Selling a property
Selling a house that needs work
Some houses are hard to sell on the open market because of the work they need. Refurbishing houses is a big part of what we do, so we are used to looking at property in poor condition and working out what it needs.
Why some houses are hard to sell
Many buyers need a mortgage, and the lender sends a valuer to look at the house first. If the valuer finds problems, the lender may refuse to lend or hold back money until work is done. That can leave a sale stuck.
When that happens, a buyer may pull out, ask for the price to come down, or need time to find a different lender. If it happens more than once, a house can sit on the market for a long time, which can put off other buyers too.
Things that commonly cause trouble include:
- Serious damp
- Structural problems
- No working kitchen or bathroom
- Non-standard construction
Older houses in the valleys
Across the South Wales valleys, older terraced houses are common. Many have been lived in for decades with only small updates, so it is normal to find wiring, roofs, windows or heating that need attention.
Because of the area's mining history, conveyancing searches usually include a Coal Authority mining report. Your solicitor will deal with this, but it is worth knowing it is part of the process.
It also helps to gather any paperwork you already have, such as warranties for past work, building regulation certificates or old survey reports. Buyers and their solicitors often ask for these, and having them ready avoids delays.
Our experience with property that needs work
We have completed 900+ projects, many of them refurbishments, and we have 50+ staff. We have also bought around 50 houses directly from sellers. When we look at a house, we look at the work it needs as part of working out an offer, so you don't need to get quotes or fix anything first.
We will walk round the house with you, ask what you know about its history and explain what we see. If something needs a closer look, such as a roof or a damp wall, we will tell you.
Should you do work before selling?
It is tempting to redecorate or fit a new kitchen before selling. Big cosmetic spending rarely pays back in the sale price, and it costs you time and money up front. Get advice before you spend anything – from an estate agent, a surveyor or from us.
Small jobs can still be worth doing, such as clearing rubbish, fixing a dripping tap or making sure doors and windows lock. These make a house easier to view and safer to leave empty, without a big outlay.
How we can help
You don't need to clean, repair or renovate before we see the house. We'll look at it as it is.
- We'll look at the property and talk you through the options.
- If a direct sale suits you, we'll make an offer.
- There's no obligation to accept it.
- Your own solicitor handles the legal side.
Questions sellers ask
Thinking of selling?
Tell us about the property and we will talk you through the options. There is no obligation.