Can I Sell My House Without an Estate Agent?

Selling a house is never simple. From delays to costs, it's often complicated. Selling a house without an estate agent can feel daunting at first, but for many homeowners it proves to be easier, faster and more streamlined than the traditional estate agent route and it puts more money in your pocket too.

• You can sell without an estate agent
• You’ll manage the process yourself, organising viewings, marketing and more
• You’ll save on estate agent fees that are deducted from the final sales price
• You could also sell without an estate agent by using a cash house buyer or a property auction

Can you sell your house without an estate agent?

You certainly can sell a house without an estate agent. However, it may be a little more complicated than you may have thought.

You’ll be managing the entire process from start to finish with just a conveyancer assisting you with the legalities.

This means that you are responsible for:

• Setting an asking price
• Creating engaging advertisements
• Taking professional-quality photos
• Arranging and hosting viewings
• Negotiating with potential buyers
• Organising an EPC

In simple terms, anything the estate agent would normally do, plus the parts you’d normally be responsible for, all now fall under your remit.

Why sell a house without an estate agent?

Selling your house without an estate agent can sound daunting, and that is why many stick to their proven method and use the expertise of their trusted local agent. However, the commission they get from your sale reduces your take, and that can run into thousands of pounds.

As a result, many gamble and decide to take the process on themselves, ensuring the cash from the sale goes to them and not an agent.

Estate agent fees vary, with 1.5% of the final price common, yet many charge more, meaning that larger chunks of your profit are taken before you even get to see them.

Additionally, some people prefer having greater control. Selling without an estate agent means you can work at a pace that suits you, rather than be dictated to by a third party. This does mean that the workload is all yours, but with greater control and more of a presence, things can be much less stressful.

How to sell your house without an estate agent?

If you feel selling your house without an estate agent is the best option, there are a few steps you should follow for the smoothest route to completion:

• Clean the home: Make it look welcoming to buyers. Perhaps hire a professional cleaner.
• Fix any issues: If you’ve had DIY issues you’ve been putting off, fix them before you list the home. From scuffs on walls to leaky taps, each issue contributes towards a first impression.
• Improve your kerb appeal: From cutting the grass to storing the bins and patching up any damage, your buyers will want to see a welcoming property when they view it. It’s been reported that as many as 58% reject a property based on its exterior.
• Decorate: Not always essential, but if your home has too much personalisation, it can be hard for buyers to see themselves living there. Give the property a touch of neutrality.
• Set the asking price: Research properties in your area to get an idea of typical prices and then ask for valuations from local agents. Aim for 3-5 free valuations to give you a true representation of the price range you can expect.
• List the home: Once the property is presentable and you are happy, list it! Selling without an estate agent may limit your reach, so take advantage of local publications, social media pages, local notice boards, and word of mouth.
• Organise viewings: You might have to set aside a fair bit of free time to accommodate viewings. Especially if you and the potential buyers have work and family life to negotiate. Give them a guided tour and be prepared for questions. Most buyers will want to know about the local area, utility rates and any issues you’ve encountered. Remember to stay honest. Conveyancing may uncover things you’ve decided to stay quiet about.
• Negotiate and accept: This is your sale, so don’t be bullied into an offer. Negotiate, but understand you may have overpriced the home in the hope you get a big offer. So, also remain understanding that you may have to come down a little bit if you want the sale to proceed. Remember to get the offer in writing and then instruct your solicitor or conveyancer. They will then handle all the legal details.

One important limitation to be aware of: private sellers are not permitted to advertise on Rightmove or Zoopla. This significantly limits your reach, so you'll need to work harder on alternative marketing channels such as social media, local publications and word of mouth.

Legal documents you need when selling a house without an estate agent

A house sale without an estate agent is still a house sale, so there are many legal obligations for you to fulfil. Your conveyancer or solicitor will assist, but it pays to know in advance so you can have everything prepared.

Key documents include:

• EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): A legal requirement before marketing your property. It rates your home’s energy efficiency and is valid for 10 years.
• Title deeds: These prove ownership of the home and outline boundaries and any rights or restrictions. Some properties aren’t registered, but the majority are, with records held digitally by the Land Registry.
• TA6: The TA6 form is the property information form that covers key details about disputes, boundaries and utilities.
• TA10: The TA10 form relates to all fixtures and fittings, documenting what is included in the sale.
• Leasehold documents (if applicable): For leasehold properties, you’ll need information relating to the terms of the lease, service charges and what ground rent may apply.
• Planning permission documents: If changes have been made to the home where planning permission was sought. Any documents relating to these changes should be provided.

How much does it cost to sell a house without an estate agent?

Whilst you'll save on estate agent commission, selling privately isn't entirely free. Costs you should budget for include:

• EPC: From around £60–£120 if you don't already have a valid one
• Conveyancer/solicitor fees: Typically £800–£1,500 depending on the complexity of the sale
• Photography: Professional photos will improve your chances of a sale and you can expect to pay £100–£300
• Auction listing fees: If selling via auction, listing fees and auctioneer commission will apply

Weighed against a typical estate agent commission of 1–1.5%, the savings can still be significant, particularly on higher value properties.

What are the alternatives to selling a house without an estate agent?

There are a few ways you could sell your house without using an estate agent. You could go it alone, as we’ve explained throughout this article, or you could consider selling your house via auction or with a cash house buyer.

Selling your house via auction

Selling your house at auction is a great alternative to selling a house privately. It can be a quick process and often makes it easy for those trying to sell an unsellable house. A large number of bidders are property investors who will buy practically any home and then spend time improving it before selling it for a profit.

Whilst this helps get your house in front of many keen buyers, a sale is not guaranteed, and you’ll have to pay fees to list the home. Furthermore, there are strict timelines for buyers to follow, as well as on-the-day deposits.

Cash house buyers

Cash house buyers are another alternative to selling your house without an agent. A huge positive is that you won’t need to do anything. You don’t need to list your home, market it in any way or spend time upgrading it or repairing it. Many property companies like this will buy a home as is and guarantee you a sale. In addition, they will cover your legal fees too. In many cases, these sales are moulded around your needs, enabling you to complete when you are ready, and not when an agent or buyer is trying to force your hand.

At Bettermove, we streamline the sales process. With no need for an estate agent, and no legal fees to pay, you can sell your house fast without worrying about buyer demand, chain breaks or other potential obstacles. With two routes to sale, you decide how and when to sell. Contact us today to learn more.