Best House Buying Companies Ranked for 2024
Last updated: 13/01/2024
Which company that buys houses can you trust to deliver on their promise? How much of the property market value do they pay? Which ones are legit cash buyers with the best reviews & reputation? Make an informed decision with our transparent insights & expert advice.
BONUS Checklist: 13 critical things to check before proceeding with any home buying company.
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- Revealed: UK's Best House Buying Companies
- How Much will House Buying Companies Pay for your Home in 2024?
- Is a House Buying Service worth it in todays Housing Market?
- 13 Critical ways to Check if you're dealing with a Reputable company
- Trade and Regulatory Bodies Membership
- What are Cash House Buying Companies?
- Home Buying Companies vs Estate Agents
- Types of Quick Sale Companies
- 5 Key benefits Quick House Buyers Offer
- How Companies that Buy your House Work
- UK Housing Market Trends & Facts that affect the Selling Price
- Other property websites in the Property Buying space
- Is it even Legal to Sell your Home to a Cash House Buying Company?
- How to Spot Scams & Fraudulent House Purchasing Companies
- Frequently Asked Questions about Property Buying Companies
Revealed: UK's Best House Buying Companies
Selling your home and moving on can be exciting, overwhelming and scary all at the same time. It can be difficult to find buyers you can trust.
We've taken the initiative to meticulously review various quick sale companies, aiming to pinpoint the best cash house buyers UK. Our analysis is grounded in their website buying service, specialised expertise in the quick sale sector, online reputation and external reviews. Following is our selection of the top property buying companies in the UK.
One of the oldest and most reputable home-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.
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 house-buying company based in Worthing and was founded in 2008.
They have been in the quick sale market for many years, and their co-founder Jonathan Rolande is well-known & respected in the property space.
Their big claim is that they can purchase a home within 3 days. Every property selling scenario is different, so if you choose to sell with HouseBuyFast and need a sale within 3 days, confirm how this will be achieved before proceeding with negotiations.
Read our entire HouseBuyFast review.
Quick Move Now, established in 1998, stands out in the UK property market for it's rapid, cash-based property buying services.
Their commitment to expedited transactions, often within 7 days, caters to those needing swift closures. They are recognized for their ethical practices as members of TPO.
However, it's important to note that they might not cover all types of properties, which could be a limiting factor for some sellers.
Read the full Quick Move Now review.
Good Move was incorporated in 2015, so they are still a fairly new company in house buying space. They function as both a house buying company and an estate agency, offering a unique dual service.
They'll cover all your selling fees, however, they only offer £500 towards your solicitor’s fees.
If you're selling a property worth more than £550k, it's important to check their funding, as they have less experience with high-value properties.
Read our full comprehensive Good Move review.
Established in 2012, The Property Buying Company has established its presence in the quick sale market. They can complete purchases in as little as 7 days under certain conditions. However, the typical timeline ranges from 2 to 3 weeks.
As members of both the NAPB and the Property Ombudsman, they are recognized for their reliability in property sales.
Read our entire Property Buying Company review.
Property Solvers, established in 2006, is not just a quick sale firm but also offers a diverse range of estate agency and auction house services.
They promise fast transactions, though typically, the process takes 7 to 28 days.
Despite their multifaceted approach, they have relatively limited customer feedback on major third-party platforms like Trustpilot and Google reviews.
Check out our full Property Solvers review.
Founded in 2003, National Homebuyers is a UK-based company that buys houses, headquartered in West Sussex, England.
Established in 2003 and headquartered in West Sussex, England, National Homebuyers is recognized for buying houses across the UK and their notable 'home buyer man' TV adverts.
National homebuyers are not registered with the Property Ombudsman or the National Association of Property Buyers. So, before using the company, confirm that they have the capital to purchase a property fast and ensure they buy any house in any condition.
Read our comprehensive National Homebuyers review.
Founded in 2014, Open Property Group is a property-buying company based in the UK, headquartered in Gerrards Cross, on the outskirts of London, England.
Open Property Group are registered with the Property Ombudsman and is one of the founding members of the National Association of Property Buyers, so they must adhere to their codes and practices.
They claim they will buy any house in any condition. Be sure to confirm the specifics of this and if any exemptions apply if you decide to sell with them.
Read more Open Property Group reviews.
Formed in 2012, Springbok Properties is a quick sale firm and offers many other services, such as an assisted house sale and a sale and rent back service.
They offer many different services and, as a result, have many online reviews from third-party sites like Trustpilot and Google reviews.
Because they offer several services, be sure to research and choose the best service that suits your needs and selling price.
Please read our full review on Springbok Properties.
How Much will House Buying Companies Pay for your Home in 2024?
Even with a traditional estate agent, unfortunately you likely won't get full market value, the latest UK market data shows the average below market figure grew to over 5.5% in 2023.
Here is a data chart we've put together on the average price offered.
| Year | Average Price Offered |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 78-88% |
| 2022 | 75-87% |
| 2023 | 74-86% |
| 2024 | 74-85% |
In 2024, a home buying company's below market value offer will range from around 74% to 85%.
What factors Influence the Offer Price?
Want to know what drives the offer for your house from buying companies?
Researching the market, we have created this chart and table; it 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: What is my house worth in 2024?
Is a House Buying Service worth it in todays Property Market?
Companies that buy property have changed the UK market by giving owners another way to sell their homes beyond the traditional estate agent route. Traditional methods of finding a buyer are not as effective – the offers from estate agents are lower, the process is too long, and the market has more frequent stagnant periods. If you are dealing with a reputable quick sale service, you can complete a sale and get paid faster than ever.
Although the growth is slow, there is more property than ever, over 25 million homes in the UK, with over 65% of them being owner-occupied.
While the number of homeowners has increased by more than one million since 1997, the current economic conditions, such as the recent increase in interest rates and the cost of living crisis, have caused house prices to fall throughout England. As a result, many homeowners are ready to cash in on their properties, and it’s easier than ever for them to find buyers without involving a middleman like an estate agent.
This paradigm shift has had a considerable impact on the property market, giving an edge to companies who purchase properties without the need for staging, viewing, boards, etc. – leading to a quick, pain-free sale.
As such, sellers are no longer willing to be tied down by an estate agent because they are afraid of the market. It also means that the sale process can start with online house buyers like Housebuyers4u.
13 Critical ways to Check if you're dealing with a Reputable company
There are many so-called 'direct payment buyers' out there with various names that 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 13 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.
National Association of Property Buyers
Property Ombudsman
- A reputable quick sale firm will be a National Association of Property Buyers member. The National Association of Property Buyers members must follow the strict professional standards in the Code of Practice, which The Property Ombudsman wrote.
- Legitimate house buyers are regulated and adhere to the Code of Practice set out by the Property Ombudsman. TPO does not regulate; it provides redress and HouseBuyers4u dispute mediation. The TPO is a non-profit enterprise, not a gov agency. This means adhering to its code of conduct is optional. This is a long way from regulation. The quick house sale market isn’t regulated, so you aren’t protected when selling a property to one of these companies. Using a company that’s part of the NAPB or TPOS, homeowners can complain to the ombudsman and get compensation if they find that the company has broken the TPOS Code of Practice.
What are Cash House Buying Companies?
These are companies that buy houses for cash, and have funds readily available to purchase your property outright, without the need for a mortgage or having to sell another property to free up funds for buying your home.
As the wait times rise in the UK's property industry, there's been a need for ways to sell property faster and at a profit. A slump in the housing market makes selling to house buying companies a desirable option. The best property buying companies can immediately make an offer for your house as they should be able to pay with their own funds.
House Buying Companies vs Estate Agents
The difference between selling to a property buying firm and through an estate agent is quite significant in terms of process, time, and sometimes, the financial outcome.
- Process and Timeframe: When selling to a cash buyer, the process is usually much quicker and involves fewer steps. There's no need to market the property, host viewings, or wait for a buyer's mortgage approval. In contrast, selling through an estate agent involves these steps and can take much longer.
- Financial Considerations: Cash buyers often purchase homes at a lower price point, as they usually offer to buy the house 'as-is', without requiring repairs or renovations. Estate agents aim to get the best market value for your property, which might be higher but also comes with additional costs like agent fees and potentially longer mortgage payments due to the extended selling time.
- Certainty of Sale: With cash buyers, once the offer is accepted, the sale is almost guaranteed. However, with estate agents, there's a risk of sales falling through due to factors like failed mortgage applications or changes in buyer's circumstances.
Types of Quick Sale Companies
UK house-buying companies offer a speedy alternative to traditional home selling. They streamline the process by buying your property directly, bypassing the open market. To make an informed choice, it's advisable to read we buy any house reviews for insights into different companies. This helps in choosing a cash house buyer that best meets your needs.
Generally, you’ll find the following types of house-buying companies:
Genuine Cash Buyers
Non Genuine Cash Buyers
Real Estate Buyers Posing As ‘Advisors’
1. They work on your timeline
2. A quick route to selling your property
3. Straightforward, stress-free process
4. No added fees
5. House buyers service benefits
A serious disadvantage of working with estate agents is that 72% of the time properties sell for or below their original asking price. In a market where more than 8 in 10 homes sell for less than the asking price. That’s where house purchase companies come in:
- A fast, no-hassle sale
- Straightforward cash sales using the company’s private equity
- Direct communication between the property buyer and seller
- Rapid sales process for homeowners who require an urgent sale
- Coverage of all fees and costs
- Coverage for all survey and renovation costs as needed
- Services available across the UK, including Scotland and Wales
How Companies that Buy your House Work
The 8-Step Home Selling Process that guarantees completion
Selling your property is a huge decision you want to pay off spectacularly. However, the trouble is that traditional buyer-finding methods don’t work anymore, especially during a stagnant market. A property purchasing company can ensure a quick house sale for you in this economy, thus relieving you from the hassle and stress of the conventional process.
Additionally, selling your property to house buyers is straightforward. Here's how it goes:
1) Get In Touch: : Call your property-buying company and tell them about your property and how soon you want to sell it.
2) Get An Initial Offer: The cash-buying 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, 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
house-buying company know your preferences.
8) Get Cash ASAP: The proceeds from the sale are usually transferred to your bank account within a week.
UK Housing Market Trends & Facts that affect the Selling Price
Mortgage Rates Impact
Mortgages are pricier than they've been over the last 15 years, but they've dropped slightly since 2023. What does this mean for you? If mortgages keep getting cheaper, more people might be looking to buy, which is good news if you're selling.
Price Trends & Selling Strategy
Right now, the trend is that house prices aren't soaring like they used to. If prices are steady or falling, cash-buying companies might hold off on buying, waiting for the market to bounce back. Historical trends are indicating a spring 2024 jump in sales.
Buyer's vs. Seller's Market
It's all about supply and demand. If many people are looking to buy but there aren't many houses for sale (a seller's market), you're more likely to get a better price. But if the market's flooded with homes and there aren't enough buyers (a buyer's market), be prepared for lower offers.
Interest Rates and Selling Opportunity
If interest rates dip in 2024, this can encourage more buying activity. For you, dropping interest rates might mean more potential buyers and better offers from house-buying companies. However, keep in mind that other events could make interest rise further.
British Home Buyers, established in 2012, strives to transform the fast house buying sector in the UK. With a professional team, they ease the selling process for homeowners, ensuring a transparent, reliable, and fee-free service.
Like other quick home buyers, the offered sale prices, aligned with rapid transactions, may sometimes reflect a partial market value, necessitating a balanced consideration between speed and return on investment.
Read our full British Home Buyers review.
Ready Steady Sell, co-founded by Lisa Hayes, serves as a conduit between homeowners and potential buyers, aiming to provide impartial advice and secure the best seller deals.
Unlike typical property buying firms, they don't purchase homes directly but provide a platform for offering comparisons from vetted buyers.
While Ready Steady Sell offers a platform to connect sellers with buyers, homeowners might need help finding an immediate solution as this company does not buy properties directly.
Read our comprehensive Ready Steady Sell review.
WeBuyNow is a reputable UK-based property buying company that provides fast and efficient services to homeowners looking to sell.
Established over 15 years ago, the company is part of the Springbok Group. WeBuyNow prides itself on offering competitive prices, claiming to pay more than competitors for properties in favourable locations and conditions.
You may only receive their advertised high offers if your property meets their criteria. Understand their valuation process before proceeding.
Read our full review of WeBuyNow.
SpringMove is a UK-based company that offers its clients a wide range of services. Initially founded in 2007 as National Property Trade, the company has since become a top-performing company.
Their services include property sales, lettings, property management, mortgages, and conveyancing.
SpringMove's fees will vary as they offer a wider range of services beyond just buying properties, so confirm fees before proceeding with sales talk.
Read our full comprehensive SpringMove review.
Gavin Brazg is a house sales expert who founded The Advisory in 2005.
Although Gavin offers fantastic property sales advice, the organisation is not a direct house-buying company, so if you are looking for a quick sale, you won't be able to use his service to buy your home.
According to their website, The Advisory has several 'Advisory approved' quick sale companies that customers can access. As far as we know, The Advisory refers customers to these buyers (In return for a fee to the buying company).
Read our full review on The Advisory here.
Ask Susan, who has been operating for over 12 years and claims to buy any house quickly within 7 days.
Ask Susan is not registered with the National Association or the Property Ombudsman.
In addition, they only have 1 negative review on Trustpilot and 6 reviews on Google (3 negative).
Read our Comprehensive Ask Susan review here.
Property Cash Buyers, a UK-based entity, emerged during the 2008 financial crisis under the leadership of Daniel Morgan, with the vision of assisting homeowners entangled in complex sales chains.
With over a decade in operation, they offer a suite of solutions - quick sales, assisted property sales, and lease option sales, catering to varied seller needs.
While they promise near-market value offers, understanding their valuation and sale processes is crucial for prospective sellers. Check their reviews on TrustPilot and do your due diligence before using their service.
Read our comprehensive Property Cash Buyers review here.
Is it even Legal to Sell your Home to a Company that Buys Houses?
Yes 100%. Selling your house to a cash buyer is legal and recognised in the UK real estate 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.
It is best to work with reputable company that buys with their own funds so you don't fall victim to we buy any house scams and devious tactics that could cost you thousands of pounds and waste your time. We at HouseBuyers4u, always recommend you check their accounts. You can do this by asking the business who their underwriters are. After this, you can research the underwriter via companies house to see if they are a legitimate company.
Run away if the dodgy traders illude or seem to:
- Be undercover brokers or lead generation agencies. Sellers should look out for option agreements, very long quoted sale times, and companies/websites that ask for details but don't actually buy the house. They are just working to get your details so they can sell them to an actual company that can purchase this way with their own funds.
- They have an unnaturally high number of reviews, there are only so many properties even the largest firm can buy. So they could essentially be fake reviews. Fake reviews are often short and come in around the same time. In addition, if every reviewer only has 1 review, it could mean they are creating new accounts just to leave multiple reviews and then leave the account dormant.
- They are not registered with the Property Ombudsman or NAPB (National Association of Property Buyers).
- Have a reputation for over-promising and making unrealistic offers. Homeowners should read reviews to see if any customers have experienced this.
- They lock you in by forcing you to sign paperwork for an option contract. An option agreement will give the company legal control of your property.
- Some home buyers use delay tactics to drag the selling process on for several months. A few examples of delay tactics you should watch out for include survey delays, won't release funds, not answering important queries, dragging on the completion of crucial paperwork and more.
Attention: Beware of Excessively High Offers that seem to good to be true
A typical scam involves quick house sale companies 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.