Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. In the UK, the traditional route is to hire an estate agent, hand over the keys, and let them handle the marketing, viewings and negotiations. But an increasing number of homeowners are now asking a simple but powerful question: can you sell a house without an estate agent?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. But whether you should depends on your experience, your confidence, and the amount of time you’re willing to invest. Selling privately comes with advantages, challenges, and a very different process compared to working with a traditional agent.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether you can sell a house without an agent, why some homeowners choose this route, and how to sell your house successfully.
Can You Sell a House Without a Real Estate Agent?
Yes! In the UK, you are legally allowed to sell your house without using a real estate agent. Thousands of people choose this method every year, often using platforms like social media, private sale websites, or simply relying on word of mouth.
Selling your home yourself is often called a private house sale or a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) transaction. You handle everything that a real estate agent normally would, such as:
- Pricing the property
- Preparing documents
- Marketing the listing
- Taking photographs and videos
- Organising viewings
- Negotiating offers
- Communicating with solicitors
While totally possible, it requires more effort, organisation, and confidence than using an agent. Still, for many people wondering “can you sell a house without a real estate agent?”, the potential savings and control make it an appealing choice.
Why Should You Try to Sell Your House Without an Agent?
There are several reasons homeowners choose to cut out the agent and take charge of the sale themselves. Here are the most common motivations:
1. You Save on Commission Fees
Real estate agents typically charge between 1% and 3% of the final sale price. On a £350,000 property, that could be anywhere from £3,500 to over £10,000. Selling privately gives you the chance to keep that money in your pocket.
If you’re confident in your ability to market your property, handle viewings, and negotiate, avoiding agent fees is a major advantage.
2. You Maintain Full Control of the Sale
Selling without an agent means you’re in charge of everything:
- You decide how your home is marketed.
- You set the viewing schedule.
- You communicate directly with buyers.
This can feel more personal and transparent for both sides. Many buyers even prefer dealing directly with the homeowner.
3. You Can Move Faster
Real estate agents often juggle dozens of listings at once. When you manage your own sale, you can move as quickly as you want, organising viewings immediately, responding to offers the same day, and pushing your solicitor when needed.
4. You Know Your Home Better Than Anyone
You’re the expert on the neighbourhood, the house upgrades, and the little details that make the property unique. When buyers ask questions, you’re able to give accurate and heartfelt answers.
5. Private Sales Can Feel More Personal
Some homeowners prefer a private process where they interact directly with interested buyers. This can make the experience feel more transparent, especially for unique or sentimental homes.
These advantages explain why more people are searching for answers to “can you sell a house without an agent?”.
How to Sell a House Without a Real Estate Agent (and What to Do If You Go Solo)
Even if you’re considering a private sale, it helps to understand what real estate agents normally do because you’ll need to replicate a lot of it if you decide to sell without one.
Below is a breakdown of the standard selling process and detailed tips on how to manage each step independently.
1. Determine Your Property’s Value
Real estate agents usually provide free valuations. If you’re going solo, you can:
- Compare similar listings on Rightmove, Zoopla, and local agency websites
- Check sold house prices via HM Land Registry
- Use online valuation tools
- Speak with surveyors for an independent valuation
Accurate pricing is essential to avoid losing money or scaring away potential buyers.
2. Prepare Your Home for Viewings
Before taking any photos or inviting people to visit, make sure your home is presentation-ready:
- Declutter and clean every room
- Repair small defects
- Repaint tired areas
- Improve kerb appeal
- Add plants, soft furnishings or lighting to warm up the space
Your goal is to help buyers imagine living there.
3. Take Your Own Photos and Videos
Real estate agents often hire professionals, but you can still achieve excellent results yourself, especially with modern smartphones.
Tips for Great Photos
- Shoot on a bright day with natural light
- Avoid using the flash
- Use a tripod to stabilise your shots
- Take photos from the corners to show the full space
- Keep rooms tidy and airy
Tips for Creating a Video Tour
Walk slowly through each room while explaining features clearly. A property video dramatically increases engagement online.
If your video feels too large for social media or property platforms, you can easily change the video size using free editing tools without losing quality.
High-quality photos and videos can make a huge difference in private property sales, helping your listing stand out from the competition.
4. Advertise Your Property
Real estate agents have instant access to major portals, but private sellers still have plenty of options:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local Facebook groups
- Gumtree
- Private sale websites
- Local community boards
- WhatsApp broadcasts
- Word of mouth
You can also use low-cost online estate agents that allow private sellers to list on Rightmove or Zoopla for a small fee.
5. Manage Viewings Yourself
Be welcoming and professional. Offer buyers:
- A brief tour
- Key details about the property
- Information about bills, council tax, transport and schools
- Space to explore the house privately
Be prepared for all kinds of questions, especially about the neighbourhood and the condition of the property.
6. Negotiate Offers
This is one of the biggest responsibilities normally handled by real estate agents. When negotiating privately:
- Be honest about your price expectations
- Consider every offer carefully
- Ask for proof of funds or an agreement in principle
- Don’t feel pressured to accept immediately
If you’re polite and transparent, negotiations can be just as smooth as with an agent.
7. Instruct a Solicitor
Whether you sell with or without an agent, you must use a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal process.
They will:
- Manage contracts
- Handle searches
- Communicate with the buyer’s solicitor
- Finalise the sale
This is the stage where most of the formal work happens, and your solicitor will guide you through each step.
Conclusion: Can You Sell a House Without a Real Estate Agent?
Yes! You can absolutely sell your house without a real estate agent, and many UK homeowners choose this route to save money, speed up the process, and maintain total control over their sale. However, it requires time, preparation, negotiation skills, and a willingness to handle every detail yourself.
If you’re organised, confident, and ready to take on the responsibility, a private sale can be just as successful as one handled by an agent. Whether you’re preparing photos or managing viewings, the key is to stay professional and present your property at its very best.
With the right approach, selling your home yourself is not only possible, it can be a rewarding and profitable experience.
