Selling an empty house fast is simple with Property Saviour, as we’ll buy your vacant property for cash within 10 days, cover your legal fees up to £1,500, and guarantee the price we offer is the price you’ll receive – no last-minute reductions or nasty surprises – giving you the certainty and speed you need during what can be a stressful time.
According to recent property market data, vacant properties in England have reached concerning levels, with over 272,257 long-term empty homes nationwide—representing a 1.06% vacancy rate across the country. The problem continues to grow, with empty homes increasing by nearly 10% over the past five years, according to the Local Government Association. What’s more concerning for sellers is that empty properties can lose approximately 2% of their value each month they remain vacant on the market, creating urgency for those looking to sell.
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How to sell an empty house?
Selling an empty house comes with its own unique set of challenges that can make the process trickier than selling a furnished home. I’ve seen it time and again – those bare walls and empty rooms can make it harder for buyers to connect emotionally with what could be their future home. But don’t worry – with the right approach, you can absolutely overcome these hurdles.
Look, the stats don’t lie – empty properties can lose about 2% of their value each month they sit on the market. That’s a pretty sobering thought, isn’t it? And here’s another eye-opener: only about 10% of potential buyers can properly visualise an empty space’s potential. Most people just can’t mentally furnish a room when looking at four bare walls.
Are empty properties harder to sell?
Yes, they absolutely are. I’m not going to sugar-coat it – selling an empty unfurnished house typically takes longer and often fetches a lower price than a furnished equivalent.
When buyers walk into an empty house, they hear their footsteps echo and see every tiny flaw that might otherwise go unnoticed. Without furniture, rooms can actually look smaller (barmy, I know!), and people struggle to understand how their stuff would fit or how they’d live in the space.
Buyers describe empty properties as “cold” or “unwelcoming” – not exactly the emotions that make someone want to reach for their chequebook! And let’s be honest, an empty house can give buyers the impression you’re desperate to sell, which might encourage them to put in lower offers.
What happens when a house sits empty?
An empty house isn’t just sitting there harmlessly waiting for a buyer – it’s actively becoming a problem. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen too many times.
First off, you’re still paying for everything – mortgage, insurance, council tax, utilities – with nothing in return. But it goes beyond just the financial drain:
Empty houses deteriorate faster. Without regular heating and ventilation, you can get damp, mould, and all sorts of issues.
Security becomes a massive headache. Empty properties are magnets for trouble – from opportunistic thieves to squatters.
Insurance costs shoot up. Most standard policies won’t even cover a property that’s empty for more than 30 days without special arrangements.
Seasonal problems can creep up on you – pipes freezing in winter, gardens becoming overgrown, gutters getting blocked.
The property begins to feel stale and unloved, which buyers can sense immediately.
One of our clients declined our cash offer and left their house empty while trying to sell it on the open market. Six months later, they finally found a buyer but ended up accepting £15,000 less than what Property Saviour had originally offered them. It was a painful and expensive lesson about how quickly empty properties can lose value and how the certainty of a cash sale often outweighs the gamble of waiting for a higher offer that may never materialise.
Creating the Perfect Blank Canvas: Preparing Your Empty Property for Sale
The absence of furniture doesn’t mean your property should feel cold or unwelcoming. Preparing an empty property properly is essential for making a positive impression on potential buyers.
Start by addressing these key areas:
Thoroughly clean every surface, including windows, floors, and hidden areas
Touch up or repaint walls in neutral colours to create a fresh appearance
Ensure all fixtures and fittings are in good working order
Maintain kerb appeal with tidy gardens and clean pathways
Fix any obvious defects like cracked tiles or dripping taps
Remove all rubbish and ensure the property smells fresh
Consider basic staging in key rooms if budget allows
Install simple window treatments to soften the appearance
Ensure adequate lighting to create a warm atmosphere
Address any damp or mould issues that may be more visible in empty properties
Should You Stage an Empty Property?
The question of whether to stage an empty property is one that many sellers grapple with. Professional staging can cost between £500-£2,500 per month depending on the size of your property and the quality of furniture used.
When considering staging, it’s helpful to evaluate your specific circumstances against potential returns:
Property Staging Decision Guide
This table provides a framework for making an informed decision about staging. For higher-value properties or those with unusual layouts, staging can help buyers visualize the potential and justify the price. However, for straightforward properties in competitive price brackets, thorough cleaning and minor cosmetic improvements might be sufficient, especially if you’re looking for a quicker sale.
| Factor to Consider | Full Staging Recommended | Minimal/No Staging Sufficient |
|---|---|---|
| Property Value | High-value properties (£500,000+) | Lower to mid-range properties |
| Target Market | Luxury or family homes | First-time buyers or investors |
| Unique Layout | Unusual room configurations | Standard layouts |
| Market Competition | Many similar properties for sale | Few comparable properties |
| Expected Sale Timeframe | Can wait for the right buyer | Need quick sale |
| Property Condition | Excellent condition | Requires some renovation |
If full staging seems too expensive, consider a middle-ground approach such as “soft staging” with a few key pieces in the main rooms, or virtual staging for your online listing photographs, which can cost as little as £30-£50 per room.
Is It Better to Sell a House Empty or Furnished?
The answer to whether it’s better to sell a house empty or furnished depends largely on your specific property, local market conditions, and target buyers. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.
Empty properties offer several benefits: they appear more spacious, allow buyers to envision their own furniture in the space, show the actual condition of walls and floors, and make viewings easier to arrange. They also convey immediate availability, which can appeal to buyers looking for a quick move.
On the other hand, furnished properties typically create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere, help buyers understand the purpose and scale of each room, and often photograph better for marketing materials. They can also distract from minor imperfections in the property.
In our experience at Property Saviour, empty properties work well when they have standout features, good natural light, and generous proportions. Meanwhile, smaller properties or those with awkward layouts often benefit from at least some furniture to demonstrate how spaces can function effectively.
The most important factor is presentation. A well-presented empty property will typically outperform a poorly presented furnished one. Focus on cleanliness, freshness, and fixing any obvious defects regardless of whether you choose to stage the property or not.
How to Make an Empty Property Look More Appealing for Viewings?
Showing an empty property requires attention to detail to create an inviting atmosphere without the help of furniture and décor. These practical techniques can transform a stark, empty space into one that feels welcoming and full of potential:
Ensure perfect cleanliness throughout – spotless windows let in maximum light
Maintain a comfortable temperature during viewings
Use plug-in air fresheners for a subtle, pleasant scent
Consider light staging of key areas like the kitchen and living room
Hang simple, neutral curtains to soften window areas
Leave internal doors open to create a sense of flow
Ensure all light fixtures have working bulbs for a bright appearance
Place a few strategic potted plants to bring life to empty spaces
Provide floor plans that show room dimensions and potential furniture layouts
Prepare a property information pack highlighting local amenities and features
These simple touches can make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive your empty property. Remember that first impressions form quickly – many buyers decide within the first few minutes whether a property feels right for them.
Comparing your options for selling an empty property
When you’re trying to figure out how to sell an empty property, it helps to understand all your options. I’ve put together this comparison based on what I’ve seen work for different clients:
| Selling Method | How Long It Takes | What You’ll Get | Best If You… | What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Estate Agent | 2-6+ months | Potentially full market value | Aren’t in a rush and can handle ongoing costs | You’ll need to maintain the property and possibly stage it |
| Property Auction | 4-8 weeks | Usually 75-80% of market value | Need a definite sale date with no chance of chain collapse | Lower price, but you get certainty |
| Cash House Buyers | 7-28 days | Typically 70-75% of market value | Need speed and certainty more than maximum price | Lower offers but eliminates all the faff and waiting |
| Part-Exchange | 4-8 weeks | Varies, often below market value | Are buying a new build from a developer | Only works if you’re buying another property |
| Online Estate Agents | 2-5+ months | Similar to traditional agents | Want to save on fees and don’t mind handling viewings | You’ll need to be more involved in the process |
It really comes down to what matters most to you – time or money? If that empty property is keeping you awake at night with worry, or draining your bank account each month, sometimes the peace of mind from a quick, guaranteed sale is worth far more than holding out for a higher price that might never materialise.
10 steps to sell your empty house fast
If you’re determined to get that empty house sold quickly, here’s my tried-and-tested approach:
Make the outside look lived-in – First impressions are everything. Fresh paint on the front door, potted plants, and a tidy garden make a huge difference.
Deep clean everything – Empty houses show dirt like you wouldn’t believe. Get professionals in if you can afford it.
Fix the obvious stuff – In an empty house, every little defect screams for attention. Fill holes, touch up paint, fix leaky taps.
Add some strategic staging – Even if it’s just a couple of key pieces in main rooms, it helps tremendously.
Get amazing photos – Seriously, this is worth spending money on. Empty houses look terrible in amateur photos.
Price it realistically – Be honest with yourself about the “empty house discount” and price accordingly.
Be super flexible with viewings – The more people who see it, the better your chances.
Create a property pack – Include floor plans with suggested furniture layouts to help buyers visualise.
Keep the heating on low – A cold house feels unwelcoming and can develop damp issues.
Visit regularly – This keeps the place feeling cared for and lets you spot any issues early.
I remember one client who did all of these things and went from zero interest to three offers in a fortnight. The key was being realistic about pricing and making those small investments in presentation.
How Long Does It Take to Sell an Empty Property?
The timeline for selling an empty property can vary significantly based on various factors, but empty properties typically take longer to sell than occupied ones. According to recent data, the average UK property goes under offer within 38 days, but the complete process from listing to completion takes around 185 days (approximately six months).
For empty properties, this timeline can extend further unless specific steps are taken to enhance marketability. Properties that appear unloved or neglected may take significantly longer to attract offers. However, well-presented empty properties in desirable locations can sometimes sell more quickly than the average.
The selling method also significantly impacts timelines:
Traditional estate agent sales: 3-6 months (or longer for empty properties)
Auction sales: 1-2 months from instruction to completion
Direct to developer/investor: 1-3 months depending on negotiations
Property buying companies: 7-28 days from initial contact to completion
For many sellers, the extended timeline of traditional sales methods creates additional costs and stress, particularly when dealing with inherited properties or those located far from their primary residence. In these cases, the certainty and speed offered by property buying companies can be particularly valuable.
What Are the Security Concerns When Selling an Empty Property?
Empty properties can be vulnerable to security issues, which can in turn affect your ability to sell quickly and at a good price. Damage from break-ins, vandalism, or squatters can significantly reduce your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers.
Key security considerations include:
Insurance implications – standard home insurance policies typically don’t cover properties left empty for more than 30-60 days
Risk of squatters – while squatting in residential buildings is illegal, it can still occur and be costly to resolve
Vulnerability to theft – particularly of metals, fixtures, and fittings
Environmental risks – undetected leaks or other issues can cause extensive damage
Deterioration due to lack of heating and ventilation
If you’re selling an empty property, consider investing in unoccupied house insurance which provides specific coverage for vacant properties. These policies typically require regular property inspections and maintenance of security measures, but they offer essential protection during the sales process.
Practical security measures like robust locks, timer lights, security cameras, and regular visits can help protect your property. Some sellers also use property guardian services, where individuals live in the property at reduced rent while it’s on the market, providing security through occupation.
When traditional methods aren’t working
Let’s be real – sometimes, despite your best efforts, that empty house just won’t sell. It happens, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. The market can be unpredictable, and empty properties face extra challenges.
If you’ve been trying for months with no success, it might be time to consider alternative solutions. At Property Saviour, we understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped lots of people who were at their wits’ end with empty properties draining their finances and causing stress.
Whether you’ve inherited a place you can’t maintain, relocated for work and can’t manage two properties, or are just fed up with the ongoing costs of an empty house, we’re real people who genuinely want to help find a solution that works for you.
What Happens When You’re Inheriting a House from Your Parents and Need to Sell?
Inheriting a property often leads to it sitting empty during the probate process and while heirs decide what to do with it. This situation comes with specific considerations when preparing for a sale.
First, you’ll need to wait until probate is completed and the property is officially transferred into your name before you can sell it. This process typically takes 3-6 months but can extend longer in complex cases.
During this period, the property may remain empty, potentially deteriorating and becoming vulnerable to security issues. It’s important to maintain the property, arrange appropriate insurance, and ensure regular inspections while waiting for probate to complete.
Once you have legal ownership, you’ll need to decide whether to sell the property as-is or invest in improvements before marketing it. This decision should be based on:
The property’s current condition
Local market demands
Your available budget for improvements
How quickly you need to sell
Potential capital gains tax implications
Many people who’ve inherited properties find themselves managing them from a distance, which can add complexity and stress to the selling process. In these cases, working with a property buying company that offers a guaranteed purchase can provide much-needed certainty and convenience, especially when the emotional aspects of dealing with a parent’s home make the process particularly challenging.
How to Choose Between Quick Sale and Maximum Value When Selling an Empty Property?
When selling an empty property, you’ll often need to balance the desire for maximum value against the need for a quick, certain sale. This decision is particularly important for vacant properties, as the ongoing costs of ownership can quickly erode any potential gains from waiting for a higher offer.
Consider these factors when making your decision:
Monthly carrying costs (mortgage, insurance, utilities, council tax)
Risk of property depreciation while vacant
Local market conditions and expected time on market
Potential for property damage or deterioration
Your personal circumstances and need for funds
Tax implications of different selling timeframes
For many owners of empty properties, the cumulative costs of keeping a property on the market for an extended period can outweigh the potential benefit of achieving a slightly higher sale price. This is especially true when you factor in the psychological burden of managing a vacant property, particularly if it’s located far from your primary residence.
If you’re looking to sell commercial property that’s standing empty, the calculations become even more complex, with business rates on empty commercial properties adding significant ongoing costs. In these cases, a quick sale often makes financial sense even if the offer is below initial expectations.
At Property Saviour, we understand that every situation is unique. We’re here to offer a guaranteed sale with certainty and speed when that’s what you need, providing a compassionate solution during what can be a stressful time. Our service is particularly valuable for those who have inherited properties, are managing distant vacant homes, or need to quickly sell properties that require substantial renovation.
What are the biggest mistakes when selling a vacant property?
The biggest mistake I see people make is refusing to adjust their price to reflect the reality of selling an empty home. They stick to what they think the house is worth based on similar properties, without accounting for the “empty house disadvantage.”
Another massive error is neglecting security. Vacant properties are vulnerable, and the last thing you need is vandalism or break-ins during your sales process. Smart security measures are absolutely worth the investment.
Many sellers also underestimate how quickly maintenance issues develop in an unoccupied house. Small problems that would be spotted and fixed in a lived-in home can escalate quickly when nobody’s there. Regular checks are essential.
Perhaps the most common mistake is simply failing to help buyers visualise the space. Without furniture, rooms often look smaller and buyers struggle to understand how their belongings would fit. Providing floor plans with suggested furniture layouts can make a huge difference.
Getting a guaranteed sale for your empty property
If you’re finding the whole process of selling your empty house stressful, you’re not alone. At Property Saviour, we specialise in helping people just like you who need a straightforward solution without all the usual headaches.
What makes an empty property particularly challenging is the combination of ongoing costs and uncertainty. Every month it sits vacant, you’re paying out money while getting nothing back. It’s like having a financial black hole that keeps growing.
We offer a different approach – a guaranteed sale with a timeframe that works for you. No need for staging, no endless viewings with strangers tramping through your property, no chains that can collapse at the last minute. Just a simple, certain process that puts you back in control.
We understand what you’re going through
Selling an empty property often comes with its own emotional baggage. Maybe it’s a family home you’ve inherited and don’t want to let go, but can’t maintain. Perhaps it’s a property investment that hasn’t worked out as planned. Or it could be that you’ve already moved for a new job and are struggling with two sets of housing costs.
Whatever your situation, at Property Saviour, we’re real people who genuinely care about finding the right solution for you. We’ve helped countless homeowners who were stressed about their empty properties, offering not just a fair price but also peace of mind.
Unlike traditional estate agents who might see your property as just another listing, we take the time to understand your specific circumstances and tailor our approach accordingly. If you’re thinking about selling your empty house and want a straightforward conversation about your options, give us a call. Sometimes just talking things through with someone who understands can make all the difference.
Don’t let that empty property continue to be a source of worry and financial drain. Reach out today and let’s find a solution that works for you – because life’s too short to be stressed about empty houses.
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.
