"We buy any house" companies promise a fast, guaranteed cash sale with no chain, no viewings and no estate-agent fees. For some sellers that is exactly what's needed. But the convenience has a price, and the sector has its share of sharp practice. Here is how it really works, what to expect on price, and how to tell a legitimate buyer from a predatory one.
How the model works
A genuine quick-sale company buys your property directly, with its own funds, to keep or resell. Because it is taking on the risk, the cost and the speed, it pays less than the open market — commonly in the region of 75–85% of market value, though figures vary. In return you get certainty and a completion measured in weeks, with no viewings, no chain and no agent fees.
When it genuinely makes sense
- You need to sell urgently — relocation, divorce, debt, or to stop a repossession.
- The property is hard to sell conventionally, or you simply value certainty over squeezing the last pound.
- You have weighed the discount against the time, fees and risk of a normal sale and decided speed is worth it.
The red flags to watch
The sector is lightly regulated, so protect yourself:
- The last-minute price drop. A firm agrees a price, you commit, then days before completion it 'revalues' lower. Walk away from this.
- Pressure to sign fast or to skip independent legal advice. A legitimate buyer gives you time.
- Upfront fees for a genuine cash purchase — there shouldn't be any.
- No proof of funds. Ask to see it. A real cash buyer can show it.
Look for membership of the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) and registration with The Property Ombudsman (TPO), use your own solicitor, and get every figure in writing.
The alternatives
Before accepting a deep discount, weigh the other fast routes: a price-reduced estate-agent sale, the modern method of auction, or a direct sale to a known investor. The right answer depends on how much speed you truly need versus how much price you can afford to give up.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 'we buy any house' companies pay?
Less than the open market — commonly around 75–85% of market value, though it varies — because they buy quickly with their own funds and take on the risk and cost. You trade price for speed and certainty.
Are 'we buy any house' companies legitimate?
Many are, but the sector is lightly regulated and includes some sharp operators. Look for NAPB membership and TPO registration, insist on proof of funds, use your own solicitor, get everything in writing, and never accept a last-minute price drop.
How fast can these companies complete?
A genuine cash buyer can often complete in a few weeks because there is no chain and no mortgage to arrange. Be wary of any firm that promises speed but cannot show proof of funds.
What's the biggest risk?
The last-minute price reduction: a company agrees a price, you commit and turn down other buyers, then it lowers the offer just before completion. Get the price in writing and be ready to walk away.