Best Companies that Buy Houses (Over 24 UK firms Analysed)
Last updated: May 2025
Good news, our property experts have researched & ranked the top 24 companies that buy houses in the UK, so you don’t have to.
The latest data shows that over 32.8% of houses were bought for cash in 2024, many via house-buying companies. How much do they pay? Who are actually legitimate cash buyers with their own funds and good reviews & reputation?
Let's see who made the cut.
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- Revealed: UK's Best House Buying Company
- How Much do they Pay for your Home in 2025?
- Is it Worth Selling to a House Buying Company?
- Key Questions to Ask
- How to Check if You're Dealing with a Reputable Company
- Regulations, Memberships & Code of Practice
- How to Spot Scams & Fraudulent House Purchasing Companies
- Types of Companies that Buy Houses
- Quick Sale Companies vs Agents vs Auction
- How Companies that Buy your House Work
- Compare House Buying Companies
Housebuyers4u, one of the oldest and most reputable house buying companies, known for operating ethically with transparent advice & offers.
Crucially, they are genuine cash buyers that utilise their own funds to buy property. They will buy any house in any condition and can complete a house sale in as little as 7 days, here are some real case studies of previous customers.
Their unbeatable "completion guarantee" sets them apart from competitors - they are the only firm to offer this perk.
They are registered with the Property Ombudsman & the National Association of Property Buyers and follow the TPOS code of practice.
Housebuyers4u has had its expertise published in multiple national newspapers such as EstateAgentToday, The Metro and The Daily Mail.
They have some of the highest review scores across multiple websites: Trustpilot, Feefo & Google. Read more via the Housebuyer4u reviews page.
HouseBuyFast is a home-buying company with its main office based in Worthing, founded in 2008.
- Offers a cash offer of 75-85% of market value and claims a completion time as fast as 3 days.
- As of January 2025, they have 352 reviews on Trustpilot with a score of 4.4.
- Their co-founder, Jonathan Rolande, is well-known and respected in the property space.
Our Rating: 4/5
Read our entire HouseBuyFast review.
Quick Move Now, established in 1998 and headquartered in Swindon, is recognised for its rapid, cash-based property-buying services.
- Offers a cash offer of 80-85% of market value with a typical completion time of 7-21 days.
- As of January 2025, they have 99 reviews on Trustpilot with a score of 4.4.
- Generally are ethical practitioners and members of The Property Ombudsman (TPO).
Our Rating: 4/5
Read the full Quick Move Now review.
We Buy Any House, headquartered in Didsbury, Manchester, operates nationwide across England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Offers up to 90% of market value with the potential to complete sales within 7-28 days.
- Covers valuation and legal fees, providing a hassle-free cash-buying service.
- As of May 2024, has 387 Trustpilot reviews with a score of 4.4 and 25 Reviews.io reviews with a score of 4.7.
Our Rating: 4/5
Read our full We Buy Any House review.
Want the full picture? See how all 23 companies stack up in our detailed comparison table
How Much do they Pay for your Home in 2025?
Unfortunately, even with a traditional estate agent, you likely won't get full market value but for cash buyers.
In 2024 alone, 32.8% of home sales were to cash buyers, most citing ‘speed’ and ‘certainty’ as the top motivators for bypassing traditional estate agents.
Analysis of average offers over 5 Year
| Year | Average Price Offered |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 78-88% |
| 2022 | 75-87% |
| 2023 | 74-86% |
| 2024 | 74-85% |
| 2025 | 73-85% |
We studied market trends over the past 5 years and observed that the average percentage of market value offered by house-buying companies has remained steady, ranging from 73% to 85%.
In 2025 specifically, a home buying company's below market value offer will be approximately 73% to 85%.
Maximising your offer price: What factors influence your offer
This chart further breaks down the crucial factors, explaining why the above factors carry the weight they do. Although quite a few will be out of your control, you can use these insights to make a difference in your property's valuation and sale price.
| Factors that Influence Offers | How they can Affect the Offer Price |
|---|---|
| Property Location | Prime locations often fetch higher offers |
| Property Condition | Better condition properties can lead to higher offers |
| Speed of Sale Required | Urgent sales might reduce the offer price (7 days or less) |
| Market Demand | High demand can increase the offer price |
| Property Size & Type | Larger or unique properties might get better offers |
| Legal or Structural Issues | Big issues can significantly lower offer prices |
| Economic Climate | Economic downturns might lower offer prices |
| Local Property Market Trends | Local market strength can influence offers |
Related Read: What is my house worth in 2025?
How to know if you're Dealing with a Reputable firm (Checklist)
There are many so-called 'direct payment buyers' out there, and their names include 'sell', 'quick', 'fast', and more. Despite using these types of phrases, many of these companies don't offer a true cash sale.
Our property sale team have put together 12 critical checks you can do to verify if a property-buying company's offer is legitimate & that they are a trustworthy firm to deal with.
When engaging with a company that buys houses, keep the following in mind:
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirm they can Make a Cash Purchase | Verify that the company has readily available cash funds. Request a recent bank statement, a letter from a Law Society-accredited solicitor, or an undrawn debt facility. |
| 2. Confirm a Chain-Free Transaction | Ensure the company is a legitimate buyer that operates with no property chain, meaning they don’t rely on dependent sales to purchase your property. |
| 3. Check the Company’s Reviews & Support | Look for legitimate client reviews and feedback. A reputable company should gladly connect you with past clients and showcase strong customer support. |
| 4. Verify No Hidden Fees or Charges | Confirm there are no hidden fees for estate agency, legal, or administrative costs. The offer price should match what you receive upon completion. |
| 5. Look Up the Quick Sale Company | Perform a Google search for the company and its directors. Look for any signs of a bad reputation or negative feedback. |
| 6. Check for Option Agreements | Avoid signing option or lock-in agreements, as they may not be in your best interest. Most sellers prefer a straightforward, guaranteed cash sale. |
| 7. How Long Has the Company Been in Business? | Investigate the company’s track record for completing sales within stated deadlines. Consult your conveyancer for further confirmation. |
| 8. Verify Information via Companies House | Check Companies House to review the firm’s latest account submissions. Be cautious of companies with similar names imitating reputable organisations. |
| 9. Proven Record of Success | Ask about the company’s track record for meeting sale deadlines. Consult your conveyancer or ask the company directly for proof. |
| 10. Check Registered Address | Ensure the company has a legitimate and verifiable office address. |
| 11. Transparency in the Valuation Process | Understand how the company conducts property valuations. Confirm that the process is transparent and fair. |
| 12. Accreditations and Memberships | Verify if the company is a member of legitimate professional bodies or has recognised industry accreditations. |
Read our full, step-by-step company reputation check guide here
National Association of Property Buyers
Property Ombudsman
Not every company offering a fast cash sale is what they claim to be. Unfortunately, there are firms posing as genuine buyers who mislead sellers with false promises, hidden fees, or contracts designed to benefit them, not you.
To protect yourself and your property, here are the key warning signs to look out for:
Run away if the dodgy traders illude or seem to:
1. They’re Not the Actual Buyer: Some firms are lead generators or middlemen. They collect your details and pass them on to third parties — often without your knowledge — or attempt to sell your home on the open market.
2. Inflated Offers Followed by Reductions: Some companies offer a high price upfront to get you on board, then reduce the offer just before completion — often blaming survey results or market changes. This tactic pressures sellers into accepting less once they've mentally committed to the sale.
3. Hidden Fees: While claiming to offer a free service, some companies add charges for valuations, admin, or legal work later in the process — eroding your final payout.
4. Unclear or Risky Contracts: Some contracts contain “option agreements” or clauses allowing the company to assign the sale to someone else. In many cases, they’re not committing to buy your home at all.
5. False Promises Around Completion Time: Some firms advertise 7-day sales but can’t follow through. Delays happen when they rely on third-party buyers or lack the funds to complete.
6. Fake or Manipulated Reviews: Companies with lots of vague 5-star reviews — especially from accounts with no other activity — may be trying to boost their reputation artificially.
7. Unregulated Rent-Back Agreements: If you're planning to sell and stay in the home as a tenant, the company must be FCA-regulated. Without this protection, sellers have previously been evicted with little notice.
Attention: Beware of Excessively High Offers that seem too good to be true
A typical scam involves the company's sales agent presenting seemingly high initial offers. This strategy is designed to build your hopes and secure a commitment.
When you're set to move, they abruptly insist on a lower price before proceeding with the exchange and completion, a practice known as "gazundering."
While walking away is an option, many sellers, facing financial constraints or eager to sell the property, reluctantly agree to these reduced terms.
Here’s how our expertise and commitment to transparency have helped homeowners like Helene stress-free sale:
The Housebuyers4u team actually did what they said they would, communicated well and helped get us over the line to completion today. Sincere and honest people in what can be quite a sharky industry!
What are House Buying Companies?
House buying companies are businesses that purchase homes directly from sellers, often for cash, providing a faster and more secure alternative to traditional estate agents or property auctions. These companies typically offer below market value but compensate by ensuring a quick sale, flexible completion timelines, and the ability to buy properties in any condition, including those with structural issues or other challenges
Types of Companies that Buy Houses for Cash
When selling your house quickly in the UK, you'll find these three main types of buying companies:
- Genuine Cash Buyers - These reliable companies have their own money ready and can buy your house outright within 2-4 weeks, making fair offers without any loan approvals needed.
- Non-Genuine Cash Buyers - Be cautious of these firms that make empty promises, undervalue properties, and often lack the actual funds to complete purchases.
- 'Advisory' Companies - These middlemen pose as property advisors but aim to buy your house cheap and sell it on to genuine buyers for a profit, leaving you with less money.
When considering cash buying company, it's important to understand how different buyers might value your property. The following table provides a comparison of potential offers from various types of buyers, based on a UK property with a current market value of £300,000.
| Service Provider | Service Fee | Typical Offer Range | Offer Amount (£300k House) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cash Buyer | None | 70-80% of market value | £210,000 - £240,000 |
| iBuyer | 5-6% | 90-95% of market value | £270,000 - £285,000 |
| Cash Buyer Marketplace | £500-£1000 | Up to 100% of market value | Up to £300,000 |
| Home Trade-In Service | Varies | 85-95% of market value | £255,000 - £285,000 |
Quick sale companies vs Other Selling Options
| Feature | Company | Agents | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Review Rating | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Hidden Fees | Possible | Yes | Commission |
| Average Sale Time | 14-28 Days | 4-6 Months | 6-10 Weeks |
| Guaranteed Sale (No Fall Through) | No | No | No |
| Agreed Sale Price | £235,000 | £265,000 | £222,400 |
| Fees (Estate Agent/Auction) | Varies | £8,340 | £6,672 |
| Conveyancing Fees | £1,500 | £1,500 | £1,500 |
| Sale Completion Certainty | 90% | ~70% | ~90% |
| Viewings Required | None | Multiple | Scheduled |
| Total Received After Costs | £233,500 | £248,811 | £210,100 |
How Companies that Buy your House Work
How the process works in 8 easy steps that guarantee completion.
Selling your home is a big decision—I understand that. You want it to go smoothly and feel worthwhile. But let’s be honest, traditional ways of finding a buyer can take forever, especially in a slow market. That’s where the best companies that buy houses for cash can help. They offer a simple, hassle-free process, with sales completed in as little as 21 days. If you’re looking for a faster, stress-free way to move forward, this could be the ideal solution.
Additionally, going with a we buy houses service is straightforward. Here's how it goes:
1) Get In Touch: : Call the firm and tell them about your property and how soon you want to sell it.
2) Get An Initial Offer: The company will give you a no-obligation cash offer based on their in-house valuation service and your provided information.
3) Make A Decision: Take your time to think about their offer. Ask them as many questions as you need to ensure your satisfaction with the selling process.
4) The Survey: Once you’ve accepted the offer, the company will conduct an independent structural survey of your property. If the survey results are satisfactory and show no signs of major issues such as structural damage, damp issues, infestations, or no building regulation approval for extensions, then they move on to the next step.
5) Formal Offer: At this time, they will send you a written formal offer and go ahead with
the paperwork once you express your agreement.
6) Easy Paperwork: If you agree with the details in the paperwork, they move forward quickly, working with established solicitors to ensure that the sales process is smooth and quick. Companies will also cover costs such as conveyancing and solicitor’s fees. These can typically amount to up to £500-1000.
7) Sale Completion: The sales process is considered complete on the same day as the exchange of contracts, but you can choose the date as well. Just let the staff from your
company know your preferences.
8) Get Cash ASAP: The proceeds from the sale are usually transferred to your bank account within a week.
Expert advice from our property expert Paul
My advice to anyone in a similar position is to ask lots of questions—don’t hesitate to make sure you fully understand the timeline and offer details before committing."
| House buying company | Trustpilot score | Google score | Feefo score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housebuyers4u | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| HouseBuyFast | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Quickmovenow | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.9 |
| Goodmove | 4.9 | 4.8 | No reviews |
| Property Solvers | 4.7 | 4.8 | No reviews |
| National Homebuyers | 4.5 | 4.1 | No reviews |
| Open Property Group | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.9 |
| British Home Buyers | 4.9 | 4.9 | No reviews |
| Ready Steady Sell | 3.7 | No reviews | No reviews |
| We Buy Now | 4.4 | 4.1 | No reviews |
| SpringMove | 4.5 | No reviews | No reviews |
| TheAdvisory | No reviews | 5.0 | No reviews |
| Ask Susan | No reviews | 2.3 | No reviews |
| Property Cash Buyers | 1.3 | No reviews | No reviews |
| We Buy any Home | 4.0 | 3.9 | No reviews |
| Home House Buyers | 4.9 | 4.9 | No reviews |
| Smooth Sale | 4.9 | 4.9 | No reviews |
| Upstix | 4.0 | 4.2 | No reviews |
| Express Offers | 4.1 | No reviews | No reviews |
| Sold | 4.5 | 3.5 | No reviews |
| House Buyer Bureau | 4.5 | 4.6 | No reviews |
| Zoom Property Buyer | 4.6 | 3.0 | No reviews |
| Bettermove | 4.6 | No reviews | No reviews |
| Sell House Fast | 4.7 | No reviews | No reviews |
*Note: Review data is usually less than 12 months old, please click and read the individual reviews above for up to date details on each website.
Further reading
Understanding how quick sale companies work
Yes 100%. Selling your house to a cash buyer is legal and recognised in the UK property market, there are some key differences to be aware of compared to traditional sales:
Process Simplification: The sale process is generally quicker and involves less paperwork since there's no need for mortgage approval.
No Mortgage Implications: Cash buyers don't require a mortgage, so the sale is not contingent on loan approvals, making the process smoother and reducing the risk of the sale falling through.
Use of Solicitors: The legal process remains largely the same, with solicitors handling the transaction. However, it can be more streamlined as fewer parties are involved.