How to Sell Your House Quickly: Expert Tips for a Fast Sale

Want to sell your house fast? At Good Move, we buy homes across England and Wales for a fair cash price, often completing in as little as 7 days.

We understand how stressful selling your home can be, especially after a while on the market. To help ease some of the pressure, this guide will show you exactly how the house-selling process works – plus, our top tips for selling your house quickly, whether you choose a cash buyer, estate agent, or auction.

The home selling process isn’t always quick

In this article:

• What’s the quickest way to sell a house
• Selling through estate agents
• How to sell your house without an estate agent
• Common mistakes when selling your home
• Top tips to sell your house fast
• How Good Move helps you sell fast
• The process of selling your house with Good Move
• FAQs: Selling your house quickly

What’s the quickest way to sell a house?

To define the ‘quickest’ way to sell your house, we need to first understand the usual timelines. 

The home-selling process across England and Wales isn’t always quick. It can take an average of 115 days (or 3.8 months) for a house to sell – and up to 16 viewings before most sellers achieve an acceptable offer. 

The speed at which your house sells can have a lot to do with the different methods available. You can generally sell your home through cash buyers, estate agents, or auction houses, and each comes with its own pros and cons.

Selling through estate agents

Known as the more traditional and most common approach, selling with an estate agent allows your property to be marketed to people in the local area. It’s worth being aware that property chains are one of the biggest causes of sale delays. Once that chain breaks, it can take months to recover and get the sale back to a positive, stable stage. 

If you are going for a fast sale, you may need to drop your asking price considerably to generate quick interest and be aware that the legal aspects can still take months to complete.

How to sell your house without an estate agent

If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional estate agents, there are two main options that can often lead to a faster sale.

• Selling through cash buyers

Cash buyers and property buying companies offer one of the fastest routes to selling your home. These companies purchase properties directly using available funds, which means you’re not relying on mortgage approvals or lengthy property chains. 

With a cash buyer like Good Move, you can often receive an offer within 24 hours and complete the sale in as little as 7-10 days. This method eliminates estate agent fees, reduces the risk of sales falling through, and provides certainty over the timeline – making it ideal for sellers who need to move quickly.

• Selling through auction

Auction property sales are growing in popularity. They allow you to have a considerable amount of freedom when it comes to the sale of your property and allow your property to be seen by an increased number of people, including property investors and developers. There are several costs attached to property auctions, and these should be carefully considered when setting your budget. However, auctions are often seen as a more secure option than traditional methods, with the sale tending to be completed within 4–10 weeks, on average.

If you would like to know more about property auctions, check out our property auction guide.

Of the three methods we’ve discussed, selling through a cash buyer is often the best way to sell a house fast. Cash buyers can complete purchases in a matter of days rather than months, there’s no risk of a broken chain derailing your sale, and you won’t face any estate agent fees or ongoing viewing disruption.

Common mistakes when selling your home

Understanding the pitfalls that slow down house sales can help you avoid them. Here are the most common mistakes sellers make – and how to steer clear of them.If you are going for a fast sale, you may need to drop your asking price considerably to generate quick interest and be aware that the legal aspects can still take months to complete.

Choosing the wrong estate agent

It’s vital to find the right estate agent to market your property. Statistics show that 39% of sales were successful only after a change of estate agent, highlighting the importance of getting the right person for the job. Look for agents with strong local knowledge, positive reviews, and a track record of completing sales quickly in your area.

Overpricing your property

Setting your asking price too high is one of the quickest ways to deter potential buyers. An unrealistic price may cause your property to be filtered out of online searches altogether, while properties that sit on the market for extended periods can develop a stigma – leading buyers to assume something is wrong. This often results in larger price reductions later, which can make the property seem even less desirable. Use comparative market analysis and recent sale data from similar properties in your area to price competitively from the start.

Poor timing

If selling through traditional methods or estate agents, the time of year can make a significant difference to how quickly you sell. Winter, for example, typically sees lower demand as fewer buyers are actively house hunting. Spring and early autumn tend to be the most active periods in the property market, though this varies by region and property type.

Being inflexible with viewings

Turning down viewing requests can seriously hinder your chances of a quick sale. While it’s not always convenient to accommodate potential buyers around your routine, flexibility is essential if you want to sell quickly. Make it as easy as possible for buyers to schedule viewings. If you have genuine limitations, agree on specific times that work best and communicate these clearly with your agent or on the listing, rather than expecting potential buyers to spend time going back and forth.

Hiding problems

Concealing issues with your property is a huge risk. Problems are often discovered later in the process during surveys or inspections, which can damage the relationship with a buyer or end the sale completely. Be transparent from the outset and disclose any repairs needed or ongoing issues. Honesty builds trust and can actually speed up the process by avoiding surprises down the line.

Poor home preparation

Being ‘on’ all the time for viewings can be exhausting, but mess and clutter can make rooms seem smaller and distract buyers from your home’s best features. Take the time to declutter, deep clean, and present each room in its best light. Small efforts here can make a significant difference to how quickly you receive offers.

Poor quality pictures

Most house hunting begins online, so photographs do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to first impressions. Bad, dark, or blurry photos can turn off buyers before they’ve even considered booking a viewing. Invest in professional photography to create an attractive listing and showcase your space in the best possible light. High-quality images can dramatically increase interest and viewing requests.

Being inflexible with offers

Being too emotionally attached to your home or being too set on a certain price can slow down the sale considerably. You need to be willing to compromise to get the deal to close. Consider offers carefully – a slightly lower offer from a first-time buyer without a chain, or a cash offer, could be far more reliable and move much faster than a higher offer from a buyer in a complicated chain. Focus on the overall benefit rather than just the price tag.

 Top tips to sell your house fast

So, what else can you do to speed up a house sale? Here’s our expert advice…

Improve kerb appeal

First impressions count, and your property’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see. Simple improvements like tidying the front garden, repainting the front door, cleaning windows, and ensuring pathways are clear can make your home far more inviting. Even small touches like a new doormat or potted plants can create a welcoming impression that encourages buyers to view your home more favourably.

Declutter and stage your home

A cluttered home can make spaces feel smaller and prevent buyers from envisioning themselves living there. Remove excess furniture, personal items, and any decorative pieces that might distract from the property itself. Neutral décor is particularly effective, as it allows buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space. If you have highly personalised rooms – bold colours, niche decorating styles, or collections on display – consider toning them down to appeal to a wider audience.

Be realistic with pricing

We’ve already mentioned the dangers of overpricing, but it’s worth reiterating: competitive pricing from the start is one of the most effective ways to sell quickly. Research comparable properties in your area, consider any recent price trends, and be prepared to adjust if you’re not seeing the interest you expected. A well-priced home will generate more viewings, more offers, and ultimately a faster sale.

Have all your paperwork ready

Delays often occur because sellers don’t have the necessary documents to hand. Get ahead by gathering your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), proof of ownership, details of any planning permissions or building work, and warranty documents. Having everything ready to go means you can move quickly when an offer comes in, rather than scrambling to find paperwork at the last minute.

Get feedback – and act on it

If you’ve had several viewings but no offers, ask your estate agent for honest feedback from potential buyers. Perhaps the price is still too high, the décor is off-putting, or there’s a specific issue putting people off. Use this feedback constructively and make changes where possible. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.

Prioritise quick, affordable cosmetic fixes

Minor repairs – flaking paint, loose door handles, dripping taps, or scuffed skirting boards – can be fixed quickly and with minimal cost. These small improvements can significantly enhance the perception of your home and signal to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. A home that looks cared for will always sell faster than one that appears neglected.

Make your home inviting

Creating a welcoming atmosphere can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. While the old tip of baking fresh bread or cookies has become somewhat clichéd (and some buyers might see straight through it), subtle touches can still work wonders. A light, fresh scent from a candle or air freshener, good lighting, and a comfortable temperature can all help buyers feel at home during viewings. The more comfortable and welcomed they feel, the more likely they are to make an offer.

Consider your selling method carefully

If speed is a priority, it’s worth reconsidering your selling method. Auctions, cash buyers, and property buying companies tend to offer the fastest routes to sale, often completing in a matter of weeks rather than months.

Sell through a property buying company

Property buying companies like Good Move operate as regulated cash buyers, regularly completing sales in as little as 7–10 days. Speed isn’t the only benefit – there’s no chain to worry about, no estate agent fees, and no constant stream of viewings to manage. Just a smooth, streamlined process that takes the headache out of selling.

How Good Move helps you sell fast

At Good Move, our goal is to make your house sale as simple and seamless as possible, helping you sell your property quickly without the worry of hidden legal or agency fees. Simply enter your postcode into the banner at the top of this page, and you’ll receive a cash offer within just 24 hours.

Our home-selling service is available across England and Wales. We operate in all the major cities, from London and Manchester to Leeds and Birmingham. Whether you’re looking to sell a property fast in a rural village or a suburban neighbourhood, the Good Move team has the expertise to help – often completing sales in as little as 10 days.

When you work with Good Move, you’re working with property professionals who understand the market inside out. We buy houses in any condition – we never ignore an enquiry – and every offer we make is a genuine cash offer with no obligation. You’ll never get stuck in a property chain, which means you can move forward and buy your next home without any blocking factors.

The process of selling your house with Good Move

Get in touch with us

Simply fill in your postcode at the top of this page or call 0800 802 1175 to begin the process of selling your house quickly with Good Move.

We’ll get in touch with you

Once you’ve made contact, our property buyers will contact you to discuss your property and make an offer in principle.

Carry out an appraisal

Once you’ve accepted the offer in principle from Good Move, the next step is organising two appraisals of your property. This comes at no cost to you and allows us to create a contract and Home Buyer Report.

Accept the formal offer

Based on the outcome of the appraisals, Good Move will make a formal offer for you to consider. This offer will be subject to contract.

Contracts are issued

Upon acceptance of the formal offer, solicitors are instructed, and contracts are issued. All these legal costs for recommended solicitors will be covered by Good Move, or we’ll subsidise £500 if you choose to use your own solicitor.

Complete your sale!

Once the sale is completed, funds will be transferred to your chosen bank account by the solicitor acting on your behalf.

FAQs: Selling your house quickly

Can you sell your house in 5 days?

While it’s important to have realistic expectations, Good Move can provide a cash offer within 24 hours, and the process could be complete in as little as a week. Typically, the process takes between 7-21 days, but we aim to buy your property within 10 days. Much depends on how quickly legal work can be completed and whether there are any complications with the property, but selling in a week is achievable in the right circumstances.

Can I sell my house fast if it’s already on the market?

Even if your property has been on the market for some time, you can always change your approach and choose a fast property sale with an established property buyer like Good Move instead. You can apply for a free cash offer within 24 hours, and only once you have agreed to sell your home with Good Move will you be asked to take your property off the market. This means you can explore your options without any commitment.

Does it matter what condition my property is in when making a fast house sale?

The condition of your property may affect the offer you receive, but established property purchase companies like Good Move are committed to buying any house quickly, and the state of repair will not be a barrier to achieving a sale. Whether your home needs significant renovation work or is in pristine condition, we’re able to make you an offer.

How is the value of my property calculated?

When it comes to selling your home quickly, companies like Good Move use several tools to establish the value of your property and ensure you sell your home as quickly as possible. Valuation software built on a sophisticated algorithm enables the initial quote, based on information about the property’s location. A team of property analysts then takes further details about the property into account to provide a suitable offer.

What if I change my mind?

When selling a property quickly, it is important that you feel empowered to always make the right decisions for you. That’s why, when selling any property to Good Move, you will have 14 days to change your mind after entering a contract, and you have no obligation to provide your reasons for doing so.

The property market is always evolving, with interest rates, buyer demand, and estate agency fees all fluctuating throughout the year. That’s why it’s essential to do your research before you think about selling your home. 

If you need to sell your home quickly, Good Move is an excellent option. We will always offer you a fair price for your home – one that guarantees a quick, hassle-free sale. Make the first move today and get in touch, or discover more about how we can help you sell your home this year.