Can I sell my home without an estate agent?
Selling your home privately without an estate agent is possible, but to do so you’ll have to be prepared to put the work in. Read on and we’ll explain how to sell your home without an estate agent.
Key takeaways
Selling a house privately means handling all aspects of the sale yourself, this includes setting the price, taking photos, advertising, conducting tours, and negotiating deals
You could save 1-2% of the sale price by avoiding estate agent commissions
Consider hiring an independent surveyor for an unbiased valuation on your property
Other alternatives include online estate agents that offer services for a set fee and auctions that require a 10% deposit
Can I sell my home on my own?
Yes, you can sell your house without an estate agent but this means a lot of the work will fall on you. Everything the estate agent would normally do, which it gets paid for, you will need to do.
This includes everything from setting the price for your home to negotiating the final amount it goes for.
What does selling a house privately involve?
Selling a house privately means you bypass the estate agent and do most of the work yourself. This will involve the following tasks:
Setting the price
Taking photographs of the property
Writing a description of the property
Arranging advertising your home
Conducting house tours to potential buyers
Negotiating the final price
What are the benefits of private house selling?
By avoiding an estate agent, sellers can save around 1% to 2% of their home's final sale price. This saving is the commission that would otherwise be paid to an estate agent.
For many, this potential saving is a powerful incentive to roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of private house selling. Yet it’s also a question of having the time and expertise to take on these tasks.
What roles does an estate agent play?
It's important to understand the role of an estate agent in the selling process when deciding whether to use one or not. They are the experts who handle everything from property valuations and photography to listings, advertising, viewings, and price negotiations.
They also act as a go-between for you and potential buyers throughout the sale, and they will hold the keys for the property once the sale is completed.
While you might be foregoing their services, knowing what they do can help you replicate these tasks effectively.
How to sell a house without an estate agent
If you're considering selling your home on your own, there's a checklist of tasks you'll need to tackle to ensure a smooth and successful sale.
Here are some of the key jobs you’ll need to take on:
A spotless home is a welcoming one. Give your house a thorough clean to make it shine for potential buyers
Address all those little niggles — fix the leaky tap, patch up scuffs on the walls, and ensure everything is in working order
First impressions count. Tidy the garden, conceal the bins, and fix any obvious damage to enhance curb appeal
Neutral decor can act as a blank canvas, helping buyers picture themselves living in the space
It’s a good idea to de-clutter before you show around potential buyers as this helps them to see a clear picture of what the house looks like, and what it might look like when their belongings are inside
Use a proper camera to ensure the light is correct or consider hiring a professional photographer. Don't overlook the power of video as well to showcase your home
Be aware that selling privately means you may not have access to usual sites that sell property. Spread the word far and wide using social media, local newspapers, and community boards to advertise your property
Be the perfect host. Take buyers on a set route before allowing them to explore themselves and be ready to answer questions about things like the energy supply, leasehold or freehold, EPC rating, and the wider area
Brace yourself for the bargaining table. Be prepared to discuss prices and stand your ground in negotiations. Even when you’ve confirmed a price, nothing is legally binding until you have exchanged contracts
Cleaning your property
Getting any outstanding work done
Tidying up outside
Redecorating
Clearing the clutter
Taking great pictures
Listing the property
Showing buyers around
Negotiating the price and accepting an offer
How to value a property without an estate agent
Even if you're going it alone, you can still seek valuations from estate agents without any obligation to use their services.
It's wise to get at least three different valuations to help you set a realistic price. Use these valuations to set the price for your property.
Be cautious with online valuation tools, as they might not reflect the nuances of the local market as accurately as a local agent's knowledge.
Alternatively, consider hiring an independent surveyor for an unbiased valuation.
Alternatives to estate agents
For those who aren't quite ready to sell entirely on their own, there are alternatives. Online estate agents offer a compromise, providing services for a set fee.
Another option is to sell at auction, which can be a faster process, though it requires a 10% buyer's deposit on the spot and has a specific timeline.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
