Natalie So, you need to know how to sell your house quickly. You may think the first and only step is taking photos, advertising on the market and then sitting back, waiting for potential home buyers to come through the doors.
However, selling a property involves a bit more work, especially if it is not a seller’s market. Time is of the essence here, and a fast house sale entails putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes, from viewing to making an immediate offer and moving in, so just follow our easy-to-use checklist.
How to Sell Your House Quickly
1: Repairs and Refurbishment
This is an essential step for older properties, as it prevents hidden surprises in property surveys. Repair or replace broken fixtures and fittings, locks, door handles, kitchen cupboard handles, and wardrobe handles. Remove broken mirrors, broken kitchen or bathroom tiles, renew bathroom grouting, and wall holes. If you have the cash, assess what needs updating, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, two rooms that add value. Factors that affect quick house sales include….
Single and Double-Glazed Windows: A single-glazed window isn’t a problem, but it is around 20 times less efficient than a double-glazed pane. Double-glazed means two separate panes of glass with a vacuum between them, making them more energy-efficient. Most home buyers prefer double glazing.
Documentation for Extensions or Conversions: Buyers and estate agents require documentation for extensions and conversions, including proof of planning permission and adherence to building regulations. Have these ready because non-preparation sets potential house sales back weeks. Lack of documentation affects the final selling price.
Swimming Pools: Swimming pools are great fun, but they can be expensive to run and difficult to maintain. How often do you use an outdoor swimming pool? Fill the pool during summer, but regardless, your target selling audience should be the luxury real estate market.
2: Houses with Curb Appeal
A home with curb appeal is inviting and tidy. Place bins out of view, cut and weed the garden grass, invest in pot plants or flower displays, and give all garden furniture a good clean. Inspect fences for repairs and if they need another coat of paint. Also, check exterior door and window frames.
3: Staging Tips to Impress House Buyers
Regardless of the property type, everywhere must be clean and tidy. Buyers need to envisage living there; they want to see space and imagine their furniture and belongings. Does it need fresh paint? Most homes have scuffs and scrapes, but nothing that a fresh coat of paint won’t fix.
If the real estate agent doesn’t use a professional photographer, hire one. A professional photographer knows the best angles to use and the correct lighting for the property listing. Trim the lawn, clean patio areas, and repair garden furniture. Clean the shed, paint the fences, trim the bushes, and tidy the flower beds.
4: Using a Good Agent
A good estate agent provides realistic property valuations. But also check comparison websites and online estate agents to see what types of properties in nearby neighbourhoods are selling for and what constitutes a fair price. Before comparing, determine whether the properties are freehold or leasehold.
There are many reputable online property portals, such as Zoopla and Rightmove. Effective marketing is essential, as is selecting an estate agent with in-depth knowledge of the local area, including school catchment areas, transportation links, and local amenities. Ask what the estate agent fees are.
5: Declutter the House for Sale
Decluttering means removing excess items, personal belongings, and unnecessary furniture to create clean, spacious, and inviting environments. Organise cabinets and bathrooms, hide toiletries, remove excess towels, and ensure everything looks fresh and clean. Declutter wardrobes, lofts, and garages to highlight ample storage space.
Decluttering gives a well-maintained, move-in-ready impression, and a deep-cleaned home looks newer, smells fresher, and feels more inviting. To stand out, highlight property features such as a modern kitchen, open-plan living spaces, a loft conversion, or a desirable westerly aspect.
6: Marketing and Paperwork
Selling your home quickly for the best possible price requires more than just a “For Sale” sign—it demands a well-planned marketing strategy, accurate pricing, and attention to detail. In today’s dynamic property market, especially in a seller’s market, high-quality photography, compelling marketing materials, and virtual tours generate strong enquiries and even spark a bidding war.
However, overpricing leads to stalled interest, which is why a smart pricing strategy, based on comparable market data, market trends, and insights from independent property valuers is essential. Start with a market appraisal, book valuation appointments, or use online valuation tools and a valuation form to gauge the correct list price.
Don’t overlook essential documents, such as TA7 Forms, subsidence guarantees, party wall agreements, and safety certificates, including Gas Safe, FENSA, CERTAS, and the Electrical Installation Condition Report. These, along with details like utility bills, council tax, or repair work history, should be part of your disclosure to avoid future issues.
Please keep track of viewing figures, whether for houses or flats, and be prepared for negotiating offers, including potential problems such as gazundering. Also, be aware of potential conveyancing delays, especially when awaiting a buyer’s decision in principle, or dealing with mortgage costs.
Tapping into strong market data, displaying proximity to local improvements, upcoming developments, or even being in a conservation area, increases the final sale price. Whether you’re listing on Prime Location or using alternative channels, preparation and precision are key to a successful sale.
7: Property Buying Companies for A Fast Sale
Another option is to forgo the traditional route of selling via an estate agent. Instead, cash property-buying companies purchase properties directly from homeowners for money, usually offering faster sales, with no property chain during the selling process. Effectively, think of them as cash house buyers. They are a simple solution during a slow market, but there are downsides to these types of quick sales.
- Begin by contacting the company (via phone, website, or form) and provide details about your home, including its location, size, and condition. Based on the details and market conditions, the quick sale estate agent gives you an initial offer below the average asking price.
- After evaluating the home, they present a final, no-obligation cash price guarantee. It’s lower than a realistic asking price because they want a quick resale or rental profit. However, ask about closing costs and who is responsible for them.
- They handle the paperwork, sales process, and legalities if you accept. Closing occurs within days or weeks, depending on your specific needs, and the seller receives the cash payment, often via a wire transfer. There is no need for repairs, staging, or showings, and there is no risk of buyer mortgage delays, chains, or fall-throughs.
Remember, the selling price is usually 10-30% below the value, and some fraudulent companies operate in this space. Therefore, always verify credentials. There is limited negotiation, and offers tend to be “take it or leave it.”
8: Auctions for Quick Property Sales
Using a property auction house can quickly secure a sale, especially for guaranteed completion. Firstly, research and select a reputable property auctioneer with good estate agency contracts (e.g., Savills, Allsop). Compare the commission rate, success rates, additional costs, and marketing reach to determine the best option.
The auctioneer assesses your home, requests a building survey, and recommends a guide price (or starting bid). Set a reserve price (the minimum amount to accept) that remains confidential. You (or your solicitor) must prepare a legal pack for cash buyers, including:
- Title deeds & Land Registry documents (Leasehold details if applicable.)
- Property information form (TA6) and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The auctioneer lists your home in the auction catalogue and online, and open house viewings may be arranged before the auction date. On the auction day, buyers bid in a live or online auction. If the highest bid meets or exceeds the reserve price, the sale is legally binding when the hammer falls. The buyer must pay a 10% deposit immediately and complete the sale within 28 days (for traditional auctions) or up to 56 days (for modern methods).
The advantage is that homes sometimes sell for more than their market value. But if bidding doesn’t reach the reserve price, your house won’t sell. Expect to pay around 2% to 3% plus VAT in auctioneer fees, plus additional legal costs. Remember, the final sale price is unpredictable.
9: How Can I Sell My House in 7 days?
A cash house-buying company is the fastest option. Some companies complete within 24-48 hours, with funds in your account quickly. There are no surveys, repairs, or legal delays; however, they offer prices significantly lower than the market rate. This is not a good return on your investment, but they are handy if you need cash fast. Contact a reputable cash-buying company (e.g., We Buy Any House, Good Move).
You can also sell to an investor or developer. Investors typically buy quickly, often for rental or resale purposes, and since they have ready cash, there are no mortgage delays. However, they negotiate for discounts in return for a quick sale. Once you have agreed on the terms, sign the contracts and complete them.
Otherwise, advertise below the market value to attract interest. A 10-15% discount brings immediate interest. List on Rightmove, Zoopla, OpenRent, or Gumtree with an “Open to offers” tag. Additionally, consider using a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) approach with no agents. Target a cash buyer (avoid mortgage buyers, as they can take too long), and work with a solicitor experienced in fast completions.
10: What are the Biggest Selling Points in a House?
- Location: Shops, supermarkets, parks, gyms, and entertainment options add value: low crime rates and a sense of community appeal.
- Curb Appeal & Exterior Features: A well-maintained exterior, fresh paint, and a tidy garden all contribute to increased desirability. Off-street parking or a garage earns points in busy urban areas, while solar panels, double glazing, and sound insulation appeal to cost-conscious buyers seeking energy efficiency.
- Interior Space: Large windows, skylights, and south-facing gardens improve ambience with natural light. Home offices, playrooms, or extra bedrooms appeal to remote workers and families, and overall, more space makes homes feel more extensive and more functional.
- Energy Efficiency & Smart Features: A+ to C-rated homes save money on bills and attract eco-conscious buyers. Smart thermostats, security cameras, and keyless entry are key selling points, while modern boilers, central heating, underfloor heating, and well-insulated lofts are also valuable features.
- Moving in: Buyers like homes with minimal repairs and light, neutral colours. Fireplaces, period details, or smart home integration add “wow” factors.
Popular Questions Often Asked by Sellers
What is the quickest way to sell my house?
The quickest way is to go to a cash house-buying company, as they complete quickly without mortgage lenders, marketing, chains, or surveys. These companies offer a straightforward process: they make a no-obligation house for cash offer (usually below market value), and handle legal paperwork. Alternatively, selling at auction or pricing lower for a quicker sale can attract serious buyers quickly; however, this approach may involve a higher commission rate.
Should I fix up my home or sell it as is?
Improvements that won’t add value and waste your time and money include conversions, new bathroom suites, kitchens, conservatories, and any additions that weren’t there before. For example, some people believe that decking and outdoor garden furniture can help sell a home, but this rarely makes a difference.
What is Sale by Tender?
A sale by tender involves selling property through sealed bids, submitted by a set deadline, rather than negotiating openly. Often used for unique properties, probate sales, or when sellers want to achieve the best possible price within a fixed timeframe, although the process is controversial, the Property Ombudsman has set out specific guidelines on how to proceed. (The ombudsman and the National Association of Property Buyers are different.) Offers remain confidential, and the seller accepts the highest bid or declines if none meet expectations. If an offer is accepted, the sale proceeds as usual.
Summary: How to Sell Your Home Quickly for a Good Price
Getting the right price quickly requires careful planning, strong marketing efforts, and sound legal advice. Whether you’re downsizing, dealing with an inheritance, relocating, or want to sell fast, understand your options.
Start with solid market research using tools like the house prices tool to determine the fair market value. Enhance kerb appeal with a tidy front garden, updated cabinetry, or fresh countertops to entice potential buyers. Professional conveyancing, conducted by a qualified conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor, is crucial for smooth legal processing and can help reduce legal fees.
For a faster sale, consider strategies such as assisted sale, part exchange, or using quick house sale firms listed with the NAPB (National Association of Property Buyers), all of which must adhere to a strict Code of Conduct. Some offer cash transactions, reducing delays from mortgage approvals, remortgaging, or property chains.
If using a traditional estate agent, a multi-agency agreement might boost visibility. Tools like virtual viewings, a planned viewing schedule, and showcasing local amenities in your postcode area can further attract a first-time buyer.
Ensure all paperwork, such as the survey report or RICS survey (from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), is ready to promote transparency and buyer confidence. In complex sales, such as chain repair or auctions, financing options like a Bridging Loan may also be considered. Always confirm your agent or company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for protection and redress. With the proper steps, you can sell a house efficiently and for the best possible return.
Use Our Services
See our portfolio of thousands of properties for sale here, or contact our property solvers if you would like more help and advice on how to sell your house quickly for a Good price. We are Spot Blue, a traditional estate agent with headquarters in London. Our proven track record speaks volumes about how we help buyers and sellers through the entire process. Also, contact us if you would like to sell your house through Spot Blue.
