The Main Options for Selling Your House in England and Wales

Introduction

Selling your house is a significant decision, and choosing the right method can impact the speed, price, and overall ease of the transaction. Whether you’re looking for a quick sale, maximising your property's value, or avoiding estate agent fees, there are several ways to sell your home in the UK.

In this guide, we’ll explore the main options, including estate agents, auctions, private sales, and online house-buying companies.

1. Sell Your House Through an Estate Agent

The most traditional way to sell a house is through a local or online estate agent. They will market your property, arrange viewings, and negotiate offers on your behalf.

Pros:

• Potential to achieve full market value
• Professional marketing and exposure
• Agents handle negotiations and viewings

Cons:

• Can take months to sell
• Estate agent fees (typically 1%-3% of the sale price plus VAT)
• Risk of buyers pulling out or delays in the chain
• You must complete viewings and expect the buyers to revisit for surveys and inspections
• This can be inconvenient

If you have time to wait and want to maximise value, this could be the best option.

2. Sell Your House at Auction

Selling at auction is a great choice for properties that need work or if you want a quick and certain sale. Once the hammer falls, the buyer is legally committed to the purchase.

Pros:

• Quick sale with a fixed completion date
• Competitive bidding can drive up the price
• Small risk of sales falling through, only if the buyer fails to complete (which does happen)

Cons:

• No guarantee of a high price
• Auction fees (typically 2%-3% of the sale price)
• You pay your legal fees
• Typically, 20% of the lots listed in auction fail to sell
• Buyers often look for below-market-value deals

Auctions work well for unique, tenanted, or distressed properties that might struggle on the open market.

3. Sell Your House Privately

Some homeowners choose to sell privately without using an agent. This could be to a friend, family member, or a buyer found through social media or property listing websites.

Pros:

• No estate agent fees
• Full control over negotiations
• Flexible timeline

Cons:

• Requires marketing and negotiation skills
• The process is difficult to manage and the buyers might mess you around directly
• Limited exposure compared to estate agents
• Risk of legal or financial complications without professional guidance

Selling privately can save money, but it’s essential to ensure all legal paperwork is correctly handled.

4. Sell Your House to an Online House-Buying Company

For homeowners looking for a fast and hassle-free sale, online house-buying companies offer a great solution. These professional property buyers purchase homes in any condition, location, or situation - often within a matter of days. Open Property Group is a professional house buyer in this industry.

Pros:

• Sell your house fast, often in as little as 7 days
• No estate agent fees or hidden costs
• Usually, your legal fees are paid too
• Guaranteed sale with no risk of chains or fall-throughs
• Sell a house in any condition – no repairs needed

Cons:

• Offers are typically below full market value (up to 80%)
• Not suitable for sellers wanting the highest possible price

If speed, certainty, and convenience are priorities, selling to an online house buyer like Open Property Group could be the ideal option

Which House Selling Option is Best for You?

The best way to sell your house depends on your goals:

• If you want the highest price and you are in no rush – typically use an estate agent or auction
• If you need a fast, guaranteed sale – Consider using an online house-buying company
• If you want to save on fees - Consider a private sale.

At Open Property Group, we buy any type of property across England. Whether your house is vacant, tenanted, or in need of repairs, we make cash offers with no fees and a completion date that suits you.

Final Thoughts

Selling a house doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing the right method, you can balance speed, price, and convenience. If you want to sell your house quickly with no hassle, get a free, no-obligation offer from Open Property Group today

Get a Free Cash Offer Now