Frequently asked questions.

We start with what we think the property would sell for on the open market, based on recent comparable sales nearby, its location, size and condition.

We then take off our estimate of the work it needs, plus an allowance for the costs, time and risk involved in buying, holding and reselling or renting it. What’s left is our offer. We’ll show you each of those figures in writing, so you can see how we got there rather than just a number.

Usually, yes. A direct sale will generally be below what the property might achieve on the open market with an estate agent, because we take on the cost of any work, the transaction costs and the risk.

What you get in return is a known buyer, no viewings or chain, and a timescale you can plan around. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on your situation — if getting the highest possible price matters most and you have time, an estate agent may well be the better route.

No. Every offer is worked out for the individual property. A house that needs little work in an area where homes sell well will be treated very differently from one with structural problems or a short lease.

Only if something material turns out to be different from what we were told or could reasonably see — for example a significant structural problem found on inspection, a legal or title issue, or tenancy details that are substantially different.

If that happens, we’ll explain what we’ve found, show you the evidence and how it affects the figures. You’re then free to accept the revised offer or walk away.

No. An offer from us is just that — an offer. There’s no obligation to accept it, and you’re welcome to compare it with valuations from local estate agents or other buyers first.

Often, yes. We may be able to give an initial figure from the information you give us and our own research, but we’ll usually want to visit (or have someone visit) before the offer is confirmed. If you live far away or the property is empty, we can usually arrange access through a key holder.

It depends mainly on the legal work — how quickly searches come back, whether the title is straightforward and, for inherited property, whether probate has been granted. Where there are no complications, a direct sale is usually quicker than a sale through an estate agent because there’s no chain and no buyer’s mortgage to wait for.

Typical timescale: [TYPICAL COMPLETION TIMESCALE — TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE BUSINESS]. If you have a particular date in mind, tell us at the start and we’ll be clear about whether it’s realistic.

Yes. You’ll need your own solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal side of the sale, just as you would with any other buyer. They act for you, not for us, and they’ll check the contract before you commit to anything.

Yes. You can use any solicitor or licensed conveyancer you like. If you don’t have one, the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers’ register are good places to start. You’re under no obligation to use anyone we mention.

Yes. In England and Wales, neither side is legally bound until contracts are exchanged. Up to that point you can decide not to go ahead. [CONFIRM: WHETHER THE SELLER PAYS ANY COSTS IF THEY WITHDRAW BEFORE EXCHANGE — E.G. NONE]

Once contracts have been exchanged, the sale is legally binding on both sides, which is why your solicitor will make sure you’re comfortable before that point.

Very little. The property address and whatever you know about it is enough for a first conversation. You don’t need paperwork, a valuation or all the answers — we’ll tell you what’s useful as we go.

No. Take the time you need, talk to family or an adviser, and compare your options. If you have a deadline, we’ll work to it — but we won’t invent one for you.

No. We buy properties as they are. You don’t need to clean, redecorate or stage it. If there are belongings you don’t want, we can talk about leaving them — just take anything you want to keep, and let us know about anything valuable or sentimental so nothing is disposed of by mistake.

No. Our offer already takes the condition into account, so there’s no need to spend money on repairs first. You should, though, tell us about any problems you know of — it’s better for everyone if nothing comes as a surprise later.

Often, yes. We can look at buying with the tenants still living there, in which case we’d take over as landlord. We’ll need to see the tenancy agreement, deposit protection details and the usual safety certificates. Tenants’ rights continue whoever owns the property, so nothing about the sale should put them under pressure.

Yes. We can buy from executors, administrators and families selling a property after someone has died. We can agree a sale before probate is granted, although the sale can’t complete until the grant has been issued. You don’t necessarily need to empty the house first.

Yes, including flats and houses with shorter leases, which some buyers and lenders find harder. We’ll need the lease and information from the freeholder or managing agent about service charges and ground rent. A short or problematic lease will be reflected in the offer, and we’ll explain how.

Sometimes. There may be properties where we can’t make a sensible offer, or where we think you’d do noticeably better on the open market. If so, we’ll tell you plainly rather than make an offer we don’t believe in.

We don’t charge you a fee for making an offer or buying your property. [CONFIRM WITH THE BUSINESS: WHETHER HOMEFORWARD CONTRIBUTES TO THE SELLER’S LEGAL FEES]

You’ll normally still pay your own solicitor, and your mortgage lender may charge a redemption or early repayment fee — your solicitor and lender can tell you what applies.

It’s paid off from the sale money on the day of completion. Your solicitor gets a redemption statement from your lender showing exactly how much is owed, pays it directly and sends you the balance.

If you owe more than the sale price, speak to your lender and an independent adviser before agreeing anything, as the lender will need to agree how the shortfall is handled.

On completion day. The money is transferred to your solicitor, who pays off your mortgage and any other charges secured on the property, deducts their agreed fees and sends the rest to you — usually the same day or the next working day.

[PROOF-OF-FUNDS PROCESS — TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE BUSINESS]. Your solicitor is entitled to ask for evidence that we can complete, and we’d encourage them to.

If it’s your only or main home, you won’t usually pay Capital Gains Tax. If it’s a second home, rental property or an inherited property that has gone up in value, tax may be due — and gains on UK residential property generally have to be reported to HMRC within 60 days of completion. It’s worth speaking to an accountant or tax adviser.

Possibly. If your buyer has pulled out, we can look at whether we can step in. Any legal work already done — your title documents and property information forms — can usually be reused, which can help things move faster.

It’s worth also talking to your estate agent about going back to earlier interested buyers; a direct sale isn’t always the best next step.

First, talk to your lender. Lenders are expected to treat people in difficulty fairly and to consider alternatives before repossession. Free, independent debt advice is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange, Citizens Advice and Shelter, and it’s worth getting legal advice if court proceedings have started.

Selling may not be your only option. If it is the route you choose, we can quickly tell you whether a purchase is realistic in the time you have, so you have a clear answer either way.

You can agree a sale and start the legal work, but the sale can’t complete until the grant of probate (or letters of administration) has been issued. Tell us where you are in the process and we’ll plan around it.

If the property is jointly owned, all legal owners will usually need to agree to the sale and sign the paperwork. If you can’t agree, each of you should get independent legal advice. We’ll deal with both owners openly and won’t take sides.

Of course. A conversation doesn’t commit you to anything. If we think an estate agent, auction or doing nothing for now would suit you better, we’ll say so.