Which route makes sense for you?
Selling through an estate agent and selling directly to a buyer like us are both reasonable choices. They suit different situations.
Here's how they compare, point by point.
The two routes compared
These are general points. Every sale is different, and we're happy to talk through yours.
| Topic | Estate-agent sale | Direct sale to us |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Aims for the best price the market will pay. The final figure depends on buyer interest and negotiation. | Usually below open-market value, reflecting condition, costs and risk. We explain how we reach the figure. |
| Speed | Depends on how quickly a buyer is found, then on their mortgage, survey and any chain. | There's no buyer to find. Timing depends mainly on the legal work, and can often be planned around your dates. |
| Certainty | A buyer can withdraw before exchange — for example after a survey, or if their mortgage or own sale falls through. | We're the buyer, so there's no one else to find. As with any sale, it isn't binding until contracts are exchanged. |
| Marketing | Listed on property portals, usually with photos, a floor plan and often a sale board. | No public listing, photographs or board. |
| Chain risk | Your buyer may be selling too. A problem anywhere in the chain can delay or stop the sale. | No onward buyer chain on our side. |
| Property condition | Condition affects the price and which buyers can get a mortgage. Many sellers tidy, repair or stage first. | We buy it as it is. The condition is reflected in the offer, and we'll show you how. |
| Viewings | Usually several viewings, with the property kept presentable while it is on the market. | No viewings. At most one visit, if we need to inspect before confirming the offer. |
| Fees | Estate agents usually charge a commission, often a percentage of the sale price plus VAT, as well as your own legal costs. | No seller fees to us. You'll still need a solicitor to act for you, as with any sale. |
| Repairs | A buyer's survey may lead to requests for repairs or a lower price. | You don't need to repair anything before selling. |
| Legal process | Both sides instruct solicitors and the standard conveyancing checks apply. | The same: both sides instruct solicitors and the standard conveyancing checks apply. |
Which might suit you better?
An estate agent may be better if…
- You have plenty of time to sell
- The property presents well and is in good condition
- Getting the highest possible price is your priority
- You're happy to have viewings and public marketing
A direct sale may make sense if…
- Certainty matters more to you than achieving the top price
- The property is in poor condition or needs significant work
- A previous sale has fallen through
- The property is vacant and costing you money to keep
- You're working to a fixed deadline
- You'd rather avoid marketing and viewings
Not sure? It can help to get a valuation from a local estate agent and an offer from us, then compare the two. If we think the open market would suit you better, we'll say so.
Not sure whether you should sell to us?
Call us anyway. If we genuinely think an estate-agent sale would suit you better, we'll tell you.