You’ve inherited a property that needs thousands of pounds worth of work, or you’re facing a job relocation with just weeks to move. Perhaps you’ve looked at that leaky roof or outdated kitchen and thought “I simply can’t afford to fix this right now.”
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves needing to sell quickly without the time, money, or energy for major repairs.
The good news? You can absolutely sell your house fast without fixing a single thing.
Here’s everything you need to know about selling ‘as is’ and getting the best possible outcome.
What Does Selling 'As Is' Actually Mean?
When you sell a house ‘as is’, you’re telling buyers that you won’t be making any repairs or improvements before the sale. The property transfers to the new owner in its current condition, with all existing issues becoming their responsibility.
This doesn’t mean hiding problems or being dishonest. You’re still legally required to disclose any known defects, but you’re simply stating upfront that repairs aren’t part of the deal.
Why Choose to Sell As Is?
There are several compelling reasons homeowners opt for this approach:
Time Constraints
Life doesn’t wait for home improvements. Whether it’s a sudden job move, divorce proceedings, or managing an elderly relative’s estate, sometimes you simply need to sell now, not in six months after renovations.
Financial Reality
Let’s be honest about this one. Major repairs can easily cost £10,000, £20,000, or more. Not everyone has that kind of cash sitting around, and taking on debt for repairs doesn’t always make financial sense.
Overwhelming Condition
We’ve all walked into properties where the to-do list feels endless. Sometimes it’s better to let someone else tackle the project with fresh energy and their own vision.
Smart Market Timing
In certain areas and market conditions, buyers are actually competing for properties with potential, knowing they’re getting better value than move-in ready homes.
Setting the Right Price for an As Is Sale
Pricing is absolutely crucial when selling as is, and it’s where many sellers get tripped up. You need to put yourself in a buyer’s shoes – they’re taking on risk and extra work, so they expect the price to reflect that.
Start With Reality, Not Wishful Thinking
We often get emotionally attached to our homes and what they could be worth “if only”. But buyers are looking at what they’re getting today, not your renovation dreams. Look at comparable properties in your area, both move-in ready homes and those that sold needing work. This gives you a realistic starting point.
Understand the Numbers (Even If You're Not Doing the Work)
Here’s the thing – even though you won’t be making repairs, you need to know roughly what buyers will face. Get quotes for major issues like that dodgy boiler or the roof that’s seen better days. Buyers often overestimate costs when they’re worried, so having real numbers helps you price fairly.
Don't Take It Personally
This is probably the hardest part. When someone offers £20,000 less than your asking price, it’s easy to feel insulted. But remember – they’re not rejecting you or your taste, they’re calculating risk and renovation costs. Try to stay objective about the numbers.
Marketing Your As Is Property Effectively
Lead With Honesty (It Actually Works)
Don’t try to hide the obvious issues – buyers will spot them immediately anyway. Instead, be upfront about the property’s condition while emphasising its potential. Phrases like “perfect for renovation” or “sold as seen” set the right expectations from the start.
Show Off What's Good
Every property has something positive, even if it needs work. Maybe it’s the Victorian ceiling roses, the generous garden, or simply the fantastic location near good schools. Whatever it is, make sure it shines through in your description.
Pictures Tell the Story
Yes, even tired properties need good photos. You’re not trying to hide anything, but you want to show the space and potential clearly. Natural light makes any room look more appealing, and wide shots help buyers visualise possibilities.
Target the Right Buyers
Your ideal buyers might include:
- Property developers and investors
- DIY enthusiasts looking for a project
- First-time buyers seeking affordable entry to the market
- Cash buyers who can move quickly
Legal Considerations When Selling As Is
Property Information Forms
You must complete all standard property information forms honestly, declaring any known issues with the structure, services, or boundaries.
Energy Performance Certificate
This is still required, regardless of the property’s condition.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
Ensure any previous work was done with proper permissions, or be prepared to disclose any issues.
Who Buys Houses As Is?
Understanding your likely buyers helps tailor your approach:
Property Investors
They’re experienced with renovation projects and often have cash available for quick purchases.
Developers
Looking for properties to renovate and resell, or potentially redevelop entirely.
DIY Buyers
Individuals or families who enjoy renovation projects and want to create their dream home.
Chain-Free Buyers
People who need to move quickly and are prepared to take on work in exchange for speed and potentially better value.
Tips for a Fast As Is Sale
Start Strong from Day One
Here’s the thing about as-is properties – if you price too high initially, buyers assume there’s something seriously wrong that you’re trying to compensate for. It’s better to price realistically from the start than chase the market down later.
Say Yes to More Viewings
You might get fewer enquiries than a pristine property, so be as accommodating as possible with viewing times. Weekend mornings, early evenings, even lunch breaks – flexibility can make the difference.
Don't Dismiss Lower Offers Too Quickly
That cash offer that’s £15,000 below asking might sting, but consider the bigger picture. No chain, quick completion, and certainty of sale might be worth more than holding out for full asking price.
Get Your Paperwork Sorted Early
Have all your property documents ready to go. When the right buyer comes along, you want to move fast, not spend weeks hunting for old planning permissions or warranty certificates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (We've Seen Them All)
- Trying to Hide the Obvious - That damp patch or wonky floor isn't going to disappear during viewings. Buyers appreciate honesty, and covering things up often backfires spectacularly when surveys happen.
- Pricing Like It's Perfect - We understand the attachment, but pricing an as-is property the same as renovated homes will leave you disappointed and your property sitting on the market.
- Giving Up on Presentation - Not doing repairs doesn't mean not bothering with basic cleanliness. You'd be amazed how much better a space looks when it's clean and clutter-free.
- Ignoring Real Safety Concerns - There's a difference between "needs updating" and "actually dangerous". If something poses a genuine safety risk during viewings, it needs addressing.
Making Your Property Appeal to As Is Buyers
- Clear Out Personal Belongings - Help buyers visualise the space and potential by removing clutter and personal items.
- Provide Utility Information - Having recent bills and service records available shows buyers what they're taking on with utilities and ongoing costs.
- Create a Snag List - A honest list of known issues can actually build trust and help buyers plan their renovation budget.
- Highlight Good Bones - Point out solid structural elements, good room sizes, or period features that add character and value.
What to Expect Timeline-Wise
The interesting thing about selling as-is is that it can actually speed things up once you find the right buyer. Here’s why:
- You're not spending months on repairs and improvements
- Cash buyers (common for as-is purchases) can move incredibly quickly
- Fewer people in chains means less chance of things falling through
- Buyers expect issues, so survey problems are less likely to derail the sale
That said, finding your buyer might take a bit longer initially since you’re targeting a smaller pool of people. Don’t panic if the first few weeks are quiet – the right buyer is out there.
About Michael Anthony Estate Agents
We know that deciding to sell ‘as is’ isn’t always an easy choice. Sometimes life forces your hand, and you need an agent who understands that every situation is different. That’s exactly where we come in.
Over the past 30 years serving Milton Keynes, Tring, Bletchley, and Hemel Hempstead, we’ve helped families through all sorts of challenging circumstances. House clearances after bereavements, urgent relocations, relationship breakdowns – we’ve seen it all, and we never judge.
What matters to us is getting you the best outcome possible in your particular situation.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Get in touch with Michael Anthony Estate Agents today for a free, honest valuation and let’s chat about how we can help you move forward, whatever your circumstances.