Situation 5 of 10
Selling a house during separation or divorce
The house is often the biggest thing you share. The calmer and clearer the plan, the faster you both move on.
“We both want to sell. We just need it done.”
How to improve it
- Agree the big things in writing first: asking price, lowest offer you'll both take, and who pays the mortgage until it sells.
- Pick one of you, or the agent, as the single point of contact, so buyers don't get mixed messages.
- Keep the house presented for viewings, even if one of you has moved out.
“One of us is dragging their feet.”
How to improve it
- Try mediation first. It's usually quicker and far cheaper than solicitors arguing by letter.
- Take legal advice early on your rights to the house. They depend on whether you're married and whose name is on the deeds.
- A court can order a sale as a last resort, but it's slow and costly for you both.
“We need a clean break, and fast.”
How to improve it
- Decide together whether the extra money from an agent sale is worth months more tied together.
- A direct sale gives you a fixed date and one buyer to deal with, but a lower price. Compare both honestly.
- Have the money split through the solicitors on completion, so nobody has to trust the other with it.
General guidance only. A family solicitor can advise on your rights.
Other situations
- Your house isn't selling and nothing's happening
- Your house sale has fallen through
- Selling a house you've inherited
- Selling a house that needs work
- Selling a house with tenants in
- Behind on the mortgage
- When you owe more than your house is worth
- Selling your house when you're relocating
- Selling a parent's house to pay for care