Situation 6 of 10
Selling a house with tenants in
You can sell a tenanted house. The key is knowing who your buyer is.
“My tenants are good and would happily stay.”
How to improve it
- Sell it with the tenants in place, to another landlord. Good tenants paying on time are a selling point.
- Have a landlord's pack ready: tenancy agreement, rent history, deposit protection proof, gas and electrical safety certificates, and the EPC.
- Tell your tenants early and agree viewing times with them. Cooperative tenants make or break viewings.
“The tenants are behind on rent or causing problems.”
How to improve it
- Get advice before you act. The rules on ending tenancies have changed, and a wrong step can delay things for months.
- Keep records of everything: payments, messages, and the condition of the house.
- Some investors buy with difficult tenancies in place. Expect the price to reflect the hassle.
“I want it empty so I can sell to a family.”
How to improve it
- An empty house usually sells for more, because owner-occupiers with mortgages can buy it.
- Check the current notice rules with a letting agent or solicitor before you serve anything.
- Build the notice period and a few weeks' void into your plan, and refresh the house before you list.
General guidance only. Tenancy law changes, so check before you serve notice.
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 during separation or divorce
- 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