Tenanted property
Selling with tenants still living there.
Whether you're a landlord ready to step back, or dealing with arrears or a difficult tenancy, we can look at buying the property with the tenants in place — so you don't have to end the tenancy first.
What you might be dealing with
Landlords come to us for all sorts of reasons.
Rent arrears
The rent has fallen behind and it’s becoming hard to manage.
A difficult tenancy
The relationship has broken down, or access for repairs is a struggle.
Changing rules
Tenancy law is changing, and you’d rather step back than keep up with it.
Good tenants, but time to sell
You want to sell without asking settled tenants to move out.
How we can help
Tenants can stay
In many cases we can buy with the tenancy continuing, so we become the landlord and the tenants' rights carry on as before.
We work with limited access
We understand you may not be able to show us every room. We'll work with what's possible and explain any assumptions.
We review the paperwork
We look at the tenancy agreement, rent history and compliance documents and tell you if anything could hold things up.
A proper handover
Solicitors deal with transferring the tenancy and deposit correctly on completion.
What you don't need to do
- End the tenancy or serve notice
- Wait for the property to become vacant
- Redecorate or repair between tenants
- Arrange repeated viewings around your tenants
Step by step
How it works with a tenanted property
1. Tell us about the tenancy
The type of tenancy, the rent, how long it's run and any arrears or disputes.2. We review the documents
Tenancy agreement, deposit protection, gas and electrical safety certificates and the EPC — whatever you have.3. Inspection and offer
We arrange a visit with proper notice to the tenants, then send you a written offer.4. Completion and handover
The tenancy and deposit transfer to us on completion, and the tenants are told who their new landlord is.
Things to consider
Tenanted homes usually sell for less
Whoever buys it — us or an investor — will usually pay less than for the same home with vacant possession.
Your obligations continue until completion
You're still the landlord until the sale completes, including repairs and safety checks.
Get advice before serving notice
The rules on ending tenancies in England have been changing under the Renters' Rights Act, and Wales has its own system under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act. Take advice before serving any notice.
Missing paperwork can cause delays
If the deposit wasn't protected, or certificates are missing, it's better to know early. We'll tell you what we find.
Other routes you could take
Selling to us is one option. Depending on your circumstances, one of these may suit you better.
Sell to another landlord through an agent
Some agents specialise in tenanted sales to investors, which may achieve a higher price.
Regain possession, then sell
An empty property usually sells for more on the open market, but ending a tenancy can take time and must follow the proper legal process.
Use a letting agent to manage it
If the problem is the day-to-day management rather than owning it, full management may be enough.
Questions
Common questions
Can I sell a property with tenants in it?
Yes. In England and Wales you can sell a rented property with the tenancy in place. The buyer becomes the new landlord and the tenants' existing rights continue.
Do my tenants need to agree to the sale?
No, but you'll need to give proper notice for any visits, and it's usually easier if they're kept informed. After completion the tenants must be told the name and address of their new landlord.
Will you buy if the tenant is in arrears?
Often, yes. Tell us about the arrears and any action you've taken. We'll explain how it affects our offer and what happens to any unpaid rent on completion.
What happens to the tenancy deposit?
The deposit is transferred to the new landlord on completion and must stay protected in a government-approved scheme. Solicitors on both sides will deal with this.
Difficult to sell
Short lease, unusual construction or hard to mortgage.
Vacant property
Empty, costing money and harder to keep an eye on.
Needs a lot of work
Fire damage, structural problems or complete renovation needed.
Thinking about selling a rented property?
Tell us about the property and the tenancy. We'll explain what we could offer and whether a sale with tenants in place makes sense for you.