Sell Your House Quick: Listing to Completion in 14 Days
Updated: August 2024
Want to sell your house at top speed without cutting corners? Our speed-selling blueprint lays out the entire 14-day process:
- "14-Day Fast Track" process chart - mapping out every step from listing to completion
- A foolproof system to price your home for both speed and maximum profit
- The little-known legal shortcuts that can slash your completion time in half
- Some of the Cities in Which we Often Buy Houses
- The Types of Houses we Buy
- Reasons to Sell Your House Fast
- The UK Property Market in 2024
- How to Prepare Your House for a Quick Sale
- Maximising Your Sale Price in a Quick Sale
- Pitfalls to Avoid When Selling Your House Quickly
- Insider Tricks: Accelerate Your Sale, Maximise Your Return
- Legal Considerations for Fast House Sales
- Frequently Asked Questions about our Sell House Fast Service
What Actually Qualifies as Selling a House Fast?
This isn't just a catchy phrase, it's a specific approach to property sales designed for speed and simplicity.
What "sell house fast" means:
- Quick completion: Sales often finalise within 7-28 days
- Cash property buyer: No mortgage chains or lenders (that can cause delays or chain breaks)
- 'As-is' sales: No need for repairs or renovations
- Streamlined process: Minimal paperwork and viewings
Timeline Comparison: Traditional vs "Sell my House Quick" Company
| Stage | Traditional Sale | Fast Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Phase | Listing to offer acceptance: 2-3 months | Initial contact to offer: 24-48 hours |
| Middle Phase | Conveyancing process: 2-3 months | Offer acceptance to completion: 7-28 days |
| Total Time | 4-6 months (average) | 1-4 weeks |
Factors affecting timelines:
- Property condition
- Legal complexities
- Buyer's situation (chain-free or not)
- Market conditions
Quick Sale Insight:
A quick sale that won't fall-through
- We are a genuine cash-buying company, so we can purchase your property with cash funds.
- We do not involve mortgage lenders or intermediaries in the sale. There will be no middlemen or mortgage lenders; you only deal with us as we buy direct.
- A specialist account manager will look after you and guide you through every step of the sale. We can proudly say our home-buying service has been complaint free for hundreds of completed sales.
- We work with certified and reputable solicitors who specialise in quick sales. They will carry out the required legal work fast and efficiently. Our certified, experienced quick sale solicitors ensure speed & consistency.
- We cover all legal fees to give homeowners peace of mind and more control over the sale of their property. Furthermore, we are members of the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB). We must follow a strict code of conduct and offer the highest service levels in the fast house sale industry.
The Sell my House Quick Benefits Pyramid
Quick house sales offer unique advantages. They're particularly valuable for those needing a fast, hassle-free transaction.
Immediate cash offers:
- Fast access to funds: Often within 7-28 days
- No waiting for mortgage approvals
- Ideal for urgent financial needs
- Helps avoid additional mortgage payments
Selling 'as-is' with no repairs needed:
- Save time and money on renovations
- Avoid the stress of managing repairs
- Suitable for properties in any condition
- No need to stage or deep clean
Certainty of sale and reduced risk of fall-throughs:
- Genuine cash buyers or cash house buying companies eliminate mortgage-related delays
- No property chains to worry about
- Fewer parties involved means less chance of complications
- Reduced risk of gazundering (last-minute price drops)
Additional benefits:
- No fees (unlike both online estate agents and traditional estate agents)
- Minimal viewings and disruptions
- Flexible completion dates
Quick Sale Insight:
How Much Will I Get If I Use a Fast House Buying Company?
Cash prices for your home will vary depending on which fast cash property buyers you use.
Quick house sale companies often offer 80-90% of your home’s market value as an initial offer. They will not pay full market value, so be wary of false valuations. Some sell house fast for cash companies may intentionally under value your property, so they can make you a lower offer. To guard against this, ensure you get multiple valuations of your property, so you have a good idea of it's worth before entering negotiations.
The 80-90% figure may seem low; however, it's important to remember that most quick house sale companies will also cover all fees associated with the sale, which you, as a seller, would typically have to cover.
Our service offers a competitive cash-only price for your property, and we will provide a hassle-free sale. As cash property buyers, HouseBuyers4u will propose a fair price, usually up to 90% of market value. The exact amount depends on your property details and the area - we recommend getting our free no-obligation valuation and offer to see what we can do for you.
For more information: Do Cash Buyers Offer Less?
For actual fees and selling costs, check out the example below of a £100,000 sale with our quick sale service:
Selling via an Estate agent (6 months) |
Selling to Hb4u (7-14 days) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Asking price | £100,000 | £100,000 |
| Average agreed purchase price | £95,000 | £86,000 |
| Final agreed price after survey | £92,000 | £84,000 |
| Estate agent fees | -£2160 (average) | £0.00 |
| Ongoing mortgage payments | -£3000 (6 months average) | £0.00 |
| Solicitors & legal fees | -£700 (average) | £0.00 |
| Renovation, repairs & maintenance | -£1000 (typical) | £0.00 (we buy "as is") |
| Council tax | -£800 (average) | £0.00 |
| Net price achieved | £84,340 | £84,000 |
We have over 40 years of combined experience in cash house buying and have helped thousands of homeowners sell their properties quickly. We buy with cash, and we offer a 100% no-fall-through guarantee for a stress-free house sale! We can complete a sale within as little as seven days. We will work with you in a time frame that suits you.
We Buy Homes Anywhere in the UK
As a national house-buying company, we purchase homes throughout the UK.
We cover England, Wales, and Scotland. If you want to sell a property outside of England and Wales, contact us, and we will find a solution. You can sell your house fast with us.
Some of the Cities in Which we Often Buy Houses
| Locations | ||
|---|---|---|
| London | Leeds | Manchester |
| Liverpool | Birmingham |
Nottingham |
| Sheffield | Scotland | Wales |
The Types of Houses we Buy
1. Terraced Houses
2. Semi-Detached Houses
3. Detached Houses
4. Flats & Apartments
What Type of House Sells Best?
Different types of houses appeal to different buyers, but generally, terraced and semi-detached houses sell quickly due to their affordability and broad appeal. Detached homes, though often more expensive, are popular for their privacy and space. We buy all types of houses, ensuring a fast and smooth sale regardless of the house style.
Whether a person is selling up with a "sell my house fast" company or estate agents, they may need to sell their house quickly for several reasons, from financial difficulties to wanting to sell an inherited home. We will assign you a property expert and find a suitable solution! A 100% no-fall-through guarantee backs our quick house sale service so that we will buy your house no matter the reason.
Here are some of the most common reasons why homeowners want to sell their houses quickly.
Divorce or Separation
Relocation or Emigration
Retirement or Illness
Buyer chain broken
Downsizing
Financial difficulties
Property in poor condition
Tenanted property
Inherited property
The UK Property Market in 2024: An Overview
The UK housing market in 2024 is a mixed bag. House prices have somewhat stabilised after the volatility of recent years. But challenges remain for both buyers and sellers.
Current Market Conditions:
- Prices: The average UK house price has seen modest growth. The national average is £290,000, up 2% from 2023.
- Supply: Housing stock remains tight. New builds aren't keeping pace with demand, especially in urban areas.
- Mortgage Rates: Interest rates have settled. The average 2-year fixed rate is 4.5%, down from the 2023 peak.
- Regional Variations: London and the Southeast continue to command premium prices. The North and Midlands offer more affordable options.
Trends Affecting House Sales:
- Remote Work: The work-from-home trend persists. It's driving demand for properties with home office space.
- Energy Efficiency: Buyers are prioritising eco-friendly homes. Properties with high EPC ratings are selling faster.
- First-Time Buyers: Government schemes are helping more first-time buyers enter the market.
- Buy-to-Let: Changes in tax regulations have cooled the buy-to-let market. Some landlords are selling up.
- Technology: Virtual viewings and online auctions are becoming more common. They're speeding up the sales process.
Quick Sale Insight
How to Prepare Your House for a Quick Sale
Preparing your house for a fast sale doesn't mean a complete overhaul. Focus on key areas to maximise appeal and minimise time on the market.
Essential repairs and improvements:
- Fix visible issues: Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, loose doorknobs
- Fresh paint: Neutral colours appeal to most buyers
- Improve curb appeal: Tidy the garden, clean the exterior
- Update lighting: Bright spaces feel larger and more inviting
- Address any structural issues: Roof repairs, damp problems
Staging tips:
- Declutter: Remove personal items and excess furniture
- Deep clean: Every room should sparkle
- Maximise space: Rearrange furniture to show off room sizes
- Add simple touches: Fresh flowers, new towels in the bathrooms
- Neutralise odours: Air out the house, avoid strong scents
Pricing strategies for a fast sale:
- Research local market: Understand recent sale prices in your area
- Competitive pricing: Set price slightly below similar properties
- Round numbers: Prices like £199,999 can appear more attractive than £200,000
- Be realistic: Overpricing can lead to longer market times
- Consider timing: Seasonal factors can affect ideal pricing
Quick Sale Insight
Maximising Your Sale Price in a Quick Sale
Fast sales don't always mean low prices. With the right approach, you can maximize your return even in a speedy transaction.
Negotiation tips:
- Know your bottom line: Determine your minimum acceptable price
- Highlight unique features: Emphasize selling points that add value
- Be transparent: Honesty about the property's condition builds trust
- Consider timing: Seasonal demand can affect offer amounts
- Be prepared to walk away: Having a backup plan strengthens your position
Understanding market value vs. quick sale offers:
- Market value: The estimated price in a traditional sale
- Quick sale offers: Typically 80-85% of market value
Factors affecting quick sale offers:
- Property condition
- Location desirability
- Current market trends
- Urgency of sale
Balancing speed and price:
- Faster sales often mean lower offers
- Weigh the benefits of speed against potential price reductions
- Consider ongoing costs of a longer sale (mortgage, bills, maintenance)
Tips for maximising quick sale offers:
- Get multiple offers: Compare from different buying companies
- Provide detailed property information: Helps buyers make informed offers
- Be flexible on completion dates: Can sometimes lead to better offers
- Address minor issues: Small improvements can boost perceived value
Quick Sale Insight:
In a study of quick house sales, sellers who obtained offers from at least three buying companies achieved prices 5-7% higher on average than those who accepted the first offer. Shopping around can significantly impact your final sale price.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Selling Your House Quickly
In the quick house sale industry, fast house sales offer many benefits, it's crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls. Knowing what to look out for can protect you from unscrupulous practices.
Common scams:
- Last-minute price drops: Buyers dramatically lowering offers just before completion
- Fake cash buyers: Rogue cash home buyers who don't have funds to purchase
- Contract lock-ins: Agreements that prevent you from selling to other buyers
- Pressure tactics: Rushing you to sign without proper consideration
Hidden fees:
- Valuation fees: Charges for property assessments
- Admin fees: Unexpected administrative costs
- Withdrawal fees: Penalties for changing your mind
- Legal fees: Conveyancing costs not included in the initial offer
Unrealistic promises:
- Guaranteed sale prices: No one can promise a specific price until they've seen your property
- Extremely fast completions: Be wary of timelines that seem too good to be true
- "We buy any house": Some companies who offer a sell house fast service are selective despite their claims
- No-obligation offers: Watch for hidden terms in the fine print
Market manipulation tactics:
- False urgency: Creating artificial time pressure to force quick decisions
- Misleading comparables: Using inappropriate property comparisons to justify low offers
- Exaggerating property flaws: Overemphasizing minor issues to reduce the offer
- Unclear terms: Using complex language to obscure unfavourable conditions
How to protect yourself:
- Research the company: Check reviews, ratings, and industry memberships of all quick house sale firms
- Read all documents carefully: Don't sign anything you don't fully understand
- Get everything in writing: Verbal promises aren't legally binding
- Seek independent legal advice: A solicitor can review contracts for you
- Compare multiple offers: Don't feel pressured to accept the first one
Quick Sale Insight:
Insider Tricks: Accelerate Your Sale, Maximise Your Return
Our team has handled countless quick sales over the years. Here's what we've learned about speeding up the process:
- Prep work pays off: Gather all necessary documents before you start. This can shave weeks off your timeline.
- Stay connected: Create a group chat with your fast sale company representative. Quick communication means faster resolutions.
- Take the lead: Follow up regularly. Don't assume no news is good news.
Read how Mr. Page sold his house in just 9 days and saved thousands in fees.
Expert Quote from Paul, our Property Expert:
"In quick sales, preparation is crucial. We've found that sellers who come to us with their paperwork in order can complete up to 50% faster than those who don't. It's about anticipating what's needed and being ready to move as soon as an offer is accepted."
Remember, a fast sale doesn't mean compromising on quality. It's about efficient processes and staying ahead of potential issues.
Quick Sale Insight:
Legal Considerations for Fast House Sales
Even if you use a "sell house quick" service, fast sales don't bypass legal requirements. Understanding the essentials protects your interests and ensures a smooth transaction.
Essential documents:
- Proof of identity: Passport or driving license
- Proof of address: Recent utility bills or bank statements
- Title deeds: Or official copies from the Land Registry
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Must be valid
- Property Information Form (TA6): Details about the property
- Fittings and Contents Form (TA10): What's included in the sale
- Mortgage details: Current statement and redemption figure
- Leasehold documents: If applicable
Your rights as a seller:
- Fair treatment: Protection from discriminatory practices
- Clear information: Right to understand all terms and conditions
- Cooling-off period: Time to reconsider after signing an agreement
- Data protection: Your personal information must be handled securely
- Complaints procedure: Access to formal dispute resolution
- Freedom to withdraw: Before exchange of contracts, without penalty
- Full disclosure: Right to know the buyer's identity
Key legal steps in a fast sale:
- Instruct a solicitor: Even in quick sales, legal representation is crucial
- Property searches: Can be done quickly with the right approach
- Contract review: Ensure all terms are fair and clear
- Exchange of contracts: Makes the sale legally binding
- Completion: Transfer of funds and ownership
Quick Sale Insight:
About our quick house sale service
We pay between 80-90% of the market value for your property
We value all properties using our in-house valuation software. This, in conjunction with our property experts' knowledge, helps us provide you with a fair market value for your property.
We also consider property location, the time of year, the condition of the property, the state of the market and more!
Unlike other property-buying companies, we do not charge commissions. We offer a fast property sale and pay for your house in cash.
In addition, we do not charge any fees. If you sell your home to us, we will cover all fees associated with the sale. There are no additional fees, such as agent, legal, solicitor, survey fees & more.
Being an established quick sale company, we can recommend an experienced quick sale solicitor (we cover the legal costs) when you sell your home to us. You can instead use your own.
Our interest free cash advance provides an upfront lump sum of money when contracts have been exchanged.
We offer an interest-free cash advance service, so you don’t have to use your credit cards or savings. Our up-front cash advance gives you breathing space while selling your property.
We give cash advances upon the exchange of contracts. We pay the remaining balance upon completion (same or the next day) when you hand over the keys and move out.
Yes, we talk to all our customers and work within their requirements. If you'd like the sale to remain confidential, we will not put up sale boards, and we will keep property viewings and checks to a minimum.
We can complete the sale of a property in as little as 7 days.
Because we buy in cash, we do not need to involve entities like mortgage lenders.
Alternatively, we can work within a timeframe that suits you
Other cash buying companies may not cover all fees relating to the sale of your property. In addition, if they are not true cash buyers, they may market your property on the open market or to investors, leading to further fees and a much longer sale time.
We are genuine cash buyers with a track record to prove it. We use our funds to purchase properties, allowing us to make the best cash offer for your house. Selling your home with us is quick and hassle-free.
If you were to sell your property via more traditional methods, such as with an estate agent, they would have to market it on websites like Zoopla or Rightmove. As we are genuine cash buyers and buy your property direct, we do not need to advertise it anywhere.
We are an actual cash buyer and will purchase your property with our cash funds.
About Housebuyers4u
We have a combined property buying experience of over four decades. We have helped and advised over 7300 homeowners with the sale of their property.
Housebuyers4u is one of the most regulated cash house buying companies in the quick sale industry.
We follow and comply with the rules and guidelines of three major property industry regulators. They are:
- The Property Ombudsman
- Trading Standards
- National Association of Property Buyers
We also have a 4.9 customer score on the independent reviews site Feefo, a 4.7 score on Trustpilot, and a 4.7 score Google.
Questions related to your circumstances
Part exchanging your home for a new build property could be a good idea as it allows you to avoid the stress and hassle of selling your property on the open market.
That said, you will more than likely not receive market value for your property (around 85%) going down this route and having to pay more for the new build property in your area.
Websites like Gumtree, Facebook & eBay can be an excellent way to get more eyes on your house; however, these channels involve more risk.
They often attract scammers (more so when it comes to expensive items or assets) who try to deceive you into selling to them. Dropping the price at the last minute or using shady solicitors to produce false paperwork are common scams.
HouseBuyers4U is a regulated quick sale company that follows a strict code of practice, so selling with us is safe and hassle-free.
Only qualified estate agents or auction houses can advertise on portals like Rightmove & Zoopla.
Selling your home is a challenging and often, long drawn-out process.
Homeowners often struggle with this, and some common reasons include the following:
- Overvaluing a property
- Using a bad estate agent
- Your home is in poor condition
House repossession is very scary. However, HouseBuyers4u buys any house in any location regardless of your financial situation or circumstances.
We have helped many homeowners stop the repossession of their homes and clear debts quickly and efficiently. If you need to sell your house fast, get in touch with us, and we can work out how we can help you.
We can only liaise with the legal owner of a property to carry out a quick cash sale.
So unless you have a legally certified Power of Attorney, it is not possible to sell on behalf of someone else.
