Selling a house for someone who has moved into care can be one of the most challenging decisions a family faces. It’s a process fraught with emotional, legal, and financial complexities.
With over 40,000 people in the UK reportedly forced to sell their homes each year to cover care home costs, it’s an issue that touches thousands of families. Whether it’s to fund nursing home fees or simply because the property is no longer needed, understanding the ins and outs of selling a loved one’s home is crucial.
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Why Might You Need to Sell a Home for Someone in Care?
When someone moves into a care home, their property often becomes their largest financial asset. Here are some common reasons why families choose to sell:
Paying for Care Costs: Residential care fees can be eye-watering, averaging £800–£1,000 per week in many parts of the UK. Selling the home may be necessary to cover these expenses.
Avoiding Maintenance Costs: If the property is empty, ongoing bills like council tax, utilities, and upkeep can quickly add up.
Legal Requirements: Under certain circumstances, local authorities may require the sale of a property to recover care costs through deferred payment agreements or other mechanisms.
Can I sell my parents house if they are in a care home?
Yes, you can sell your parents’ house if they are in a care home, but there are important legal and practical considerations to keep in mind. If you have Power of Attorney (POA) for your parent’s property and financial affairs, this grants you the authority to manage their assets, including selling their home. However, you must always act in their best interests and ensure that the sale is necessary—often to cover care costs or simplify their financial situation.
One common challenge when selling a property on behalf of someone else is completing the required legal forms, such as the TA6 Property Information Form and the TA10 Fittings and Contents Form. These forms require detailed knowledge about the property, including boundaries, disputes, past alterations, and fixtures. As someone acting under POA, you may not have lived in the property or know all its history, which can lead to delays or even disputes if incomplete or inaccurate information is provided. This is where Property Saviour can make a real difference.
At Property Saviour, we specialise in buying properties quickly and without the need for extensive paperwork. Unlike traditional buyers who rely on detailed forms like the TA6 and TA10 to make decisions, we purchase properties as-is, meaning you won’t need to worry about providing every detail about the property’s history. This saves you time, reduces stress, and avoids potential complications that could arise from incomplete information.
Another common issue with traditional sales is that companies or buyers offering up to 85% of the market value often fail to deliver on their promises. They may introduce delays, make excuses, and then claim to have “discovered” issues with the property as a reason to drop their offer at the last minute. This can leave sellers feeling frustrated and stuck in a difficult situation. At Property Saviour, we pride ourselves on being ethical cash buyers who guarantee our offer from the moment it’s accepted. We don’t lower our price later or waste your time with unnecessary delays.
Selling a house when your parent is in care can be an emotional and complex process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing Property Saviour, you’re working with a team that understands your unique circumstances and offers a straightforward solution. We aim to complete purchases quickly—often within 10 days—and even contribute £1,500 towards your legal fees to make the process as smooth as possible.
If you’re looking for certainty, speed, and fairness in selling your parent’s house while they’re in care, get in touch with Property Saviour today. We’re here to help you face this process with professionalism and compassion, ensuring that you can focus on what truly matters: supporting your loved one during this time.
Alternatives to Selling
These are some of alternatives to selling a home:
- Deferred Payment Agreements (DPA): This allows the local authority to pay care fees, which are then repaid when the property is eventually sold. This can be a beneficial option for those who wish to retain ownership of their home while managing care costs.
- Renting Out the Property: Generating rental income can help cover care costs without selling the home, though this involves responsibilities as a landlord, including maintenance and tenant management, which may not be feasible for everyone.
This table summarises key situations where the home may not be considered in the financial assessment, providing clarity on potential options for families:
| Situation | Home Exclusion Criteria |
|---|---|
| Short-term care | Home not included in financial assessment |
| Permanent care with a resident | Spouse, partner, or dependent child remains in the home |
| Resident carer | A carer who has given up their own home to care for the person |
Can You Sell Someone’s Home While They Are in Care?
Yes, but there are specific legal requirements you must meet. If your loved one has lost mental capacity, you’ll need Power of Attorney (POA) or deputyship from the Court of Protection to make decisions on their behalf. Without this legal authority, selling the home is not possible.
What Happens to Assets When Someone Moves Into a Care Home?
When someone enters care, their assets—including savings and property—are assessed by local authorities to determine eligibility for state-funded care.
In England, if their savings exceed £23,250, they will typically need to self-fund their care. However, there are exceptions like the “12-week property disregard,” which allows individuals time to decide whether to sell their home or explore other options.
Is It Possible to Sell a Home While Residing in a Nursing Home?
Yes, it’s possible to sell a home while the owner resides in a nursing home. However, if they lack mental capacity, legal authorization such as POA or deputyship is required.
Do I Need to Empty My House If I Want to Sell It?
While it’s not mandatory to clear out the house before selling it, doing so can make it more appealing to buyers and potentially increase its market value.
Companies that buy homes “as is” like Property Saviour can simplify the process if clearing out belongings feels overwhelming.
What Is the 7-Year Rule for Care Home Fees?
The “7-year rule” refers to gifting assets like property before entering care. If assets are gifted within seven years of applying for state-funded care, they may still be considered part of the individual’s estate under deprivation of assets rules. This could lead to penalties or reduced eligibility for financial support.
Are Next of Kin Responsible for Care Home Fees?
No, next of kin are not legally responsible for paying care home fees unless they jointly own assets with the person in care or have signed agreements with care providers.
Steps to Selling a Property When Someone Is in Care
Selling a loved one’s home involves several steps:
Obtain Legal Authority: If your relative lacks mental capacity, ensure you have POA or deputyship before proceeding with the sale.
Assess Financial Needs: Calculate how much funding is required for ongoing care costs and determine whether selling is necessary.
Explore Alternatives: Consider deferred payment agreements or live-in care options before committing to sell the property outright.
Prepare the Property: Decide whether to sell “as is” or make improvements to maximise its value on the market.
Selling a loved one’s home can be emotionally draining and logistically complex—this table highlights critical considerations families should keep in mind.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Authority | Power of Attorney (POA) or deputyship required if owner lacks capacity |
| Financial Threshold | Savings above £23,250 typically require self-funding |
| Alternatives | Deferred payment agreements or live-in care options |
| Tax Implications | Gifting property may trigger inheritance tax penalties |
| Emotional Impact | Balancing family dynamics and sentimental value |
Emotional Support During This Process
Selling a family member’s home is never just a financial transaction—it’s an emotional journey filled with memories, challenges, and sometimes difficult decisions. At Property Saviour, we understand how deeply personal this process can be and are here to provide the support you need every step of the way.
Clearing out sentimental belongings, managing family disagreements, and deciding the future of a cherished property can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve just inherited a home or are planning ahead, our team specializes in sensitive situations like these. We offer a straightforward, transparent process to ease your burden during this emotional time.
As genuine cash buyers, we can purchase properties in any condition—whether they’ve been untouched for decades, have legal complications, or even sit vacant. With no need for lengthy mortgage approvals, we aim to complete purchases in as little as 10 days, giving you peace of mind and a smooth transition.
Let us help make this process easier for you. Reach out today to discuss how we can assist with selling your family member’s home while respecting the memories and emotions tied to it. Together, we’ll navigate this journey with care and understanding.
My Mom Is Dying, and I Have to Sell Her House to Pay for Her Care?
First of all, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Selling a parent’s home to pay for their care is an incredibly emotional and stressful situation, and it’s important to approach it with as much support and clarity as possible.
If your mom no longer has the mental capacity to make decisions herself, you’ll need legal authority to act on her behalf. This can be done through a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) if it was set up before she lost capacity. If not, you’ll need to apply for deputyship from the Court of Protection, which allows you to manage her financial affairs, including selling her home.
Before rushing into a sale, take a moment to explore all your options. Could deferred payment schemes or live-in care arrangements work for your family? These alternatives might allow your mom to stay in her home while still addressing the costs of her care. Speaking with a financial advisor or care specialist can help you weigh up what’s best for her and for your family.
If selling the house is the right path forward, we’re here to help make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. At Property Saviour, we specialize in buying properties quickly and compassionately, even in difficult situations like this. We’ll guide you through every step of the process so you can focus on what matters most—spending time with your mom.
If you’d like to talk about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here for you.
What Happens if My Brother, Who Has Power of Attorney, Decides to Sell My Mom’s Home? Does He Have the Authority?
Yes, if your brother holds Power of Attorney (POA) for your mom, he does have the legal authority to manage her financial affairs, including selling her home. However, this authority comes with important responsibilities and safeguards to ensure he acts in her best interests.
As a POA, your brother is legally obligated to make decisions that benefit your mom—whether that’s covering her care costs, preserving her assets, or ensuring her living arrangements are suitable. He must follow the principles set out in the Mental Capacity Act, which include consulting with family members where appropriate and considering all options before taking action.
If your brother decides to sell the home, he’ll need to provide evidence that this decision is necessary and in your mom’s best interests. For example, if the funds from the sale are required to pay for her care or medical expenses, this would likely be considered a valid reason. Additionally, he must keep detailed records of all transactions and decisions made on her behalf.
If you’re concerned about his decision or feel it isn’t in line with your mom’s wishes or best interests, you can raise your concerns with him directly or seek advice from a solicitor who specializes in elder law. The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) also oversees POAs and can investigate if there are allegations of misuse or neglect.
This can be a sensitive and emotional situation for everyone involved. If you need help navigating it—whether it’s understanding your rights or exploring alternatives—Property Saviour is here to provide guidance and support. Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help you through this difficult time.
Can My Daughter Continue Living in My House If I Move Into Care?
Yes, it’s possible for your daughter to continue living in your home if you move into care, but it depends on the circumstances and the rules set by your local council during financial assessments for care funding.
If your daughter lives in the property as her main residence, the council may disregard the house from the financial assessment under certain conditions. For example, if she’s over 60, has a disability, or has been living there for a long time, the property might not need to be sold to cover your care costs. However, if these criteria don’t apply, there’s a chance the value of your home could be included in the assessment.
This can be a tricky and emotional situation, so it’s worth speaking to a financial advisor or eldercare specialist to understand your options. They’ll help you make sense of the rules and ensure both your care needs and your daughter’s living arrangements are considered.
If selling the house becomes necessary, we know how hard that decision can be. At Property Saviour, we’re here to make things easier for you and your family. We can offer advice and support tailored to your situation, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help.
Can You Sell a Home for Someone in Care?
Selling a property “as is” without clearing belongings can be a daunting task, especially if the home is filled with decades of personal items or requires significant updates.
At Property Saviour, we understand the emotional strain and logistical challenges involved, which is why we offer a hassle-free solution. Unlike traditional estate agents, who often require homes to be cleared and staged for viewings, we buy properties in their current condition—no cleaning, clearing, or repairs needed. Whether you’re dealing with probate, inherited property, or simply want a quick sale, we take care of everything for you.
Why Choose Property Saviour Over Estate Agents?
Selling through an estate agent comes with several drawbacks. The process can take months—or even years—with no guarantee of securing your asking price. Sales often fall through due to buyer financing issues or last-minute withdrawals, leaving sellers frustrated and back at square one. In addition to this, estate agents charge fees that eat into your final sale price and may require costly repairs or renovations to make your property market-ready.
By contrast, Property Saviour offers a fast, reliable alternative. We guarantee a cash sale in as little as seven days, with no hidden fees or deductions. Our team handles all aspects of the process, including clearing belongings from the property, so you don’t have to lift a finger. Plus, we provide emotional support throughout the journey—helping you face this challenging time with compassion and professionalism.
Get in Touch Today
If you’re ready to sell your property quickly and stress-free, contact Property Saviour today. We pride ourselves on transparency and reliability—our cash offers are guaranteed not to drop during the process. Whether you’re selling an inherited home or need to move on from a problematic property, we’re here to make it simple for you. Let us handle the hard work while you focus on what matters most. Reach out now for a no-obligation offer
Sell with certainty & speed
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
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We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
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- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
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