Properties needing work
It doesn't need to look good for us.
We buy houses in every condition — from tired and dated to seriously damaged. You don't need to fix anything, tidy up or apologise for the state of it. We'll look at what's there, work out what it needs, and explain how that's reflected in our offer.
We buy houses like this.
Properties like yours are more common than you might think.
A lot of houses reach a point where the work needed is more than the owner wants to take on — or can reasonably afford. That's not a failing; it's just where things are. These are some of the things we regularly see.
Buyers keep falling away
Viewers like the location but back off once they see the size of the job, or after a survey.
Lenders won't lend on it
Without a working kitchen, bathroom or sound structure, many buyers can't get a mortgage for it.
The quotes don't add up
You've had a builder round and the figures are more than you want to spend, or more than you'd get back.
How we can help
We price the property as it is
We look at what comparable homes in good condition sell for, then at the work yours needs. You don't have to get quotes first.
We show you the working
Your written offer sets out the main works we've allowed for and how they affect the figure, so you can check our reasoning.
Condition problems are expected
Damp, cracking or an old roof aren't surprises to us — they're the reason we're looking at the property in the first place.
A date that suits you
Once solicitors are instructed, we'll agree a completion date with you rather than working to a buyer's chain.
What you don't need to do
Leave it as it is.
- Repair anything, or get builders’ quotes
- Clean or redecorate
- Clear out belongings you don’t want
- Stage the house for photos or viewings
- Find a cash buyer yourself
Step by step
How it works for a property needing work
1. Tell us what you know
The address, and anything you're aware of — a survey, a leak, a crack that's been there for years. Not knowing is fine.2. We research and inspect
We look at local sales and, where needed, visit to see the condition for ourselves and scope the works.3. Written offer, explained
You'll get our offer in writing with the main works and allowances set out.4. You decide
If you go ahead, solicitors handle the sale in the normal way. If you don't, that's the end of it.
Things to consider
A direct sale isn't the right choice for every property that needs work. It's worth weighing up:
You'll get less than a renovated price
Our offer reflects the cost of the works, plus our costs and the risk we take on. It will be below what the house would fetch once finished.
Some works can add more than they cost
Smaller jobs — clearing, a new boiler, a fresh coat of paint — sometimes lift the price by more than they cost. Big projects are less predictable.
Open-market buyers may still be interested
Builders, developers and people wanting a project do buy through agents. An agent can tell you what interest to expect.
Insurance claims
If the damage is from a fire, flood or leak, check where any insurance claim stands before you sell — it can affect what's owed to you.
Other routes you could take
Selling to us is one option. Depending on your circumstances, one of these may suit you better.
Sell as-is through an estate agent
Often achieves a higher price, especially where there’s demand for renovation projects. Expect it to take longer and be less certain if lenders are reluctant.
Sell at auction
Suits properties that need work and attracts cash buyers. There are usually fees for sellers and buyers, and the sale price isn’t known until the day.
Do some or all of the work
Can mean a higher sale price, but you’ll need funds, time and a reliable builder — and you carry the risk of costs rising.
Questions
Common questions
Will you buy a house with structural problems?
Usually, yes. Subsidence, movement and cracking are things we can assess. We may want a structural engineer's view, and our offer will reflect the likely cost of putting it right. We'll explain how we've allowed for it.
Do I need to get a survey or builders’ quotes first?
No. We'll do our own research and inspection. If you already have a survey or quotes, they're helpful to share, but they're not required.
What if you find something new when you inspect?
If we find a significant issue we didn't know about, we'll explain what it is and how it affects the offer, with the evidence. You're free to decline any revised figure.
Can you buy a property that’s been damaged by fire?
Often, yes. Check first where any insurance claim has got to, as it may affect what you're entitled to. We'll need to understand the extent of the damage and whether the property is safe to enter.
Difficult to sell
Short lease, unusual construction or hard to mortgage.
Vacant property
Empty, costing money and harder to keep an eye on.
Inherited a property
You don't want to manage it, or it's full of belongings.
Not sure what it’s worth in this state?
Tell us about the property and we'll explain what we'd offer and why. If we think you'd do better selling it through an agent as a project, we'll say so.