The Fastest Way to Sell Your House in the UK – Complete Guide for Quick Property Sales

Selling your house in the UK is typically a lengthy process. On average, it can take 18 to 24 weeks from listing to completion when using traditional estate agents. But what if you don’t have that kind of time?

Whether you’re:

• Facing repossession

• Dealing with a divorce or separation

• Handling an inherited property

• Moving abroad or relocating for work

• Struggling financially and need to release cash quickly

…you need a way to sell your home fast, securely, and with minimal stress.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the fastest routes to sell your home, compare traditional and modern selling methods, and show you how some UK homeowners are completing in as little as 7 days with cash property buyers.

All the Ways to Sell Your House – Compared by Speed

1. Traditional Estate Agents

Average timeframe: 3–6 months (sometimes longer)
Estate agents remain the most popular option, but not the fastest. Although your home is listed on portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, Xtreme Properties you’re subject to delays from:

• Buyer mortgage applications

• Property chains

• Gazundering (buyers lowering their offer last minute)

• Fall-throughs (1 in 3 sales collapse)

Even after accepting an offer, UK conveyancing alone often takes 8–12 weeks.

2. Property Auctions

Average timeframe: 6–10 weeks
Auctions can result in fast completions post-sale (usually within 28 days), but they come with high risk:

• No guarantee of sale – your property might not meet the reserve price

• Lower sale prices – homes often sell for 70–85% of market value

• Auction fees for listing and legal packs

• Cash-only buyers – not ideal for all property types

3. Online Estate Agents

Services like Purplebricks, Yopa, or Strike may offer cheaper listing fees, but you’re still relying on buyer mortgages and traditional sales progression.

4. Private Sale to a Friend or Family Member

This is only viable if you know someone ready to buy your property outright. Without estate agents, you’ll still need:

• A solicitor

• Mortgage (if not a cash buyer)

• Legal checks and searches

It might feel quicker, but it’s rarely a guaranteed fast solution.

5. Cash House Buying Companies – The Fastest and Easiest Route

If you’re wondering “What is the fastest way to sell my house in the UK?”, the answer is selling to a professional cash house buyer.

These companies purchase properties directly with their own funds, meaning:

• No estate agents

• No chains

• No waiting for buyer mortgage approvals

• No need for repairs or renovations

How Fast Can They Complete?

Many cash buying companies in the UK can:

• Make you an offer in 24 hours

• Exchange and complete in as little as 7 days

• Handle the entire legal process for free

This makes them ideal for urgent sales, whether you’re facing repossession, downsizing, selling a tenanted property, or just want to move on without delays.

Coverage – Sell from Anywhere in the UK

Reputable UK cash buyers operate across:

• England: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle

• Scotland: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee

• Wales: Cardiff, Swansea, Newport

Whether you’re in a busy city or a rural village, a good buyer will assess your property remotely or with one quick visit, and proceed swiftly.

 How Much Do Cash Buyers Pay?

Typically, you’ll receive around 80–90% of your property’s full market value. However:

• You don’t pay estate agency fees

• You don’t need to make repairs

• You don’t wait months for a sale

• You don’t pay solicitor costs (these are usually covered)

Important note: Not all companies are created equal. Only work with regulated firms that are members of The Property Ombudsman or NAPB (National Association of Property Buyers).

Example Timeline: Sell Your UK House in 7 Days

Here’s how the process typically works:

Some firms offer even faster completion if you have your legal documents ready.

Sell Your Property As-Is – No Repairs Required

Cash buyers are not picky. They regularly purchase:

• Fire or flood-damaged homes

• Properties with subsidence or Japanese knotweed

• Ex-local authority flats

• Houses with tenants (including rent arrears or eviction situations)

• Properties with title issues or no EPC

You don’t need to lift a finger—no cleaning, staging, or decluttering needed.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Selling in a Hurry

Overvaluing Your Property

Setting the asking price too high will scare away buyers and cause delays.

Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Documents in Order

Have your title deeds, EPC, proof of ID, and mortgage details ready early.

Using Unregulated Buyers

Always check credentials. A legitimate buyer will:

• Provide clear, written offers

• Use regulated solicitors

• Cover all legal costs

• Not pressure you to accept

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my house in 7 days in the UK?

Yes—cash buyers can complete in as little as 7 days, or even faster in urgent cases.

Is it legal to sell to a cash buying company?

Absolutely. It’s a fully legal and increasingly common route, especially for urgent or as-is sales.

Will I receive less money?

Cash buyers offer slightly below market value—but you save thousands on:

• Estate agent commissions

• Repairs and renovations

• Holding costs like Council Tax, insurance, and utilities

What if I change my mind?

You’re not obliged to accept any offer. Reputable buyers will never pressure you.

Why Speed Might Save You More Than You Think

Time is money—especially in the property world. Holding onto your home for months could cost you:

• £1,000+ in Council Tax

• £200–£300 per month in utility bills

• £500+ in insurance

• £100s in ongoing mortgage interest

By selling fast, you could actually save thousands, even if you accept a slightly lower offer.