Yes, you can list your house for sale on eBay, but it’s essential to understand that these listings are legally classified as “non-binding auctions” that serve primarily as advertisements to connect sellers with potential buyers rather than finalising an actual property sale.
According to property auction data, only about 2.2% of total UK home sales occur through auctions each year. Between 2015 and 2020, the number of properties sold via auction in the UK ranged from approximately 15,000 to 20,500 annually. This relatively small percentage highlights how most Britons still prefer traditional property selling methods despite the growing popularity of online platforms. More revealing still, recent research suggests that only 53% of homes that go on the market in the UK actually end up selling, with Inner London performing even worse at just 36% of listed properties reaching completion, showing the challenging nature of the property market regardless of the selling method chosen.
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How Does Selling a House on eBay Actually Work?
When you list your property on eBay, you’re essentially creating an advertisement rather than a binding sales contract. The platform offers a way to showcase your home to millions of potential buyers, but the actual property transaction must be completed outside of eBay through proper legal channels with solicitors and conveyancers.
The process starts much like selling any other item on eBay-you create a listing with detailed descriptions, high-quality photographs, and set either an auction format or fixed price. Interested buyers can place bids or make offers, but unlike standard eBay transactions, winning a property auction doesn’t create a legally binding obligation to complete the purchase. Instead, it establishes an introduction between buyer and seller who then need to proceed with conventional property sale procedures offline.
eBay’s role ends once this introduction is made, and the platform makes this clear in their property policy: “Due to the wide variety of laws governing the sale of properties in UK and Ireland, eBay property listings are not legally binding offers to buy and sell that property. Instead, they are simply a way for sellers to advertise their property and meet potential buyers.”
Costs of Listing Your Property on eBay vs Traditional Estate Agents
One of the main attractions of selling property through eBay is the potential cost savings compared to traditional estate agents. eBay charges a flat £35 insertion fee for property listings with no final value fee, whereas conventional estate agents typically charge between 1-3% of the final selling price plus VAT.
However, it’s worth noting that while eBay’s fee structure seems more attractive on the surface, sellers take on additional responsibilities that would otherwise be handled by estate agents, including marketing, viewings, negotiation, and legal paperwork. These hidden costs of time and potential mistakes can sometimes outweigh the apparent savings.
If you’re considering using PayPal for the transaction (though this is inadvisable for properties), be aware of their fee structure as well-currently a fixed fee of £0.20 plus 3.4% of the transaction value, which would amount to an enormous sum on a property sale.
Comparing Different Methods of Selling Your Home
To give you a clearer picture of how selling on eBay compares to other options, here’s a comprehensive comparison of the most common property selling methods available to UK homeowners:
| Selling Method | Average Timeframe | Typical Fees | Success Rate | Legal Protection | Marketing Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Estate Agent | 2-6 months | 1-3% + VAT | Moderate-High | Strong | High (inc. Rightmove/Zoopla) |
| Online Estate Agent | 2-6 months | Fixed fee (£500-£1,500) | Moderate | Strong | High (inc. Rightmove/Zoopla) |
| eBay Listing | Variable | £35 listing fee | Low | Limited | Moderate (eBay users only) |
| Property Auction | 6-8 weeks | 2-3% + entry fee | High for completion | Strong | Moderate (auction attendees) |
| Cash House Buyer | 7-28 days | None (lower offer price) | Very High | Strong | N/A (direct purchase) |
As this table demonstrates, each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Traditional estate agents provide comprehensive service but at a premium cost, while eBay offers low upfront fees but with significantly less support and uncertain outcomes. Property auctions provide speed and certainty but typically at lower sale prices, while cash house buyers offer the quickest and most certain route to sale, though usually at a discount to market value.
The Pros and Cons of Selling Your House on eBay
Before listing your property on eBay, it’s worth weighing the advantages and disadvantages carefully:
Wide exposure – Your listing can reach millions of eBay users across the UK and internationally
Cost savings – Lower upfront fees compared to traditional estate agents
Control – Direct management of your listing, photos, description and viewing arrangements
Speed potential – Possibility of attracting motivated buyers looking for unique purchasing routes
Flexible formats – Options for both auction-style and fixed-price listings
No chain – Often attracts cash buyers looking for quick transactions
However, these benefits must be balanced against significant drawbacks, including the non-binding nature of eBay property transactions, limited professional guidance, potential security concerns when arranging viewings with strangers, and the absence of traditional marketing channels like Rightmove or Zoopla that many serious house hunters use exclusively.
Are Property Listings on eBay Legally Binding?
No, eBay property listings are not legally binding offers to buy and sell property. Despite appearing similar to standard eBay auctions, property listings fall under different rules specifically outlined in eBay’s property policy. When an eBay property auction ends, the winning bidder has no legal obligation to proceed with the purchase, nor does the seller have to sell to them.
This fundamental difference distinguishes property listings from other eBay transactions and explains why they’re classified as “non-binding auctions.” The platform simply facilitates introductions between potential buyers and sellers, who must then proceed with conventional property transactions outside of eBay if they wish to complete the sale.
For sellers, this means that a successful auction doesn’t guarantee a successful property sale. After the auction ends, both parties need to agree on terms, instruct solicitors, conduct surveys, arrange financing, and complete all the standard steps involved in property transactions-any of which could cause the sale to fall through without consequences for either party.
Is Selling Your House on eBay Reliable? A Real-Life Scenario
Agnes from Kidderminster learned the hard way about the limitations of selling property through eBay. After listing her three-bedroom semi-detached house for £220,000, she was delighted when the auction ended with a winning bid of £225,000. The bidder initially seemed keen, arranging a viewing and discussing timelines for completion.
“I thought I’d found a quick and easy way to sell my house without estate agent fees,” Agnes explained. “But three weeks after the auction ended, the buyer suddenly stopped responding to messages. I had no legal recourse because the eBay auction wasn’t binding, and I’d already turned down other interested parties thinking the sale was progressing.”
After this disappointment, Agnes approached Property Saviour for advice. We explained that while online platforms can sometimes work well, they lack the security and certainty that many sellers need. Agnes ultimately decided to use our services instead, benefiting from a guaranteed sale with a clear timeline-something that proved invaluable as she needed to relocate quickly for family reasons.
If you’re facing similar uncertainty with an online property listing that isn’t generating reliable results, get in touch with Property Saviour. We understand how frustrating these situations can be and can offer solutions tailored to your specific circumstances, providing the certainty and speed that online marketplaces simply cannot guarantee.
What Reddit Users Say About Selling Houses Online?
Online communities like Reddit offer valuable insights into real experiences with online property sales. One Reddit user shared that only 53% of UK homes listed for sale actually complete successfully, with Inner London showing an even lower success rate of just 36%. These figures highlight the challenges many sellers face regardless of platform choice.
Another user pointed out how property chains can significantly impact statistics: “When a first-time buyer withdrew from a chain of four houses, the entire chain fell apart, resulting in none of the properties being sold. However, those same four homes were later re-listed and ultimately sold.”
At Property Saviour, we’ve observed similar patterns in the market. Chain collapses are among the most common reasons property sales fall through, causing considerable stress and financial impact for sellers. This is precisely why many homeowners eventually turn to services like ours, where we purchase properties directly without chains or financing contingencies, providing certainty in an otherwise unpredictable process.
Top 5 Tips for Successfully Selling Your House Online
If you’re determined to try selling your property through online platforms like eBay or Gumtree, these five essential tips can help improve your chances of success:
Create a professional listing – Invest in high-quality photographs, write detailed and accurate descriptions, and be transparent about any issues with the property.
Price realistically – Research comparable properties in your area and set a competitive price that will attract serious buyers.
Respond promptly – Quick responses to enquiries show you’re serious about selling and help maintain buyer interest.
Prepare for viewings – Have all relevant documents ready and ensure the property is presented in its best possible condition.
Understand the legal process – Even after finding a buyer online, you’ll need to follow standard conveyancing procedures, so familiarise yourself with these steps in advance.
Remember that these platforms are primarily marketing tools rather than complete property selling solutions. You’ll still need to handle viewings, negotiations, and the legal aspects of property transfer, potentially with professional assistance.
Can I List My House on eBay on Behalf of Someone Else?
According to eBay’s policies, you cannot list a house on behalf of someone else unless you’re a licensed professional. This restriction aims to prevent potential fraud and ensure that only authorised individuals can advertise properties for sale on the platform.
If you’re trying to help a family member or friend sell their property, they would need to create their own eBay account and listing. Alternatively, you could explore other options such as instructing an estate agent on their behalf (with proper authorisation) or considering services like Property Saviour that can purchase the property directly with minimal hassle for the owner.
When dealing with inherited properties or situations where you have legal authority to sell on someone’s behalf (such as through power of attorney), it’s particularly important to follow proper legal channels rather than attempting to use online marketplaces, as these situations often involve additional legal complexities.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Selling Your House on eBay?
While eBay provides one option for advertising your property online, several alternatives offer different advantages depending on your specific needs:
Online Estate Agents such as Purplebricks or Strike offer fixed-fee services that include listings on major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, which attract far more serious property hunters than eBay.
Traditional Estate Agents provide comprehensive services including professional photography, accompanied viewings, negotiation support, and sales progression, though at a higher percentage-based fee.
Property Auctions conducted by professional auction houses offer a more structured and legally binding auction process specifically designed for property sales, with completion typically occurring within 28 days of the auction.
Direct Sale to Property Buying Companies like Property Saviour provides the fastest and most certain route to sale, with no fees, no viewings, and completion possible in as little as 7 days.
Social Media and Facebook Marketplace allow free property advertising with wide reach, though with similar limitations to eBay regarding the non-binding nature of expressions of interest.
Each option has its own balance of cost, speed, certainty, and support, so the best choice depends on your specific circumstances and priorities.
Is Selling Your House on eBay Worth It?
While it’s technically possible to advertise your house on eBay for a modest £35 listing fee, the platform’s limitations as a property sales tool make it unsuitable for many sellers. The non-binding nature of eBay property auctions, limited reach among serious property buyers, and lack of professional support throughout the sales process can create more problems than they solve.
For those needing a quick and guaranteed property sale, options like Property Saviour offer significant advantages over online marketplaces. We understand that selling your home is often a stressful experience filled with uncertainty, which is why we’ve developed a straightforward process that provides clarity and certainty from the start.
If you’re weighing up different selling routes and feeling overwhelmed by the options, why not reach out to discuss your specific situation? Our team provides honest advice tailored to your circumstances, even if that means suggesting an alternative to our services. When you need certainty and speed in your property sale, talking to experts who understand both the emotional and practical aspects of moving home can make all the difference to your experience.
When to Consider a Cash House Buyer Instead of Online Listings?
While eBay and similar platforms might seem appealing due to their low upfront costs, they’re not always the most effective solution for everyone. Cash house buyers can be a better alternative in several situations:
When you need a guaranteed sale within a specific timeframe
If you’re dealing with a problematic property that might be difficult to sell conventionally
When you want to avoid the uncertainty of chains and financing contingencies
If you need to sell quickly due to financial difficulties, relocation, or personal circumstances
When privacy is important and you prefer not to have multiple viewings
As a cash house buyer, Property Saviour specialises in providing certainty and speed when you need it most. We purchase properties directly, typically completing transactions in as little as 7-28 days, compared to the months it can take through traditional routes or online platforms with no guarantees of completion.
Sell with certainty & speed
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
