Selling to a cash buyer: the process, step by step.

1. Enquiry and first call (day 1). You tell us about the property; the buyer calls with questions and an indicative figure.
2. Visit and valuation (days 2 to 7). The buyer, or a surveyor they pay, visits. For some properties they use a desktop valuation and a later survey. Be honest about problems now; a surprise later is where offers change.
3. Written offer (within a week of the visit). Price, completion date they can achieve, who pays legal costs, any conditions. Read it. Ask what would change it.
4. You accept, and instruct a solicitor (day 7 to 10). The buyer normally pays for yours. Give the solicitor ID, proof of address, the title deeds if you have them, and fill in the property information forms promptly; this is the step sellers slow down.
5. Searches and enquiries (1 to 3 weeks). The buyer's solicitor raises questions; yours answers. Cash buyers often accept indemnity insurance rather than waiting for slow council searches, which is one reason they are quick.
6. Exchange of contracts. Binding on both sides. The completion date is fixed. A deposit (usually 10%) is paid by the buyer.
7. Completion (same day to 4 weeks after exchange, your choice). The money arrives with your solicitor, who repays any mortgage and sends you the balance. You hand over the keys.

What to have ready

• Photo ID and proof of address.
• Mortgage details and a redemption figure (your lender will give you one).
• Title deeds if you have them; the solicitor can get the Land Registry copy if not.
• For a flat: the lease, service charge accounts and the freeholder or managing agent's details.
• Certificates: gas safety, electrical, EPC, any guarantees, planning and building regulations for any work done.
• For probate: the grant, or the date it is expected.
• For a tenanted property: the tenancy agreement, deposit protection certificate and rent records.

Scotland

The seller must provide a Home Report before marketing, offers go through solicitors, and "missives" make the deal binding earlier than in England. Cash buyers operate in Scotland on the same basis; the timescales are similar.

Timescales, honestly

Seven days is possible with a clean freehold, an organised seller and both solicitors motivated. Two to four weeks is normal. Leasehold flats, probate cases and tenanted property take longer because there is more paperwork, not because the buyer is slower. If you need more time, say so; a cash buyer would rather complete in eight weeks on your date than lose the deal.

A note on the numbers. Percentages, timescales and costs on this site describe what is typical in the UK quick-sale market in 2026. They are not offers. Any offer comes from the buyer we introduce you to, after they have assessed the property, and it is theirs alone. Take independent legal advice before you exchange contracts on any sale.