How to sell your house without an agent

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Selling your house can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and knowledge, you can successfully sell your house without the help of an estate agent. This article will walk you through the steps to selling your house on your own, without any outside help.

Estate agents have for years been the primary option for selling a property but the internet has opened up nearly all industries to outside options. The property industry is no different and there are now options like quick sale companies and one-off fee selling sites. One thing hasn’t changed though, selling a property is a considerable task which requires knowledge and attention to detail to get it done properly. 

Can you sell a property without an estate agent?

Yes, you can sell a property without an estate agent. Whether this is the right choice for you depends on a few things. Time, knowledge and experience are the main factors in why most people will seek out a professional for a task.  With a house sale being such an important financial step in a person’s life it’s only normal that most people will find the process daunting. Selling a house can be stressful for even seasoned property experts so make sure you’re feeling up to the task before you take on a sale yourself. 

What do estate agents do?

Estate agents are professionals who facilitate property transactions, connecting buyers, sellers, and renters. They handle property listings, conducting market research to determine accurate pricing. Agents represent clients, guiding them through property selection, showings, and providing relevant neighbourhood information.

Coordinating inspections and appraisals can also be part of their role. They should have knowledge of the appropriate property laws and can help to ensure a smooth buying process. Good estate agents will be effective at communicating with clients and keeping them informed throughout the process. In essence, estate agents act as intermediaries, simplifying complex property dealings and safeguarding client interests.

What does it cost to use an estate agent in the UK?

Traditional estate agents don’t take money up front but will charge a fixed percentage of the final house sale which can range between 1% and 3%. This is preferred for most customers as they don’t have to pay an upfront payment.  Most estate agents will work on the basis of no sale no fee so you would not have to pay the same commission as you would if the property were sold. However, there are agents that will still charge commission if it doesn’t sell but that will be down to the individual contract between them and the seller. 

With many estate agents the seller will be liable for the marketing costs such as getting the listing onto major selling platforms. There has also been the advent of fixed fee sellers in recent years. Companies like Purple Bricks will charge a one off fee to the seller when they sign up, but cannot guarantee that the property will sell.

How to decide if you want to sell the property yourself?

The questions you need to ask yourself are. Do you want to potentially save money? Do you have the time? Are you prepared to learn about the ins and outs of selling?  If the answers to all these questions are yes then it sounds like it might be a good option for you.

Get a property valuation

The first step is to figure out your property valuation that you’ll aim to sell the property for. You can do this yourself if you have a good idea of what other similar properties have sold for recently in your area. Even though you’re selling the property yourself, a few second opinions on the property value could be a good idea. There are lots of websites that will provide a free valuation for a general idea but research on what has gone before as well as what is currently available will help you to arrive at a price.

Pricing and timing

Deciding on how exactly to price your property is up to you and how much you can reasonably expect to get for it. You will need to consider similar properties that have hit the market recently and depending on whether you need to or not, price your property to be competitive.

Get a home report

A home report is required before selling a property in Scotland and needs to be commissioned by the homeowner. This is different to England where no home report is available unless the buyer commissions a survey. The primary purpose of the home report is to inform the buyers about the particulars of the property and consists of three main parts, a survey, property questionnaire and energy report otherwise known as an EPC.

The survey is carried out by a chartered surveyor who will also produce a valuation. Any works or repairs deemed necessary will be marked as urgent or listed as repairs to be carried out in the future. The questionnaire will give more information about the property including its history, council tax band and any important notices that could affect the property. An energy performance certificate will give information about the energy efficiency of the property, its environmental impact and how much energy the property will likely use with estimates on cost. 

An authorised EPC provider will require a visit to the property and access to each room including the loft. They will need to go through the property and collect important measurements as well as necessary information about things such as insulation, heating systems, windows and types of construction used throughout. 

A home report will cost in the range of £300 to £700 depending on the provider.

Staging your property

Effective staging can help you sell your property quicker and to achieve the best price possible. Property staging involves preparing a property for sale or rent by cleaning, decluttering, arranging furniture, and using neutral decor to showcase its best features and create an appealing and inviting atmosphere. The goal is to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Staging may also include minor repairs, upgrades, and enhancing curb appeal, with the end result being professional photos used for marketing. With staging the aim is to strike a balance between highlighting the property’s potential and avoiding an overly artificial feel.

Photography and video

Creating captivating photography and video content is crucial for successfully selling a house. Invest in professional equipment or hire an expert to capture the property in the best light. Prioritise natural lighting and prepare the space by decluttering and staging it well. Showcase key features through a variety of shots, from wide angles to close-ups, while maintaining accurate representation. 

Craft a visual narrative that guides viewers through the house, utilising drone photography for larger properties. Thoughtful editing enhances images without distorting reality, and virtual tours can offer an immersive experience that other properties may not be offering. Don’t overlook outdoor spaces and remember to include lifestyle shots as they can help buyers envision living in the space.

Marketing

Marketing a property without an agent involves thinking strategically. Only estate agents and developers have access to Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market.  So you’ll need to use any other means you can of getting your property seen. 

You could create a dedicated website page and social media profiles. Design and distribute eye-catching print materials and advertise in local newspapers. Network within your community, set up “For Sale” signage, and host open houses. Lots of houses are sold privately in the UK each year and there is nothing to stop you doing it yourself, saving some money and getting some very useful life experience out of it.