When it’s time to sell your house, the first decision you face is how to sell it. Should you use a traditional estate agent or a property buyer service? Both options have pros and cons — and the right choice depends on your goals, timeline, and property condition.
Here’s a breakdown of how the two methods compare.
1. Speed of Sale
Estate Agent:
Average time to sell in the UK is 3–6 months
Subject to market conditions and buyer mortgage approvals
Sale may fall through due to chains or survey results
Property Buyer:
Offer within 1–2 days
Completion in as little as 7 days
Cash buyers, no chain, no waiting
Best for: Sellers who need to move fast.
2. Certainty
Estate Agent:
Offers are not guaranteed
Buyers can withdraw at any time
Risk of chains collapsing
Property Buyer:
Once an offer is agreed, it’s binding
High success rate for completion
No reliance on third-party finance
Best for: Sellers who want a secure deal.
3. Fees and Costs
Estate Agent:
Charges 1–3% of sale price
May require staging, marketing, and viewings
Survey and legal fees may apply
Property Buyer:
No estate agent fees
Many cover legal costs
No refurbishment needed
Best for: Sellers who want to maximise net profit without upfront costs.
4. Property Condition
Estate Agent:
Properties usually need to be presentable
Structural or cosmetic issues may reduce interest
May be difficult to market “problem” homes
Property Buyer:
Buys homes in any condition
No need for repairs or clearance
Accepts fire-damaged, tenanted, or derelict homes
Best for: Sellers with distressed or unwanted properties.
5. Privacy and Hassle
Estate Agent:
Public listing on portals
Regular viewings
Negotiations and ongoing updates
Property Buyer:
Private and discreet process
No public marketing
Minimal communication, fast decisions
Best for: Sellers seeking privacy or minimal involvement.
6. Price Received
Estate Agent:
Potential for higher price in ideal conditions
Subject to market demand and competition
Property Buyer:
Below full market value (usually 80–90%)
Saves time, fees, and stress
Best for: Sellers who value certainty and simplicity over the top price.
Final Verdict
If you want to maximise your sale price and aren’t in a rush, an estate agent may be suitable. But if you need speed, certainty, and a hassle-free experience, a property buyer service is a strong alternative.
Every situation is different. Compare both options — and consider what matters most: price, speed, or peace of mind.