Selling your house as is can be an attractive option if it needs major repairs. The market value of your property is determined by its current condition and any refurbishment needed. A property in poor condition can put off any prospective buyers as they prefer a show-room ready home.
Young first-time home buyers’ obsession doesnât end there. The right buyer is ready to pay a higher price for a poor quality newly built home and overlook a property thatâs in need of repair.Â
The good news is that we can buy your property in its current condition – more on that later.
Table of Contents
Selling a House in ‘As Is’ Condition: The Honest Truth
Selling a house ‘as-is’ means offering the property for sale in its current state, without making any repairs or improvements.
What does ‘as-is’ mean when selling a house?
When a house is sold ‘as-is’, the seller is not obligated to make any repairs or improvements before the sale.
‘As-is’ in property sales refers to:
- The current condition of the property
- No repairs or renovations by the seller
- Buyer’s acceptance of existing defects
- Potential for a quicker sale process
The Pros & Cons of Selling ‘As Is’
With one in three property transactions falling through, it is natural for home sellers to sell to cash buyers. This can be a better option as it gives you certainty and a quick completion within a couple of weeks.
This means that a mortgage lender instructs no fault-finding survey.
You may not have the time, money, or inclination to start home improvements. With rising repair costs due to increases in material prices and builders being notoriously unreliable even tackling minor repairs can be stressful.
On the flip side, if your best friends are builders and you are prepared to become a project manager to oversee major renovations, get accurate cost estimates and invest extra money, then you are likely to achieve the highest possible price for your own home.
These are pros and cons of selling a property as is:
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Advantages:
- Quicker sale process
- No upfront costs for repairs
- Attracts investors and developers
- Ideal for those needing a swift exit
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Drawbacks:
- Lower sale price
- Smaller pool of potential buyers
- Risk of putting off traditional homebuyers
- Possible legal complications if issues aren’t disclosed properly
How can you sell a house as is on the open market?
According to the UK Governmentâs website, on average, it takes 2-3 months to sell a property.  When a house is listed in âas isâ condition, it informs potential buyers that the seller wishes to sell the property in its current state.
Even if you hire the best local estate agent, you are likely to receive fewer offers due to the condition of the property. To assess the best possible price, you will need to do your due diligence on all offers. It is a good idea to check if offers are subject to a mortgage or a cash offer.
When a property is listed in âas isâ condition, it informs buyers that the seller canât do any repairs or improvements. With inherited properties, the new owners â or heirs â may not have lived in the property at all. Therefore, in the sellerâs disclosure, they will not have intimate knowledge of the propertyâs history, its boundaries and any disputes with neighbours. Thereâs a strong possibility that new owners are looking for a quick sale at a fair price.
This can be tricky, particularly if you are an Executor trying to sell a property at armâs length. If your estate agent doesnât set a realistic asking price, then a price reduction will be the best option.
Rather than tackling the much-needed repairs, the best way to sell is to a genuine cash house buyer like Property Saviour. We will pay all your selling costs, including solicitors’ fees, with a guaranteed purchase price without the stress and worry of dealing with estate agents and their non-committed buyers.
How to Sell a House ‘As-Is’ in the UK?
Thinking about selling your property in its current condition? Many UK homeowners worry about the costs and hassle of repairs before selling. I completely understandâI’ve been there myself.
When selling a house ‘as-is’, be upfront about your property’s condition from the start. While you must legally disclose known issues, a pre-sale survey can actually help build trust with potential buyers.
Price your property realistically, considering what similar homes in your area fetch and factoring in the condition. Remember, most buyers will calculate renovation costs when making offers.
Even with an ‘as-is’ sale, a tidy property makes a world of difference. Don’t underestimate the power of a good clean and declutter to help buyers see past cosmetic issues.
Target your marketing to investors and renovation enthusiasts who value potential over perfection. These buyers appreciate a diamond in the rough!
For a truly stress-free experience, consider Property Saviour. We offer fair cash prices for homes in any condition, cover your legal fees, and can complete in just 2-3 weeksâno estate agent fees or lengthy chains. Why not get your free, no-obligation offer today?
What Not to Say When Selling a House?
Selling your home can be a delicate process, and sometimes what you don’t say matters as much as what you do. I’ve seen many sellers accidentally weaken their position with a few careless words.
Avoid revealing your motivation for selling, especially if it’s due to financial pressure or urgency. Buyers who sense desperation often use this to negotiate harder on price. Keep personal circumstances private when possible.
While honesty about your property is essential, there’s no need to volunteer information about minor flaws during viewings. Never hide significant issues (that would be illegal and unethical), but let buyers discover the positive aspects without you pointing out every small imperfection.
Be careful about sharing emotional attachments to your home. Too much personal history can make it harder for prospective buyers to imagine themselves living there. Keep conversations focused on the property rather than your memories in it.
Never tell buyers “We’ve had no offers yet” or “The house has been on the market for months.” These statements signal that something might be wrong with the property or its pricing.
Try to avoid over-explaining during viewings. Too much talking can overwhelm buyers and prevent them from forming their own connection with your home. Give prospective buyers space to explore and ask questions.
If you’ve been trying to sell through an estate agent without success, it might be time to consider alternatives. Property Saviour specialises in helping homeowners who’ve had difficult selling experiences. We offer fair cash prices without the uncertainty of chains or drawn-out processes, even for properties that traditional buyers have overlooked. Sometimes a fresh approach is all you need after a frustrating experience with the conventional market.
How much do you lose selling a house as is?
We understand how overwhelming it can feel when you’re facing repairs on a property you want to sell. Many of our sellers come to us wondering exactly how much they’ll lose by selling their home “as is” rather than investing in improvements.
The truth? When selling a house in its current condition through traditional estate agents, you’ll typically receive 10-20% less than a comparable ready-to-move-in property. It’s a significant consideration when making your decision.
Your potential loss depends on several factors that we’ve seen affect countless homeowners in your position:
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Property Condition
The extent of work needed makes a huge difference. If your property needs minor cosmetic updates, you might only see a 10% reduction. But if you’re dealing with serious structural issues, subsidence, or extensive renovation needs, that discount could easily stretch beyond 20%.
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Current Market
In today’s market, I’ve noticed that even “as is” properties can command better prices when there’s high demand in your area. On the flip side, if buyers have plenty of options, they’ll expect steeper discounts for properties needing work.
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Your Location
Your area matters tremendously. A property needing work in a highly desirable location might only lose 3-5% of its potential value, while the same condition in a less sought-after area could mean accepting a much larger discount.
To put this in perspective, if your home would be worth ÂŁ300,000 in excellent condition, selling it “as is” might mean accepting between ÂŁ240,000-ÂŁ270,000 depending on these factors.
Here at Property Saviour, we regularly help homeowners who’ve decided that refurbishing simply isn’t worth the time, stress, or upfront investment. Rather than facing these typical market losses and the uncertainty of estate agent viewings, we offer a straightforward alternative with fair cash offers that reflect your property’s true potential.
Would you like to know what we could offer for your property exactly as it stands today? We’re here to help you make the best decision for your circumstances, whatever you decide.
What You Should Not Do Before Selling Your House?
Selling your home can be an emotional rollercoaster, and we’ve seen many homeowners make costly mistakes that could have been easily avoided. If you’re thinking about putting your property on the market, here’s our friendly advice on what NOT to do before selling:
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Don’t overprice your property
This is perhaps the biggest mistake we see homeowners make. It’s natural to think your home is worth more than market valueâafter all, it’s filled with your memories and improvements. But overpricing almost always backfires, leading to longer time on the market and eventually forcing you to drop the price below what you might have achieved if priced correctly initially.
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Don’t renovate unnecessarily
We often meet sellers who’ve just spent thousands on a new kitchen or bathroom thinking it’ll boost their sale price. Unfortunately, most major renovations don’t pay for themselves in the sale price. Your dream kitchen might not be the buyer’s taste, and they may end up ripping it out anyway. Focus on repairs rather than renovations.
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Don’t leave clutter everywhere
When buyers walk through your home, they need to imagine themselves living there. This becomes nearly impossible if they’re navigating around your collection of ornaments or family photos. A cluttered home appears smaller and less appealing, regardless of its actual size.
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Don’t overshare with neighbours
Even if you can’t wait to leave your property, keep those feelings to yourself. Negative comments can filter back to potential buyers through neighbourhood grapevines, potentially impacting your sale price.
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Don’t skip professional photography
In today’s digital world, most buyers first see your home online. Poor quality, dark photos can mean buyers swipe past your property without ever booking a viewing. Professional photography is worth every penny.
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Don’t hide property issues
Transparency is crucial. Attempting to conceal problems like damp, structural issues, or faulty plumbing will almost certainly backfire when they’re discovered during surveys. Better to be upfront and price accordingly.
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Don’t be inflexible with viewings
We understand it’s disruptive having strangers walk through your home, but being too rigid with viewing times can mean missing out on serious buyers. Try to accommodate reasonable requests where possible.
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Don’t ignore necessary repairs
Those minor issues you’ve learned to live withâthe dripping tap, the cracked tile, the squeaky floorboardâcan signal to buyers that the property hasn’t been well-maintained. Fix the little things before listing.
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Don’t get too emotional
Selling a home is an emotional process, but letting emotions drive your decisions can lead to poor choices. Try to view the transaction as objectively as possible.
If all this seems overwhelming, remember there are alternatives to the traditional selling process. At Property Saviour, we understand the stress of selling and offer a simpler path forward, purchasing properties in any condition without the hassle of repairs, viewings, or estate agent fees.
Whatever route you choose, avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure you achieve the best possible outcome when selling your home.
Are You Liable for Repairs After Selling a House?
Selling your home can feel like a weight liftedâuntil you receive that worrying phone call from the buyers claiming you’re responsible for repairs. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners through this exact situation, and it’s completely normal to feel concerned.
The good news? In most cases, once you’ve handed over the keys, the responsibility for repairs passes to the new owner. The legal principle of “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) generally protects you as a seller here in the UK.
However, we’ve seen several situations where sellers remain liable, and it’s worth understanding these to protect yourself:
If you weren’t entirely honest on the property information form
This is a biggie. The TA6 form isn’t just paperworkâit’s a legal declaration. If you’ve stated there are no issues with the property when you knew about that leaky roof or ongoing boundary dispute, you could be liable for misrepresentation for up to six years after the sale.
When you’ve actively concealed problems
We’ve seen cases where sellers have painted over damp patches or moved furniture to hide cracks. Courts take a dim view of this behaviour, and it can lead to costly claims against you.
If you’ve made specific promises
Whether in conversation or in writing, promises about the property’s condition can become legally binding. Something as simple as “we’ve never had problems with the boiler” could come back to haunt you if that’s not entirely accurate.
For serious structural issues
Under the Defective Premises Act, liability for major structural problems can extend for yearsâparticularly if you built the property yourself or significantly modified it.
We always advise our clients to be upfront about any known issues. Not only does this protect you legally, but it also prevents the sale falling through later when problems inevitably emerge during surveys.
At Property Saviour, we understand these worries can make selling traditionally feel risky. That’s why many homeowners choose our straightforward purchase service insteadâwe buy properties in any condition with full awareness of any issues, meaning you can move on with absolute peace of mind, no nasty surprises, and no chance of repair claims landing on your doormat months later.
If you’re concerned about potential liability after your sale, we’re always happy to have a chat about your specific situation and how we might help provide a clean break.
What repairs should I consider before selling ‘as-is’?
While selling ‘as-is’ means you’re not obligated to make repairs, addressing certain issues can increase your chances of a successful sale.
| Repair Type | Impact on Sale |
|---|---|
| Safety hazards | High |
| Structural issues | High |
| Roof problems | Medium |
| Plumbing/electrical | Medium |
| Cosmetic issues | Low |
How to market a house being sold ‘as-is’
Effective marketing is key to attracting the right buyers for your ‘as-is’ property.
âą Highlight the property’s potential
âą Use high-quality photos showcasing the best features
âą Be upfront about the condition in your listing
âą Target investors and renovation enthusiasts
âą Emphasise any unique or desirable aspects of the property
What legal requirements are there when selling ‘as-is’?
When selling a house ‘as-is’, you must still comply with legal disclosure requirements.In the UK, sellers must provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and disclose any known defects or issues with the property. It’s advisable to consult with a solicitor to ensure you’re meeting all legal obligations.
Can I sell my house ‘as-is’ to a cash buyer?
Selling to a cash buyer can be an excellent option for ‘as-is’ properties.
Cash buyers, such as Property Saviour, often specialise in purchasing homes in any condition. They can offer a quick sale without the need for repairs or renovations, making the process smoother for sellers.
How long does it take to sell a house ‘as-is’?
The timeline for selling an ‘as-is’ property can vary depending on market conditions and the property’s appeal.In some cases, ‘as-is’ sales can be quicker than traditional sales, especially when dealing with cash buyers or investors. However, finding the right buyer might take longer if the property requires significant work.
I want to sell my house in as-is condition
Selling your home doesn’t have to be a headache. Forget the disappointments of estate agents or the uncertainty of auctions. At Property Saviour, we offer a simpler solution: a fair cash price for your property, with the sale completed in as little as 10 days.
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A Hassle-Free Way to Sell Your Home
We buy properties in any condition, so there’s no need for costly repairs or renovations.
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Why Choose Property Saviour?
âą No endless viewings
âą No risk of buyers pulling out
âą Quick completion – as fast as 10 days
âą We buy properties ‘as-is’
âą Fair cash offer
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How It Works
1. Give us a call
2. We discuss your situation
3. We provide a no-obligation cash offer
4. You decide if it’s right for you
5. We complete the sale on your timeline
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Ready for a Stress-Free Sale?
Don’t let property selling keep you up at night. With Property Saviour, you can move on with your life quickly and easily.
Why wait? Request a call back today and take the first step towards a hassle-free property sale. Our friendly team is ready to chat about your options and provide a no-strings-attached cash offer.
Let’s make your property sale straightforward and stress-free. Contact Property Saviour now – your solution to a quick and easy home sale awaits!
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.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay ÂŁ1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.Â
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.Â
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.Â
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
