Selling a House That Needs Repairs

Selling a home can be a difficult, expensive, and time-consuming process. According to Zoopla, it takes around 25 weeks (six months) on average to sell property in the UK. Selling a house that needs repairs or renovations can be even more difficult, as many buyers are 

looking for a house they can move into straight away without doing much work.

As a result, you will generally have a larger pool of potential buyers when selling a property that’s been fixed up and renovated. Some buyers are looking for houses that need work, but this is a niche market, and they typically don’t have as much money to spend. Typically, good condition properties are much more in demand, and you should try to make repairs before selling, but not everyone is able to renovate their home before selling. You may be unwell, unable to afford the repairs, or not know where to get help from.

Our guide will show you how to sell a house in poor condition in the UK. From your selling options to the most important repairs to focus on, we’ll help you take your first steps towards finding a buyer.

Can you sell a house that needs repairs?

Yes, there’s nothing stopping you from selling a house in poor condition, but you must legally declare any known issues when listing your property. If a potential buyer is under the impression that repairs would not be required, you may face legal repercussions.

One good way you can ensure transparency before you sell your home is by completing a ‘TA6 Property Information Form ’, which you can download here. On this form, you can list all the known details about your house’s condition, including mould, pest infestations, structural deficits, electrical faults and any other issues.

How to sell a house in poor condition

Although it might be harder to find a buyer, selling a home in poor condition follows a very similar process to selling any other property. It’s important to remember that houses that need repairs often sell for a lower price than those in good condition, so don’t expect to be making back your original investment.

Here’s our quick guide on how to sell a house that needs repair work

Step 1: Assess your property’s condition

First things first, you need to conduct a thorough investigation of your property and determine how much work is required to make it habitable for a modern homeowner. Depending on the house’s state, this level of repairs or renovations will vary. Houses that need work will generally fall into three main categories: 

• Light retouch: Structurally sound properties that need a cosmetic makeover. These may need a fresh coat of paint, refinished floors, modernised lighting fixtures and cabinetry, or minor garden improvements.

• Long-term unoccupied: Uninhabited properties that may need more in-depth work. These may need roof repairs, mould removal, pest control, plumbing and electrical work, or a refreshed exterior.

• Entirely uninhabitable: A property that isn’t safe for humans to live in in its current state. These may need major structural maintenance, asbestos removal, new utilities, overhauled ventilation, or significant changes to prevent building code violations.

Selling a derelict house has different implications than selling a property that needs a few renovations, so if your home is in an uninhabitable condition, you may need to take a different approach to a sale.

Step 2: Decide whether to repair or sell

Once you’ve appraised your house, you may need to decide whether to make repairs or improvements before selling, or sell the property as is. As the homeowner, this is entirely your choice and it can depend on how much time, money and effort you wish to invest in your property before selling. In some cases, a few minor and low-cost repairs can increase the value of your property enough to be worthwhile. 

Some issues can have a significant impact on your property’s value - in fact, did you know…

• Damp and mould can decrease the value of a property by about 20%

• Roof damage can cause a 15% decrease in value

• Poorly installed windows or cracks in walls and ceilings can both remove 5-10% of your property’s value

• Outdated decor in kitchens or bathrooms can decrease value by £1,000 to £5,000

• Pest infestations can decrease value by up to £2,000, and your buyer will need to hire an exterminator

On the other hand, some renovations can increase a home’s value and earn you a profit when you sell:

• Kitchen and bathroom renovations can increase value by 5-10%

• Homes with new energy-efficient windows sell for 5% more than those with outdated designs

• A fresh coat of paint and minor repairs can raise your home’s value by 1-3%

• New flooring adds up to 5% of your home’s value

In some cases, the cost of making repairs may outweigh the profit you’ll likely make back, so take some time to research your options and decide on which renovations would be best for your property.

Step 3: Choose a realistic price for your property

Finding the right price for your home is crucial when putting it on the market. Choose a value that’s too high, and you’ll struggle to find a buyer, but price it too low and you’ll be missing out on profits. If your house isn’t in ideal condition, it will likely sell for a lower price than others in the area, so it’s important to consider the extent of the damage and repairs.

Our guide on how to calculate a fair market value for your home can help you weigh up the pros and cons and reach a sensible, realistic price for your property. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can pay for an estate agent appraisal of your home, but we recommend getting a professional appraisal from an RICS-certified surveyor (check if they’re a member), as this will help identify any potential issues with your home before selling.

If you decide to sell to The Property Buying Company, we’ll conduct a RICS survey on your behalf, so you won’t need to worry about hiring a surveyor yourself. Submit your postcode and get a no-obligation cash offer in about 24 hours. This will at least give you a good idea of where to start. However, it’s a good idea to get a few different valuations, whether you choose to use a cash buyer, estate agent or certified surveyor. 

Step 4: Choose your selling method

There are plenty of ways to sell a home, but choosing the right one for your property can help you find the right buyer for your needs. Your home’s condition is likely to affect your choice, as some methods of sale are better suited to properties that only need light repairs, while others that are unoccupied or uninhabitable may need to be sold through specialist means.

This table can help you find the most suitable method of sale for your home, depending on the status of your property and what level of repairs it requires.

Should I repair my home before selling it?

This depends on the extent of your home’s damage. If it’s likely to impact your profits significantly, or if the repair process will delay your sale, it may be better to sell the home in its current condition and market the property to opportunistic house flippers or first-time buyers.

When deciding whether or not to repair your home, consider how urgently the repairs are needed, as well as how much they are likely to cost. 

What to fix before selling a house in the UK

• Major structural issues and subsidence

• Electrical and wiring problems

• Damp and mould

• Roof damage

• Plumbing and boiler issues

• High-impact cosmetic changes (e.g. kerb appeal, deep cleaning, decluttering)

What not to fix when selling a house in the UK

• Luxury upgrades (e.g. a landscaped garden or expensive extensions)

• Full kitchen and bathroom refurbishments

• Minor cosmetic changes

Do you have to declare repairs when selling a house?

Yes, you must make it clear that your home requires renovations when selling. It is a legal requirement to disclose any issues requiring repairs that you are aware of when selling a property. If you are not transparent, your potential buyer will feel misled and could sue you as a result.

When selling your home, always make sure to provide in-person viewings to prospective buyers to show the extent of your property’s issues. If a buyer purchases without being aware that repairs to the property were required, you could face legal action.

Conducting an in-depth RICS survey with a certified auditor can help identify potential hazards and issues before a sale, so you can ensure no problems with your home are missed before listing it on the market.

Sell a house that needs repairs through The Property Buying Company

One reliable way to get a sale on a home in poor condition is to sell to a professional cash buyer like The Property Buying Company. We purchase homes with available funds, meaning you won’t need to wait for mortgage settlements or lengthy agent viewing periods, and we can give you a quote for your property in as little as 48 hours.

As a trusted cash buyer with over 10 years of industry experience, we know how frustrating it can be to sell a home in today’s market, and we do all we can to offer a seamless, friendly experience. We’ll conduct a RICS survey and help cover the cost of hiring a solicitor, even if you choose your own representation.

We can put pen to paper on a deal for your home in as little as 7 days, so what are you waiting for? If you’re looking to sell your poor-condition home fast, get a free valuation from The Property Buying Company and see how we can help you sell without stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sell a house without repairs in the UK?

Yes, you can sell a home in poor condition without repairing it, but you must legally declare any repairs that the property requires. Many buyers are looking for homes that don’t require extra work, so you may struggle to sell your property without selling through an alternative method like an auction or a cash buyer.

Can you sell a house that needs major structural repairs?

Even homes that have significant structural issues can be sold if you declare their condition in advance, but again, expect to have your potential pool of buyers reduced by the state of your property. You can fill out a TA6 Property Information Form to highlight any structural problems before selling.

Is it worth it to renovate a house before selling?

Fully refurbished bathrooms and kitchens are typically not worth it when you’re planning to sell a property, as potential buyers will likely be looking to make these improvements themselves to suit their own preferences. However, you should deep clean and freshen up your home to improve kerb appeal and deal with any minor cosmetic issues.

Who buys houses in poor condition?

Poor-condition homes are often purchased by first-time buyers looking to secure a property for a price below market value, or by house flippers and letting agents who aim to renovate cheap properties for a profit.