Most homes in England and Wales are sold through an estate agent, and for many people that’s the right choice. Selling directly to a company that buys property is a different trade-off: usually a lower price in exchange for more certainty and less upheaval. Neither is better in every case. This guide sets out how the two compare so you can decide which fits your circumstances.
How each route works
An estate agent markets your property to the public, arranges viewings, passes on offers and helps progress the sale once you’ve accepted one. The buyer is usually a private individual, often buying with a mortgage and sometimes selling a home of their own at the same time — which is what creates a chain.
In a direct sale, the company is the buyer. There’s no marketing and usually no viewings beyond one visit to assess the property. The buyer makes an offer, and if you accept, both sides instruct solicitors and the sale goes through the normal legal process.
The main differences
Price
This is the biggest difference and it’s worth being clear about. A direct buyer will generally offer less than the property might achieve on the open market, because they’re taking on the cost of any work, their own buying and selling costs, and the risk. An agent’s sale gives you the chance of the best price the market will pay — though the price agreed at the start isn’t always the price you end up with, particularly if the buyer’s survey finds problems.
Speed and certainty
Through an agent, the timescale depends on how long it takes to find a buyer, then on the buyer’s mortgage, survey and any chain. Sales can and do fall through before contracts are exchanged. A direct buyer removes the search for a buyer, the chain and the mortgage, so the timescale mostly comes down to the legal work.
Condition and viewings
Properties that present well tend to do best on the open market. If a home needs significant work, is hard to mortgage, or is full of belongings, the pool of open-market buyers shrinks. A direct buyer will usually buy as it is, with no need to clear, clean, repair or host viewings.
Fees
Estate agents usually charge a fee — often a percentage of the sale price plus VAT, or a fixed fee with online agents — normally payable on completion. Direct buyers don’t typically charge a fee, but the cost is effectively reflected in the lower price. With either route, you’ll pay your own solicitor unless agreed otherwise.
An estate agent may be better if…
- You have time and no fixed deadline.
- The property is in reasonable condition and presents well.
- Getting the highest possible price is your main priority.
- You’re comfortable with viewings and some uncertainty along the way.
A direct sale may make sense if…
- Certainty matters more than achieving the top price.
- The property needs substantial work or would be difficult to mortgage.
- A previous sale has fallen through and you want to avoid starting again.
- The property is empty and costing you money each month.
- You have a fixed date to work to — a job move, a lender, or a family arrangement.
- You’d rather avoid marketing and strangers viewing the house.
Checking a direct buyer
Not every company that advertises “we buy any house” is the buyer. Some pass your details on to investors, and some reduce their offer shortly before exchange of contracts, when you’re least able to walk away. Before you go ahead, it’s reasonable to ask:
- Are you buying the property yourselves, with your own funds?
- Can my solicitor see proof that you can complete?
- Are you registered at Companies House, and do you belong to a redress scheme or trade body?
- Will you explain in writing how you’ve reached your offer, and what could change it?
- Are there any upfront fees, exclusivity periods or agreements tying me to you?
Getting a second opinion
Whichever way you’re leaning, it’s worth getting a valuation from two or three local estate agents — it costs nothing and tells you what the open market might realistically pay. If you’re in financial difficulty, free independent advice from MoneyHelper, StepChange or Citizens Advice can help you think through your options before you commit to any sale. You can also read our side-by-side comparison of direct sale vs estate agent and how we reach our offer.