Seller guide
How to sell your house privately
Everything you need to know — from paperwork to picking up the keys.
About 19 min read
Selling a house feels like a lot — because it is. But most of it isn't as hard as the estate agent industry would have you believe. You know your home better than anyone. You care about the outcome more than any agent will. And with a few evenings of preparation and this guide, you can absolutely handle it yourself.
This guide walks you through the whole process, chronologically, from “we're thinking about selling” to “we've handed over the keys.” It's written for someone who's never sold a house before, or who's only sold through an estate agent and wants to try DIY this time.
You don't have to read it all at once. Bookmark it, work through a section, come back to the next one when you're ready.
Step 1
Decide if selling privately is right for you
Private selling isn't for everyone, but it suits more people than the industry admits. If you've got a straightforward property, a few weeks of patience, and don't mind answering the odd phone call, you'll do fine.
Step 2
Prepare your property for sale
Presentation matters more than perfection. Declutter, deep clean, fix the obvious little things, and you'll be surprised how much difference it makes.
Step 3
Gather your paperwork
A few key documents you'll need before listing. Some are legally required. Get them in order early — nothing kills a sale faster than paperwork delays.
Step 4
Set your asking price
Price too high and you're invisible. Price too low and you leave money on the table. The sweet spot is realistic, slightly aspirational, and informed by actual local sale data.
Step 5
Create your FreeMarket listing
This is where FreeMarket comes in. For a flat £20, your property is listed for 180 days with full material information. Take your time filling in the listing — a good one gets far more enquiries than a rushed one.
Step 6
Handle enquiries
Buyers contact you via FreeMarket's relay form (your email address stays private). Reply promptly, be honest, and don't oversell. Filter serious enquiries from casual browsers early.
Step 7
Host viewings
You know your house better than any agent could. Keep viewings simple, be honest about the strengths and weaknesses, and don't feel you need a sales pitch.
Step 8
Negotiate offers
An offer isn't a sale. Consider not just the price, but the buyer's position, chain, and how quickly they can move. Don't feel pressured to answer immediately.
Step 9
Instruct a solicitor
This is where you hand off to a professional. Choose one who specialises in residential conveyancing. Expect to pay £600–£1,500 plus disbursements.
Step 10
Exchange and completion
Your solicitor drives this stage. You mostly sign paperwork, then move out.
Step 11
After completion
You've done it. A few final admin tasks, then it's over.
Ready to list your property?
Create your FreeMarket listing for £20. No agent fees, no commission.
Legal disclaimer
This guide is general information for people considering a private house sale in the UK. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Property law and tax rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and every property sale has unique circumstances. You should consult a qualified solicitor, financial advisor, or other appropriate professional before making decisions. FreeMarket is an advertising platform and is not an estate agent; we do not provide legal, financial, or valuation services.
Content accuracy: this guide reflects rules and typical costs at the time of writing. Legislation and market conditions change. Always verify current requirements with the relevant regulatory bodies (HMRC, HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, and your local council).