Can You Sell a House Without an Estate Agent?

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Estate Agents. Learn how you can sell a house without an estate agent.

Yes, you can sell your house without using an estate agent. This is known as a private sale. It means you handle the entire process yourself—from valuing the property and marketing it to negotiating with buyers and managing the legal steps.

Selling privately can save money on estate agent fees, which typically range from 1% to 3% of the final sale price. However, estate agents do more than just find buyers. They manage viewings, handle negotiations, market your property to a large audience, and guide you through the legal and administrative steps. Without professional help, you’ll need to take on all of these tasks yourself.

The Advantages of Selling Without an Estate Agent

The main benefit of selling your house without an estate agent is saving on fees. For example, if you sell a property for £300,000 through an agent charging 1.5%, you’d pay around £4,500 plus VAT. Selling privately means you keep that money.

Another advantage is control. You can set your own schedule for viewings, manage offers directly, and make decisions without intermediaries. Some homeowners also prefer dealing with buyers personally, finding the process more straightforward and transparent.

The Drawbacks of Going It Alone

While avoiding fees is appealing, the trade-off is the extra work and potential risk. Without an estate agent, you’ll need to manage several key areas:

• Valuation accuracy: Estate agents use local market data and experience to price properties correctly. Overpricing can lead to months without offers, while underpricing could cost you thousands.

• Marketing reach: Agents have access to major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. Private sellers often rely on smaller platforms or social media, limiting exposure.

• Negotiation expertise: Experienced agents know how to handle offers, counteroffers, and buyer expectations. Without this skill, you might accept a lower price or lose buyers through poor communication.

• Legal processes: You’ll still need a conveyancer or solicitor to handle contracts and transfers, but managing this yourself requires time and organisation.

How to Sell a House Without an Estate Agent

If you decide to go ahead, preparation and planning are essential. Here’s how to approach the process effectively:

1. Get a Professional Valuation

Even if you don’t plan to use an estate agent, it’s wise to get at least one or two valuations for reference. You can also research similar properties in your area on property portals to understand the local market.

2. Prepare Your Property for Sale

First impressions matter. Declutter, clean thoroughly, and consider minor improvements such as repainting or fixing broken fittings. High-quality photos and an attractive description are vital for online listings.

3. Advertise Online

Most private sellers use online platforms such as The House Shop, OpenRent (for landlords), or Facebook Marketplace. You can also pay to list your home on Rightmove or Zoopla through third-party services that cater to private sellers.

Include a clear, informative description that highlights location, features, and nearby amenities. Make sure your photos show the property in its best light.

4. Arrange Viewings

Be prepared to host viewings yourself. Schedule them at convenient times and be ready to answer questions about the property, utilities, and area. Keep discussions professional and avoid revealing any urgency to sell, as this can affect negotiations.

5. Negotiate Offers

When offers come in, weigh both the amount and the buyer’s position. Cash buyers or those without a chain can often complete faster. Always confirm that potential buyers have proof of funds or an agreement in principle before proceeding.

6. Appoint a Conveyancer

Even in a private sale, you’ll need a conveyancer or solicitor to manage the legal paperwork. They handle contract exchanges, property searches, and final completion. Their expertise ensures the transaction meets legal requirements and protects you from costly mistakes.

7. Manage the Sale Process

Stay in regular contact with your buyer’s solicitor and your own. You’ll need to provide documents such as title deeds, energy performance certificates (EPCs), and any warranties or planning permissions.

The process typically takes 8–12 weeks once an offer is accepted, depending on how quickly both parties progress the paperwork.

Common Challenges in Selling Without an Agent

Selling privately can work well, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Underestimating the time commitment required to manage viewings, enquiries, and negotiations.

• Struggling to generate enough visibility for your listing.

• Making emotional decisions when negotiating with buyers.

• Missing important legal steps or paperwork deadlines.

It’s also worth noting that buyers may view private sales with caution, as they often prefer dealing with an agent who can mediate and ensure professional handling.

When It Makes Sense to Use an Estate Agent

While it’s possible to sell privately, estate agents offer significant advantages for most sellers, especially those short on time or unfamiliar with property transactions. A good agent brings market knowledge, professional marketing, negotiation expertise, and peace of mind that everything is handled correctly.

If you’re selling in a competitive area or with a unique property, an agent’s network and exposure can often result in a higher sale price that outweighs their fees.

Hybrid Alternatives

Some sellers choose a hybrid model, using online estate agents. These services charge lower fixed fees but still handle listings, enquiries, and negotiations. It’s a middle ground between full DIY and traditional estate agency.

Popular options include fixed-fee online agents where you pay a set amount upfront, often between £500 and £1,000, to list on major property portals.

Final Thoughts

You can sell a house without an estate agent, but it takes time, effort, and confidence to manage the process yourself. While private sales save on fees, you need to balance this against the potential risks of undervaluation, limited marketing, and legal complexities.

For many homeowners, using a professional estate agent provides convenience, expertise, and greater exposure—often resulting in a faster sale and higher final price. Whether you choose to go it alone or work with an agent, preparation and understanding the process are key to a smooth and successful property sale.

For related guidance, see can estate agents lie about offers and do estate agents charge for valuations, and access our Estate Agents Hub.