Time is of the essence here, and a fast house sale entails putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes, from viewing to making an immediate offer and moving in. How do you do this? Just follow our easy-to-use checklist to ensure your home appeal stands out among other houses for sale. Below is how to sell your house quickly on the property market
1: Check for Repairs and Maintenance
Contrary to belief, most buyers aren’t looking at what is nice but what repairs are needed and how much effort, time, and money they will have to spend. Carrying out repairs now will make the difference between a buyer choosing your property over another. This is an essential step for older properties and prevents hidden surprises in property surveys.
Repair or replace broken fixtures and fittings, locks, door handles, kitchen cupboard handles, and wardrobe handles. Remove broken mirrors, repair broken kitchen or bathroom tiles, renew bathroom grouting, and repair wall holes. Experts advise spending money now for repairs to affect the final asking price, so if you have the cash to pay, look at what needs updating, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, two rooms that add real estate value.
Other things to check for include….
Repair roofs and check for loose tiles, leaks, moisture and overhanging trees
As new-build properties settle, they incur vertical wall cracks, but buyers don’t want to see them, so fill them in and repair doors and windows that don’t close.
Signs of dampness are a surefire way to hamper a house viewing. Nobody invests in a new home with looming black patches covering the walls, roofs, and windows. Anyone prepared to buy a house with damp will offer a lower price.
How old is the boiler? Boilers last for years, but if the pilot light keeps going out, it may need a boiler tune-up.
Factors That Affect Quick House Sales
Single and Double-Glazed Windows: A single-glazed window isn’t a problem but is around 20 times less efficient than a double-glazed pane. Double-glazed means two separate panes of glass with a vacuum between them, so they are more energy efficient. Most home buyers prefer double glazing.
Documentation for Extensions or Conversions: Buyers and estate agents want paperwork for extensions and conversions, mostly the planning permission and building regulations. Have these ready because non-preparation will set potential house sales back weeks. Lack of documentation affects the final selling price.
Swimming Pools: Swimming pools are great fun but expensive to run and difficult to upkeep. How often do you use an outdoor swimming pool? Fill the pool during summer, but regardless, your target selling audience should be the luxury real estate market.
2: Houses with Curb Appeal
The aesthetic appearance is just as important as the interior because it appeals to passers-by and is the first sight. A home with curb appeal is inviting and tidy. Place bins out of view, cut and weed the garden grass, invest in pot plants or flower displays, and give all garden furniture a good wash down and clean.
Check the fences for repairs and whether they need another coat of paint. Also, check the exterior door and window frames. Do all the locks work? Are the hinges oiled? This may seem trivial, and some real estate investors and buyers wouldn’t think twice about replacing them, but remember, you want a fast sale. Pretty pot plants or hanging baskets by the front door add colour.
3: Green Gardens and Family Areas
Think of a garden as a sanctuary. Prospective buyers must see themselves enjoying the sunshine, preparing a BBQ, eating alfresco, and watching their children run around in a safe area. Trim the lawn, clean patio areas, and repair garden furniture. Clean the shed, paint fences, trim bushes, and tidy flower beds. Anything that is not appealing to the eye should be repaired, tidied up, or thrown out.
Savvy home hunters and keen gardeners recognise and know the devastation caused by Japanese knotweed. The plant grows up to around 10 centimetres per day, and its rapid growth rate damages foundations, resulting in subsidence. It grows through any weak points, such as wall cracks, and damages paving and tarmac. Bamboo is another invasive plant that can even affect house foundations. If you have any invasive plants, get rid of them now.
4: Staging Tips to Impress House Buyers
Set the evening mood with candles and lamps; with the proper lighting, rooms smell nice and give a cosy feeling. Odours from spicy food and fish put potential buyers off, but they love the pleasant aroma of fresh bread and cakes.
Regardless of the property type, it must be clean and tidy, so this is the time to have that de-cluttering session you’ve been putting off for years. Buyers need to envisage living there; they want to see space and imagine their furniture and belongings.
Does it need fresh paint? Most homes have scuffs and scrapes, but nothing that a fresh coat of paint won’t fix. Neutral colours are best—nothing bold or too bright, but something resembling a blank canvas so your buyer can put their stamp on their new home. Neutral colours make a room look airy and spacious, ideal for box rooms. Adding mirrors gives the illusion of larger rooms.
5: Know The Local Market
A good estate agent will give realistic property valuations, but check comparison websites and online estate agents to see what types of properties in nearby neighbourhoods are selling and what is a fair price. Before comparing, know whether they are freehold or leasehold properties. There are many good online property portals like Zoopla and Right Move. Good marketing is essential, as is choosing an estate agent with knowledge of the local area, e.g., school catchment areas, transport links, and amenities. Ask what the estate agent fees are.
6: Professional Photos for the Property Listing
If the real estate agent doesn’t use a professional photographer, hire one yourself—the investment will help you fetch a reasonable price. A professional photographer knows the best angles to use and the correct lighting. Pictures are for advertising and prospective buyers. This is their first glance at a massive real estate investment, so it leaves a lasting impression. The fee won’t break the bank.
7: Decor and Design – Go Neutral
Buyers love light, neutral tones (white, beige, soft greys) that make rooms look bigger and brighter. They also maximise natural light by using light curtains and keeping windows clean. Less is more—remove personal items and excess furniture. Avoid overly trendy styles that might go out of fashion quickly. New cabinet handles, fresh grout, and modern taps significantly impact the kitchen and bathroom.
8: Declutter the House for Sale
Decluttering means removing excess items, personal belongings, and unnecessary furniture to create clean, spacious, and inviting environments. The goal is to make rooms look bigger, brighter, and easier to visualise living in. Remove excess furniture, personal photos, and knick-knacks.
Keep decor simple and neutral. Clear countertops of small appliances, food containers, and clutter. Organise cabinets and bathrooms, hide toiletries, remove excess towels, and ensure everything looks fresh and clean. Declutter wardrobes, lofts, and garages to showcase ample storage space. Decluttering gives a well-maintained, move-in-ready impression
9: Deep Clean
A deep clean goes beyond regular tidying—it ensures rooms look fresh, well-maintained, and ready to move in. This means cleaning every corner, including areas often overlooked in daily cleaning. Some people employ a company to do this for them. If you choose to do this, agree with them beforehand about what they will and won’t do. A deep-cleaned home looks newer, smells fresher, and feels more inviting, increasing its appeal.
How do Property Buying Companies Work?
Forgo the traditional route of selling via an estate agent. Instead, cash property-buying companies purchase properties directly from homeowners for cash, usually offering faster sales, with no property chain during the selling process. Effectively, think of them as cash house buyers. They are a simple solution during a slow market, but there are downsides to these types of quick sales.
Start by contacting the company (via phone, website, or form) and provide details about your home, such as location, size, and condition. Based on the details and market conditions, the quick sale estate agent gives you an initial offer below the average asking price. (Subject to inspection). The company may send a representative in person or conduct a virtual assessment. After evaluating the home, they present a final, no-obligation cash price guarantee. It’s typically lower than a realistic asking price because they want a quick resale or rental profit but ask about closing costs and who is responsible.
They handle the paperwork, sale process, and legalities if you accept. Closing happens in days or weeks, depending on your needs, and the seller receives the cash payment, often through a wire transfer. There is no need for repairs, staging, or showings, and there is no risk of buyer mortgage delays, chains, or fall-throughs.
Remember, the selling price is usually 10-30% below value, and some fraudulent companies operate in this space, so always verify credentials. There is limited negotiation, and offers tend to be “take it or leave it.”
Auctions for Quick Property Sales
Using a property auction house can quickly secure a sale, especially for guaranteed completion. Firstly, research and select a reputable property auctioneer with good estate agency contracts (e.g., Savills, Allsop). Compare the commission rate, success rates, additional costs, and marketing reach.
The auctioneer assesses your home, asks for a building survey and recommends a guide price (starting bid). Set a reserve price (minimum to accept)—this remains confidential. You (or your solicitor) must prepare a legal pack for cash buyers, including:
- Title deeds & Land Registry documents (Leasehold details if applicable.)
- Local authority searches
- Property information form (TA6) and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The auctioneer will list your home in the auction catalogue and online, and open house viewings may be arranged before the auction date. On the auction day, buyers bid in a live or online auction. If the highest bid meets or exceeds the reserve price, the sale is legally binding when the hammer falls. The buyer must pay a 10% deposit immediately and complete the sale within 28 days (traditional auction) or up to 56 days (modern method).
The advantage is that homes sometimes achieve higher than market value. But if bidding doesn’t reach the reserve price, your house won’t sell. Expect to pay around 2% to 3% + VAT in auctioneer fees plus legal costs. Remember, the final sale price is unpredictable.
How Can I Sell My House in 7 days?
A cash house-buying company is the fastest option. Some companies complete within 24-48 hours, with funds in your account quickly. There are no surveys, repairs, or legal delays, but they offer much lower prices than the market rate. This is not a good return on your investment, but they are handy if you need cash fast. Contact a reputable cash-buying company (e.g., We Buy Any House, Good Move).
You can also sell to an investor or developer. Investors buy fast, usually for rental or resale, and since they have ready cash, there are no mortgage delays. However, they negotiate for significant discounts in return for a quick sale. Once you have agreed on terms, sign contracts and complete them.
Otherwise, advertise below the market value to attract interest. A 10-15% discount can bring immediate interest. List on Rightmove, Zoopla, OpenRent, or Gumtree with an “Open to offers” tag. Also, use a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) approach with no agents. Push for a cash buyer (avoid mortgage buyers as they take too long), and work with a solicitor experienced in fast completions.
What are the Most Significant Selling Points in a House?
Location: For families, good school catchment areas are essential. Easy access to buses, trains, and major roads must be easy. Shops, supermarkets, parks, gyms, and entertainment options add value: low crime rates and a sense of community appeal.
Curb Appeal & Exterior Features: A well-maintained exterior, fresh paint, and a tidy garden boost desirability. Off-street parking or a garage wins points in busy urban areas, while solar panels, double glazing, and sound insulation attract cost-conscious buyers who want energy efficiency.
Interior Space: Bright, spacious areas feel modern and inviting. Large windows, skylights, and south-facing gardens improve ambience with natural light. Home offices, playrooms, or extra bedrooms appeal to remote workers and families, and overall, more space makes homes feel more extensive and more functional.
Modern Kitchen & Bathrooms: A modern, well-equipped kitchen sells! In bathrooms, stylish fixtures, walk-in showers, and good water pressure matter. Buyers appreciate cost-saving, eco-friendly appliance options that are included in the sale.
Garden & Outdoor Space: A well-maintained Garden / Patio with outdoor seating, BBQ areas, and greenery adds value. South-facing gardens receive more sunlight throughout the day. Fencing, hedges, and secure entrances appeal to families and pet owners.
Energy Efficiency & Smart Features: A+ to C-rated homes save money on bills and attract eco-conscious buyers. Smart thermostats, security cameras, and keyless entry are selling points, and modern boilers, central heating, underfloor heating, and well-insulated lofts are valuable.
Moving in: Buyers like homes with minimal repairs and light, neutral colours. Hardwood, LVT, or new carpets give a fresh look. Loft conversions, built-in wardrobes, and utility rooms appeal, as do good broadband and mobile signals—essential for remote workers and modern families. Fireplaces, period details, or smart home integration add “wow” factors.
FAQ
What is the quickest way to sell my house?
The quickest way is to go to a cash house-buying company, as they complete the sale quickly without mortgage lenders, marketing your property, chains, or surveys. These companies offer a straightforward process: they assess your property, make a no-obligation house for cash offer (usually below market value), and handle legal paperwork for a fast completion. Alternatively, selling at auction or pricing lower for a quicker sale can attract serious buyers quickly, but there may be a high commission rate. To speed up any sale, have all paperwork ready and work with a solicitor who is experienced in quickly completing the sale process. Many of these companies operate as online agents.
Should I fix up my home or sell it as is?
Improvements that help property purchases include anything related to logistical work. So, this electricity, leaks, gutters, plumbing, and heating. These are absolutes that must be fixed before selling. Improvements that won’t add value and waste your time and money include conversions, new bathroom suites, kitchens, conservatories, and any additions that weren’t there before. For example, some people think decking and outdoor garden furniture can help to sell, but this rarely makes a difference. These additions are vast amounts of money.
What is Sale by Tender?
A sale by tender is selling property via sealed bids by a set deadline rather than negotiating openly. Often used for unique properties, probate sales, or when sellers want to achieve the best possible price within a fixed timeframe, although the process is controversial, the property ombudsman has set out specific guidelines and how to proceed. (The ombudsman and the National Association of Property Buyers are different.) Offers remain confidential, and the seller accepts the highest bid or declines if none meet expectations. If an offer is accepted, the sale proceeds as usual. Do check whether it is an informal or formal tender. Also, remember some buyers are hesitant due to the unusual process.
