Best House Buying Companies for 2024

 
Last updated: 16/05/2024


If you want to find the best house buying company for your home, you've come to the right place.

This guide has everything you need to make an informed decision, providing transparent insights to important questions like:

 

The Best House Buying Company is ...

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.



Housebuyers4u, one of the oldest and most reputable 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 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.-review plate for competitor: add 1 line with As of April 24th

As of April 2024, Housebuyfast have 39 reviews on Trust Pilot with a score of 4.3.

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.

As of April 2024, Quickmovenow has 88 reviews on Trust Pilot with a score of 4.4.

Read the full Quick Move Now 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.

As of April 2024, Propertysolvers has 78 reviews on Trust Pilot with a score of 4.6.

Check out our full Property Solvers review.


National Homebuyers is a UK based company that buys houses directly from homeowners, headquartered in West Sussex, England.

Established in 2003 and headquartered in West Sussex, England, They are recognised for buying houses across the UK and their notable 'home buyer man' TV adverts.

They 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. 

As of April 2024, National homebuyers has 564 reviews on Trust Pilot with a score of 4.1.

Read our comprehensive National Homebuyers review.

 

How Much do they Pay for your Home in 2024?


Unfortunately, even with a traditional estate agent, you likely won't get full market value. The latest UK market data shows that the average below-market figure will still grow in 2024.

Here is a data chart we've put together on the average price offered (for May 2024).


 Year   Average Price Offered 
2021 78-88%
2022 75-87%
2023 74-86%
2024 73-84%


In 2024, a home buying company's below market value offer will range from around 74% to 85%.

Note: These figures are for straight cash sales only. Based on this data, it's reasonable to anticipate that in 2024, the offers might continue to hover around this lower percentage range. This downward trend reflects changes in market conditions, which significantly impact the offers made by these companies.

Their are influenced by various factors, including the overall state of the property market. In years where the market is strong, companies might offer a higher percentage of the market value. Conversely, in times of market downturn or instability – such as falling house prices or decreased demand – these companies are likely to offer a lower percentage. 

Moreover, offers are also affected by the property's specific characteristics, like its location, condition, and other market trends

While companies that buy houses offer a fast and certain route to selling your property, this often comes at the cost of accepting a lower sale price.

Related: How do quick sale firms value your property?


Want to know what factors Influence the Offer Price?


Factors a house buying company will take into consideration when making offers


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


In addition to the above, more and more people are greener, more environmentally friendly homes so be sure to take this into account.

Related: What is my house worth in 2024?

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How to check if you're dealing with a reputable company (step by step guide)


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 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.


1. Confirm they can Make a Cash Purchase

Verify that the company has readily available cash funds. Ask to see a recent bank statement, a letter from a Law Society accredited solicitor, or an undrawn debt facility with a reputable banking institution.

2. Confirm a Chain-Free Transaction

Ensure that the company is a legit house buyer that buys fast with no property chain, meaning they won't need to rely on dependent sales to purchase your property.

3. Check the Companys Reviews & Support

Check for legitimate reviewsfrom previous clients. A reputable company will gladly put you in touch with them. How is their customer support feedback?

4. Verify that there are no Hidden Fees or Charges

Reputable quick sale companies should not charge estate agency fees, legal fees or administrative costs but sometimes these hidden fees or charges do exist. The offer price should be exactly what you receive when the sale completes.

5. Look Up the Quick Sale Company using Google

Do a Google search of the quick sale company and the directors associated with it. Look for information that could indicate a bad reputation.

6. Does the Company use Option Agreements?

Don't sign option or lock-in agreements, as they may not be in your best interest. Most sellers prefer a straight cash and guaranteed sale.

7. How Long has the Company been in Business?

Consider the company's previous track recordof completing sales within the stated deadlines. Your appointed conveyancer should be able to confirm this information.

8. Verify Information via Companies House

Check the companies house to review the most recent account submissions. Be cautious of firms with similar names, as they may imitate a reputable organisation.

9. Do they have a Proven Record of Success?

To ensure a house buying company meets its sale deadlines, directly ask them or consult your conveyancer for their track record in completing sales on time.

10. Check if the Company's Registered Address is Legitimate

Make sure the company has a legitimate office address.

11. Transparency in Valuation Process

Check how the company conducts property valuations and ensures they are transparent and fair.

12. Accreditations and Memberships

Verify if the company is a member of legitimate professional bodies or has relevant accreditations in the property industry.
 

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.


25 Million homes in the UK - most are occupied


Although the growth is slow, there is more property than ever, over 25.2 million homes in the UK, with over 65% of them being owner-occupied.


UK house prices falling around 10 percent


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, with estimations of a 2-4% drop in 2024. 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.


Cash house buyers can buy without viewings, board or staging


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. 


Some sellers are moving on from estate agents due to market conditions

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.

Further reading: Future market & trends report

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What are 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 people who buy houses for cash a viable option, as they can immediately make an offer thats backed up with their own funds.

 

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. The best quick house sale companies in the UK can complete within 21 days from offer to exchange date, 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:


The 8 step house selling process with a house buying company


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, 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.

 

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Read more: House Buying Companies vs Auction vs Online Estate Agents

 

Types of Quick Sale Companies


These 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 3 types of companies:


Genuine Cash Buyers

They have money on hand; they can buy your property outright and will pay you immediately. Consequently, the best house buying companies don’t need to take out loans, get investor approval or sell other properties to pay for your home. Genuine buyers can quickly make an offer and follow through on it; there is no significant chance of the deal collapsing.

Non Genuine Cash Buyers

These are mostly scam companies that take advantage of sellers by undervaluing the property – and they may not even be able to pay the offered amount up front. You might end up in a drawn-out sales process that can go on for months with little to no transparency to their surveys or valuations. Worse, you may not be left with any recourse if the sale goes sour.

Real Estate Buyers Posing As ‘Advisors’

They act as real estate advisors or consultants who promise to help you sell your property quickly. But in reality, they are acting as middlemen, hoping you’ll sell them your property at a loss because you are in a hurry. They then offer your property to an honest company that buys in cash at a handsome profit for themselves. Bottom line: having an extra person in the middle means they are stealing your profits.

 

Key benefits of Quick Home Buyers


Reputable firms offer a legit quick house sale with minimal difficulty. Here are a few reasons why:

 
timelines

1. They work on your timeline

Whether you need the sale process to be completed in a few weeks or a month, let them know – they will honour the urgency of your particular situation.
 
straightforward_process

2. A quick route to selling your property

Unlike individual people who buy property, they aren’t waiting for the bank loan, investors or mortgage to come through so they can pay you. You can be secure in knowing there won’t be any unnecessary wait time.
 
no_finance_delays

3. Straightforward, stress-free process

They work quickly and efficiently to get you the money faster than an estate agent.
 
no_added_fees

4. No added fees

A reputable cash house buying company covers additional charges for selling properties, including legal fees.
 
buy_in_any_condition

5. House buyers service benefits

Buy any property in any condition or location in the United Kingdom. So you can rest assured that you can sell your house ‘as is’ without worrying about repairs or renovations to attract buyers.
 

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. More benefits a fast sale company offers:


  • 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

Related: What do House Buying Companies do with my Home?

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Compare House Buying Companies



House buying company Rating Trustpilot score Google score Feefo score
Housebuyers4u 5/5 4.8 4.7 4.7
HouseBuyFast 4/5 4.0 4.7 4.8
Quickmovenow 4.5/5 4.3 4.4 4.9
Goodmove 4.5/5 4.9 4.8 No reviews
Property Buying Company 4/5 4.6 4.2 No reviews
Property Solvers 4.5/5 4.7 4.8 No reviews
National Homebuyers 4/5 4.5 4.1 No reviews
Open Property Group 4/5 4.7 4.3 4.9
Springbok Properties 4/5 4.3 4.1 No reviews
British Home Buyers 4/5 4.9 4.9 No reviews
Ready Steady Sell 3.5/5 3.7 No reviews No reviews
We Buy Now 4/5 4.4 4.1 No reviews
SpringMove 3.5/5 4.5 No reviews No reviews
TheAdvisory 4/5 No reviews 5.0 No reviews
Ask Susan 3.5/5 No reviews 2.3 No reviews
Property Cash Buyers 3.0/5 1.3 No reviews No reviews
We Buy any Home 4/5 4.0 3.9 No reviews
Home House Buyers 4/5 4.9 4.9 No reviews
Smooth Sale 4/5 4.9 4.9 No reviews

Browse our comprehensive reviews and expert insights to find the best company for your situation.

*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.

 

How to Spot Scams & Fraudulent companies who buy houses


Warning signs if a property purchasing company is not reputable

 
 

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.

Related: Common myths & misonceptions about property buying companies


Attention: Beware of Excessively High Offers that seem too good to be true


A typical scam involves the sales agent of the company 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.


 

Trade and Regulatory Bodies Membership

These are the key trade and regulatory bodies that may oversee house buying companies in the UK, focusing on their roles in ensuring ethical business practices and consumer protection in the property market.

 
  • 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.


Frequently Asked Questions About House Buying Companies


1What kind of properties do they typically buy?
Generally they buy a wide range of properties, including residential homes, apartments, and sometimes commercial properties. They often specialise in purchasing properties 'as-is', which means they buy homes regardless of their condition. This includes properties that might need significant repairs, are outdated, or have other issues that could make them challenging to sell on the open market.

Click here to read more about the types of properties and locations cash buying companies look for

2What will happen to my house after it’s been purchased by the company?
After a firm purchases your property, they may take several different actions based on their business model. Some companies might renovate and resell the property on the open market for a profit. Others might convert the property into a rental unit as part of their investment portfolio. In some cases, they may also sell the property to other investors or property buyers. The specific plan for your house will depend on the company's strategy and the current market conditions.
3What experience do these companies have with properties in repossession or foreclosure?
Many companies have experience dealing with properties in repossession. They often provide a quick purchase option for homeowners looking to avoid the repossession process. These companies understand the legal and financial complexities involved in buying repossessed properties and can navigate these challenges effectively. This expertise can be beneficial for homeowners facing foreclosure, as it provides an opportunity to sell the property quickly, potentially avoiding the negative financial impact of a foreclosure on their credit history.
4Are House Buying companies any good?
Quick house sale companies can be good for sellers who need a fast and hassle-free sale. They offer speed and convenience by handling most of the selling process and buying properties 'as-is'. However, they typically offer below market value, so it's important to weigh this against the need for a quick sale. Researching the company's reputation and exploring multiple options is advisable to ensure the best decision for your situation.
5How much below market value do companies that buy houses offer?
Typically offer around 70-85% of the market value of a property. This percentage can vary based on factors like property location, condition, and current market trends.
6Why Choose a Specific Company?
It's important to ask what sets a company apart from its competitors. Their unique processes, speed, or benefits might align more closely with your specific needs. Doing thorough research, including asking about their business model, helps in understanding their distinct offerings and approach.
7How can I check the reputation and standing of a specific firm?
You can check their customer reviews on platforms like Google Business Profile, Trustpilot, Feefo and more. These can offer insights into past client experiences. It's also beneficial to search for any news articles or reports about the company for a more comprehensive view of their reputation in the industry.
8Is it legal to Sell your Home to one of these companies?

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.