Frequently Asked Questions

We are direct cash buyers and our offers typically represent between 75–85% of the open market value. The exact amount depends on several factors including the property type, location, current condition, tenure (freehold or leasehold), any legal complications, and the speed of completion required.

We understand that accepting less than full market value is a significant decision. However, when the costs of a conventional sale are factored in — estate agent fees of 1–3%, solicitor fees of £1,500–£3,500, months of mortgage payments during an extended sales process, potential survey and EPC costs, and the genuine risk of a chain collapsing — many sellers find that the net difference is smaller than it first appears.

We are always transparent about how we reach our valuation and actively encourage you to seek independent advice before making a decision.

None. Rapid House Buyer covers all costs associated with the purchase — including survey fees, legal fees, conveyancing, and any recommended solicitor fees on your behalf. The cash offer we make is the amount you receive in full, with nothing deducted at completion. This is one of the most meaningful practical differences between our service and the open market, where costs can easily reduce net proceeds by £5,000–£15,000 or more.

None whatsoever. Our valuation and initial offer are entirely free and without obligation. We do not use pressure tactics, impose acceptance deadlines, or charge a fee if you decide not to proceed. Many clients use our service to understand the cash sale option before making a final decision. If we believe the open market would serve you better, we will tell you so honestly.

Our in-house RICS-accredited surveyors assess the property's current market value using recent comparable sales data, condition, location premium, and any property-specific factors (short lease, structural issues, legal complications). We apply a discount that reflects our costs as a business and the premium we provide — speed, certainty, and zero fees. We explain our methodology clearly when we present the offer.

Yes, in genuine urgency cases. We have exchanged contracts within 24 hours of offer acceptance in repossession situations where a court date was imminent. This requires our in-house legal team to work on an expedited basis, depends on title documents being readily available, and may require both parties' solicitors to work simultaneously. For most sales, exchange occurs within 3–7 working days with completion on any date you choose.

From first contact to completion, our process typically takes between 7 and 28 days. The fastest we have ever completed is 3 days. The process can also be slowed down if you prefer a longer timeline — for example, if you need time to find alternative accommodation or coordinate with other life changes. We work entirely around your schedule.

We provide an indicative cash offer within 2 hours of your initial enquiry — based on property type, postcode, and any information you provide. This is followed by a same-day or next-day site survey by one of our in-house surveyors, after which we issue a formal written offer. You are under no pressure to make any decision at any stage of this process.

No. We buy properties in any condition. You do not need to clean, repair, redecorate, or make any changes before our surveyor visits. We assess the property as it stands and factor the current condition into our valuation. Some clients clear personal belongings before completion; others leave furniture and contents, which we can manage separately.

We purchase all residential property types including terraced, semi-detached, and detached houses; purpose-built and converted flats; maisonettes; HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation); new-build properties; period conversions; and mixed-use properties with a residential element. We do not typically purchase commercial-only properties or land without planning permission for residential use.

Yes. We regularly purchase properties with subsidence, underpinning, Japanese knotweed, damp issues, fire damage, flood damage, cladding or EWS1 issues, and properties requiring full renovation. These are exactly the types of properties that are difficult to sell on the open market — and where our expertise, own-funds capability, and willingness to proceed regardless of condition is most valuable.

Yes. We regularly purchase properties with Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), periodic tenancies, and longer-term regulated tenancies. We manage all communications with tenants professionally and handle the legal process of transferring a tenanted property. We also purchase HMOs and multi-unit buildings. You do not need to serve notice before selling to us.

Yes. Short leases — typically defined as under 80 years, and particularly those under 70 years — can make a property very difficult to sell conventionally as mainstream mortgage lenders will not lend against them. We can purchase short-lease properties without any mortgage requirement and price them accurately based on current ground rent terms and lease extension prospects.

Yes. We regularly deal with properties that have title defects, missing planning permission, restrictive covenants, boundary disputes, probate complications, or matrimonial charges. Our legal team is experienced in resolving or working around these issues. We will tell you honestly if a complication creates an insurmountable obstacle — but in most cases we can proceed where a conventional buyer would withdraw.

Yes. Rapid House Buyer Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 12345678). We are a full member of the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) and registered with The Property Ombudsman (TPO), which provides independent redress for clients. We are ICO registered for data protection purposes. We strongly encourage you to verify our registration independently.

We recommend it. We have established relationships with specialist property solicitors who will represent your interests at no cost in most cases. However, you are completely free to use your own solicitor, and for complex situations — repossession, probate, or divorce — we strongly encourage independent legal representation. Having your own solicitor does not slow our process.

Once we exchange contracts, we are legally bound to complete. Unlike buyers in a property chain who can pull out before exchange, we do not withdraw after exchange. Our track record of completing every sale we exchange on is something we are proud of and is verifiable through our reviews. Before exchange, we will always confirm in writing that our funds are in place.