achieve a great price.
Make sure the estate agent has practical experience of selling tenanted properties. Ask for proof as they’re generally a bit more tricky to market.
The appointed agents should speak with the tenants and organise viewing times with prospective buyers.
It is worth noting the following statutory rights the tenant has:
The tenant must grant consent to every viewing;
The tenant has the right to refuse a viewing should the desired time not be convenient;
They should be given at least 24 hours written notice before a viewing;
The tenant has the right to the lawful use of the property, meaning that the estate agent cannot simply call in when it is convenient for viewers;
Both yourself and the agent should be careful not to breach the term that allows a tenant to ‘live in quiet enjoyment’ (or risk being accused of harassment).
In most cases, you should be prepared for the sale to take longer with an estate agent.
You’ll also have to deal with the uncertainty of not knowing when the sale will happen.
For this reason, the next two options may work out better…
Selling at Auction
These days, the auction process is more transparent and easier to navigate.
The number of online auction houses is also helping the growth of this sector.
Then there is the ‘modern method of auction’ – best described as a cross between an auction and estate agent sale.
Many auction buyers are landlords themselves and are looking to expand their portfolios.
Others may be professional investors looking for properties to refurbish and even regular buyers looking for a family home to do up themselves.
Pros
Most buyers tend to be ‘business minded’ and want to get things done quickly;
You usually won’t have to deal with time-wasters, nit-pickers and window shoppers;
Even with structural issues or problems such as Japanese Knotweed, you should be able to sell as many auction buyers are used to these types of risks;
If they’re serious, they’ll need to have their finances in place. Once the hammer falls (in the auction room or on the online platform, contracts are exchanged and they have between 20 and 28 days to complete on the sale.
If a buyer pulls out or has a change of mind, he/she will lose the deposit (usually 10%) plus incur fees and penalties. As a result, this kind of incident rarely happens;
It’s also impossible to get ‘gazundered’ after the auction – i.e. where the buyer suddenly drops the price before exchange and completion;
Many auctioneers also deal with private and off-market sales – both potential channels to fast track property sales.
Cons
The time period to actually sell a property at auction can take longer than people think. This is because of the marketing period, viewings, valuations taking up to a month (sometimes more). In busy times, you may end up waiting further for an auction slot. Then, once the property has exchanged, buyers usually have another 20 to 28 days to complete;
There will be between 2 and 3 open days for prospective buyers to come and take a look at the property which may cause some disruption (although you do not necessarily need to be present);
In terms of fees, you generally pay for what you get. The well-known auctioneers offer a specialised service meaning that commissions can be higher than what you would pay with an estate agent. Don’t be fooled by low auction fees – your property will usually be marketed poorly;
Depending on the auction house, you may also have to pay for enhanced advertising expenses, room hire fees and for access to the online platform. Remember that you will also have to cover your own legal costs;
There is a fine line in terms of what the ‘reserve’ price should be. For example, if it is too high, then people may not end up bidding at all. Should the property not sell at this value, there is a loss of time and money (unless a buyer emerges post-auction with an acceptable offer);
You may be competing against a number of other properties which means you may not meet your desired reserve price. This can delay things as your property may end up getting pushed forward to the next auction (or not selling at all).
Check out our extended post on selling your house at auction which explores this option in depth. We also cover how the overall process works, fees, some key tips on getting the best outcome from the sale amongst other topics.
Selling to a Fast House Sale Firm (Private Buyer)
An emerging force in the property industry, fast house sale firms are professionals that buy for cash.
Using one of these firms does mean you should expect up to achieve up to 75% of the market value – depending on its condition.
The advantage is that your house will be sold in much shorter timeframes compared to estate agents and auctions.
Reputable firms will also pay your legal costs and, as it’s a direct sale, you won’t have to worry about paying any front or back-end commissions.
We go into more depth on this selling method in Chapter 6, including some information on our own quick sale service.
Should You Sell With Or Without a Tenant?
Once you have firmly decided to sell, you can do so with or without a tenant remaining in the property.
Much will depend on your own objectives and whether there’s a chance you could fetch more if the house was vacated and refurbished.
This chapter aims to help you make the right decision…
If you have had a tenant that has kept the property immaculately, you’re lucky. In most cases, landlords have to do some form of refurbishment works.
But, before deciding your next steps, it’s worth taking the time to reflect on your own objectives.
Sell House with Sitting Tenants
For instance, you may choose to sell the rental property ‘as is’. This is common for landlords selling their property portfolios, who simply want a relatively faster disposal.
Here, you can expect to sell to other landlords or owner-occupiers that don’t mind rolling their sleeves up to do the work.
The tenants at the property may also want to stay on, in which case it may make more sense to sell to another landlord.
The tenant is happy as they don’t have to worry about finding another home and you will get rent up to the date of completion.
On the other hand, if you have the time, money and energy to go ahead with the refurbishment, you’re more likely to sell to a wider pool of buyers and get a better price.
Here, it’s a matter of seeing how much extra value you’ll create by refurbishing and the losses you’ll incur whilst the property is empty.
Remember you will not be getting any rent and have to wait some months for the property to sell.
Our calculator below helps you weigh up your options…
* Ensure you understand sold house prices in the local neighbourhood and do not rely on estate agent estimations (see our post on house valuation for some guidance). Otherwise, you’ll probably end up waiting longer for the sale to happen.
Handling the Sale
How you deal with the sale of a rented property will depend on whether you have a tenant already in the property or not.
In this chapter, we outline some of the common scenarios you may face and how to deal with them in the best way.
Selling with a Tenant in Situ
It may be the case that the tenant is happy to leave or has already found another place.
Other landlords may have planned for the sale the moment the tenant leaves, so things usually work out well.
If none of the above applies, be prepared to have a frank and open discussion with the tenant.
We would also suggest taking the following suggestions on board:
Try to meet at the property. This will also give you the opportunity to check its condition;
Remember to be a nice person. Most tenants pay on time and serve landlords well – a draconian attitude is therefore unfair;
Always look for a ‘win-win’ outcome (in other words, be willing to compromise);
If you explain why you are selling, they may understand your side of the story;
They will be naturally concerned about who the new landlord will be and whether there’s any risk they’ll be evicted. Explain that you will do your best to sort things out properly;
Explain that you will pass on the message to the buyer that they have been good tenants and do not want to leave;
Try and speak with the buyer to see if a sufficient amount of time can be given for the tenants to find new accommodation;
See if you can organise a meeting or phone call between the future buyer and the tenant(s);
Keep the tenant informed of the progress of the sale;
Reassure them that they can contact you whenever they need to;
Say that you’re happy to stay in touch after the sale and help should there be a concern that the landlord may ask them to leave;
If they are concerned about rent rises, give them a breakdown of local market rates (sourced from Rightmove and Zoopla). Explain that it’s difficult for landlords to push rents above this level;
Explain that their deposit will not be affected and they will get it all back. Send proof and confirmation if they are worried;
Work with a solicitor that has experience of dealing with properties with tenants.
Organising Viewings with a Tenant In-Situ
Assuming the tenant has comes to terms with the sale and agrees to be cooperative, it’s worth having another meeting to explain that you will be putting the house on the market and arranging viewings.
This can be a tricky situation, especially as they are still paying you rent and actually doing you a favour.
Remember that, under Common Law, tenants are entitled to live in quiet enjoyment up to the point when the tenancy is legally terminated;
It’s easy to see why tenants wouldn’t be comfortable with photos of their belongings being displayed online and random strangers coming into their home.
Below are some tips on how you can get through this process without causing too much hassle:
Always work with an estate agent that has experience of working with tenanted property sales. They should be respectful and not intrude when dealing with the tenants;
Although the tenancy agreement may say that you can visit the property with viewers with 24 hours notice (or more), work to the tenant’s schedule. Allow them to suggest times, even if they are out of hours;
You may want to offer a discounted level of rent (but make sure there’s a separate and watertight contract in place);
Book in block viewings or talk to the agent about hosting an open day. This has the added benefit of creating a competitive environment between the sellers. You can then confirm with the tenant what the best day is and work around their schedule;
Send a box of chocolates or some other gift to thank them for their cooperation;
If it turns out to be too much hassle, it may be better to simply wait until the tenant vacates the property. This is especially the case if the property is messy and it makes sense to freshen things up before showing people around.
If you are using an estate agent or auction house, viewings will be required. If you are not able to accommodate, you may have to accept a lower offer.
Quick house sale companies often consider buying without viewing the property.
Asking a Tenant to Leave So You Can Refurbish and Sell
This is likely to be a more complex situation, especially if the tenant doesn’t want to leave.
In most cases, as long as you are fair and decent, the tenant will be on your side.
If not, before even thinking about starting an eviction process, it’s always worth seeing if you can sit down with them to figure things out:
Below are some pointers:
Be courteous and respectful. Keep any bitter feeling to a minimum – even if it takes longer to get things sorted;
Advise them that the terms of the tenancy agreement still stand (even if it’s periodic);
Offer to help them find a new home. Check the rental sections on portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, speak to local lettings agents and make some suggestions;
Explain that you would be happy to provide a character reference;
Be willing to speak to any prospective landlord on their behalf;
Explain that they will be receiving their deposit back in full (sending a written confirmation where necessary);
If they are struggling to find a suitable place, be patient and say that you’re happy to wait (but make sure they are being proactive). This may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s often better than going through the long drawn out court process;
Some landlords offer a helping hand to tenants as they move on. This can include contributing to their moving costs, paying the deposit / first month’s rent or other gestures of goodwill;
In a similar vein, you may want to offer discounted rent for a set period (make sure you have a separate contract that protects your interests if so);
Offer to sell the property to the tenants first (before putting it on the market). Although they may not be in a financial position to do so, it at least shows that you are being considerate.
Remember, if they wish to formally surrender their tenancy and vacate, they must give you 1 month’s notice. It is good to have this notice in your possession to put your mind at ease and get the sale going.
Dealing with a Problem Tenant
Things can get challenging when the tenant doesn’t want to leave and starts to play games.
The tell-tale signs are no responses to text messages, emails, phone calls or letters.
As there is sometimes a genuine reason that would explain why people are ignoring you (illness, bereavement or other harrowing life events), you may choose to be a little patient.
Without being too intrusive or trespassing, also to try and speak with neighbours to see if there is a legitimate reason for the tenant not getting in touch.
But sooner or later, you may have to start some form of legal action to gain possession of the property.
Before engaging in costly eviction procedures, we would suggest writing a letter explaining your side of the story.
Explain that you really do not want to start the process as there will be costs involved. Eviction will also possibly cause damage to their credit rating. In short, encourage them to work with you.
Failing that, you’ll probably have to start eviction proceedings.
The Housing Act 1988 stipulates two main ways in which landlords can regain possession of their property: Section 8 and Section 21.
We summarised the two different processes below…
Unless you have experience dealing with the situation, we would advise seeking qualified suitable legal advice or use a growing number of specialist services.
Remember there are different rules if you are in a situation where the tenant(s) claim squatters’ rights.
Section 21 Possession Order
As the landlord, you have the legal right to take possession of the property.
To do this, you will need to serve a Section 21 notice* which confirms that you want the tenants to leave.
You do not need to explain why, but 2 months full notice must be given.
This means that if the date of the tenancy agreement ends on 1st December, and you wish to take possession on that date, the notice must be received on 1st October.
Always send this via recorded delivery and email so that you have proof it was sent.
Note the above will apply even when the tenancy is periodic (i.e. when the tenancy continues on a ‘rolling’ basis after the first term expires).
But in this scenario, you should allow for the further time covered by the rent for the tenant to stay.
If you haven’t complied with your obligations as a landlord, you will not be able to serve a Section 21. For example, if the tenancy started after April 2007 and you did not place the deposit in a custodial scheme, your case will be rejected.
Once a Section 21 notice has been served under a fixed term Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) or periodic AST, possession proceedings must be started within 6 months from the date the notice was given.
If you do not do this, the possession notice could become invalid. You will then have to start the process again from scratch.
*Note that, although not formally enacted, there currently discussions to abolish Section 21.
Section 8 Notice
This is used to gain possession of a property during a tenancy term due to a breach of contract by the tenant.
There are 17 grounds of possession listed in this legislation, but it’s usually used when there are two or more months of rental arrears.
Many see Section 8 notices as a ‘last resort’ as it can make things complicated if you have a difficult tenant and things have to go to court.
Even if there is a breach, many legal experts suggest serving a Section 21 notice as possession is mandatory and there is less chance of delays.
Serving a Section 8 may be a better option if you haven’t complied with the deposit scheme legislation.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to serve both Section 8 and 21 notices but much will depend on your individual case. We would suggest seeking professional advice before acting.
Remember it can be risky to sell a property if there’s no guarantee of vacant possession before exchange of contracts. You will need to demonstrate proof (i.e. that the tenant has officially vacated and left keys).
For this reason, it’s sometimes better to wait until there is clear evidence that the tenant has left the property before you sell. The buyer will then be assured that full possession can be obtained on completion without any issues.
Selling to Another Landlord
If you do decide to sell to another landlord with a tenant in situ, remember that you’re likely to be dealing with a more savvy buyer.
Buy-to-let investors, for example, are likely to take a detailed look at key fundamentals surrounding the property such as gross/net yield and return on investment (ROI), so be sure to have your rental property balance sheet at the ready. Also, remember that many will factor in the extra risks of operating in the space as well.
In order of priority, you’re likely to be asked for the following (the more you can provide, the better):
The current Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement and information about the tenant(s);
Information about the other occupants at the property and how the rent gets paid (for example, if there is a head tenant or specific family member that pays the rent);
Bank statements or approved accounts demonstrating rental receipts/voids;
Confirmation of any notices served in the past and other relevant documentation;
Evidence that the deposit has been correctly lodged at the appropriate custodial scheme (Deposit Protection Service, Tenancy Deposit Scheme or MyDeposits). In most cases, the solicitor will transfer these funds directly to the landlord buyer;
An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC);
Evidence of the mandatory completion of the annual gas checks (CP12);
A minimum ‘satisfactory’ Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR);
Confirmation that any furniture to be left at the property is fire retardant;
Character references from employers and/or previous landlords;
There is no evidence of outstanding works or tenant complaints;
A detailed inventory report from when the tenant first moved into the property;
Evidence of a working smoke / carbon monoxide alarm;
Evidence that the tenant has received a copy of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) ‘How to Rent’ Guide;
Evidence of a Legionnaire’s disease risk assessment.
Buyers will seek assurance from their solicitor that the transition will be smooth. Your solicitor should check that the buyer has the right kind of finance (specifically for buy-to-let) in place.
Often, it makes sense for completion to fall on the same date that the rent is due. This means that there are no rental apportionments to deal with and the transition between you and the new landlord is much simpler.
Note that if the payments are made to a lettings agent, with whom the buyer wishes to remain with, they should be notified. If not, the buyer’s conveyancing solicitor will also need a letter of authority from the seller that the tenant will pay rent to the new landlord buyer.
The buyer’s solicitor should make sure the Section 48 notice is correctly served. This means the new landlord must inform the tenants in situ that the property interests have been legally passed over in line with Section 3 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Note also that any existing tenancy agreement will remain valid under your name, even though there is a new owner.
Other times, property owners enter into a type of commercial lease with a more proactive landlord and subsequently split the profits – also known as a “rent to rent” or “guaranteed rent” arrangement.
Sell Your Rented Property to a Fast House Sale Company
Continuing from Chapter 3, where we explained the different ways you can sell your property, this final chapter explores how fast house sale companies work.
Further down is some information about the Property Solvers service.
We can offer various quick sale options for you to achieve between 75% and 100% of your rental property’s value.
Although private house sales have always existed in some form, professional ‘quick sale’ companies really gained traction in the early 2000s.
Homeowners began to see the benefits of selling directly to active buyers and not having to deal with estate agent and auction company middlemen.
The Upsides of a Fast House Sale
The essential advantage of using a sell house fast firm is that you’re usually dealing with serious buyers. In most cases, you can expect to achieve a sale between 7 and 28 days.
You’ll also not have to worry about legal fees or estate agency costs.
The Downsides of a Fast House Sale
You’ll probably have to take a hit on the price – something in the region of between 15% and 30% depending on its condition.
Of course, it’s natural to immediately dismiss these companies as ‘scam artists’ and ‘sharks’, but…
Take Note…
Quick buying firms take on the properties that are struggling to sell on the open market. If your rented property has physical or legal issues, you have a group of buyers that will not be scared off;
The firms will take on properties with problem tenants in arrears who don’t want to leave (and deal with the issues themselves);
As the majority buy with cash, you won’t have to worry about any chain breaks. Many firms also offer guarantees and other cash advances;
As the sale is fast, you’ll avoid ongoing ‘holding’ costs like mortgage payments, voids, council tax and other overheads;
You won’t have to worry about ‘for sale’ boards, viewings and the other hassles involved with an open market sale;
You’ll have a direct point of contact and the good firms won’t mess you around;
Decent companies will not force you into a quick sale without exploring all of your options.
From simply reducing your asking price through to using a fast house buyer, our quick house sale options post runs through seven of the main channels worth exploring.
Be wary of quick sale companies who will ‘pass your property’ on. Although this can be a legitimate and feasible sales method, make sure you verify the credentials of both the firm (who should comply with estate agency legislation) and the future buyer;
The transaction should be protected by Anti-Money Laundering regulations (governed by HM Revenue and Customs);
Make sure you have an understanding of sold prices in your area so you don’t get misled. It’s also worth using professional (rather than anecdotal) criteria such as “Red Book” standards;
Check the firm is registered at Companies House (where you can also view their accounts, see how long they have been in business and download information about the Directors). Remember that many fast house sale companies have similar names;
If the buyer is an individual, ask for their personal credit report (from a reputable agency such as Experian or Check My File). You can also obtain more specific information about the company as a whole using these services;
Make sure there are no hidden charges. You can ask an independent solicitor to look through any contractual agreements;
If you’re unsure about the company, ask to see proof of cash funds. Genuine quick cash buying firms should be able to show a recent bank statement or a letter from a solicitor (duly registered at The Law Society). Proof of an undrawn debt facility may also be valid, but you should check the details of the loan;
The established companies will have reviews on sites like Reviews.co.uk, Trust Pilot and Feefoo;
Check that the firm has a legitimate office address. They should have no issues with having a face-to-face meeting at their office or in your home;
Confirm how long they have been in the property business (ask for proof);
Ask for their previous track record (of exchanging and completing on houses quickly). If they can’t show this, then you’re better off looking out for another quick sale firm;
Request confirmation that the price will not be dropped at the last minute. Ask for a letter from their solicitor confirming that this will not occur;
Remember that you are in the driving seat. The firm should never oblige you or place any other pressure to sell.
Property Solvers – Quick House Sale Experts
Established in 2006, Property Solvers are a team of quick house sale experts that now offer specific solutions depending on the vendor’s circumstances.
See our introductory video to how our service works:
(1) Quick Cash House Sale
The Directors at Property Solvers have been professional landlords since 2003 and understand that sometimes a swift and efficient sale may be exactly what you’re looking for.
With our Quick Cash Sale, we can complete on the sale in 7 to 28 days. We can also exchange contracts in as little as 24 hours where required.
Below are some of the other benefits of using this service:
We buy the property direct from you so there are no third parties;
We will buy problem properties with physical / structural problems (damp, Japanese Knotweed including subsidence, serious damp, flooding history, Japanese Knotweed) and/or legal complications (restrictive covenants, negative easements, third-party consents, ransom strips);
There is no estate agents or legal fees as we cover these as part of the service;
Even if you have issues with your tenants such as arrears or refusal to leave, we will buy and deal with the situation ourselves;
There will be no price drops at survey (barring something major structural unnotified to us at the start, an extremely rare occurrence);
We will not pull out of the sale;
The sale 100% secure and confidential with none of the hassles of an open market sale;
We can offer cash advances should you need access to capital within short timeframes.
Below is a simple flow chart which briefly runs through our process when speaking with rented property owners…
(2) Express Sale Estate Agency
We appreciate that not everyone needs to sell within such short timeframes.
In response to growing demand, we developed a separate Express Sale Estate Agency service to help those clients that want a reasonably quick sale at the full market value.
We use a ‘realistic pricing model’ to sell. This helps us generate a secure offer on your property in under 28 days.
We base our valuations on detailed metrics based on the current state of the market plus our expertise developed over 17 years in the ‘we buy any house’ industry.
Below are some of the key benefits of using this service:
Floorplans and professional photos of your property;
An impactful ‘for sale’ board in front of your property;
24/7 freephone line/chat service so we don’t miss any enquiries;
We actively market your property on all the major property portals – including Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location, House Ladder, Net House Prices, Mouseprice, Home.co.uk and many more (see where we advertise);
Accompanied viewings (including weekends). We are happy to communicate with current tenants and work to their schedules without causing disruption;
Weekly sales reports;
Complete sales progression;
No sale, no fee;
No tie-ins on the contract – if we do not generate an offer within 28 days you can leave and pay nothing.
Please note that there are still some of the risks that come with an open market sale. We are not in control of the process in the same we would be with a cash sale.
Buyers could delay the sale or even pull out. The actual sale could take about 3 months to complete, but much would very much depend on the buyer.
Nonetheless, we do everything on our side to speed the process and guarantee a more efficient service than high street or online estate agents.
Contact Us Today
Property Solvers freephone line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week on 0800 044 3733. Our representatives will take down your basic details for one of our Area Managers to get in touch.
Please also start a chat at the bottom right of your browser, visit our sell tenanted property page or fill in our enquiry form and we will get back in touch.
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