Questions to ask a cash buyer before you sell | We Buy Any House
Selling your home to a cash buyer can save time and stress, but only if you choose the right company. In this guide, we share the essential questions you should ask before agreeing to a cash sale
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make, and when the pressure is on to move quickly, the traditional route through estate agents can feel slow and uncertain.
In recent years, more and more homeowners have turned to cash house buyers for a faster and simpler way to sell.
A cash house buyer offers the promise of speed, certainty and the ability to avoid the dreaded property chain.
However, not all cash house buyers are created equal, and choosing the wrong company or individual could leave you vulnerable to delays, reduced offers or hidden costs.
This is why asking the right questions before you commit to a cash sale is essential. Doing so protects your financial interests, ensures transparency, and gives you peace of mind throughout the process. In this article, we will explore the most important questions to ask any cash buyer before agreeing to sell your property.
By the end, you will be equipped with the knowledge you need to safeguard your sale and make an informed decision. And if you are considering selling, remember that We Buy Any House offers a fair, fast and transparent solution to homeowners across the UK.
Are you a genuine cash buyer or a middleman?
One of the most crucial questions to ask upfront is whether the buyer is a genuine cash buyer or simply a middleman, or, worst of all, a scammer. Many companies market themselves as cash house buyers, but in reality, they are acting as brokers. These firms will not purchase your property directly but will instead look to pass it on to an investor or add it to a network of third parties.
The problem with this is that it undermines the certainty that a cash sale is supposed to deliver. If a middleman is involved, there is always the risk of delays, reduced offers, or even the collapse of the sale if the end buyer pulls out.
A genuine cash buyer, on the other hand, has the funds readily available and can move forward with the sale immediately. When you ask this question, you should expect a direct answer. If the company avoids giving a clear response or tells you they need to ‘line up investors, ’ it is a red flag. Reputable buyers such as We Buy Any House will always be transparent about their status as direct purchasers.
How quickly can you complete the sale?
Speed is usually one of the main reasons homeowners turn to cash buyers, so it is vital to ask how quickly the company can complete the transaction. In most cases, genuine cash buyers can complete within 7 days, depending on your circumstances and the complexity of the legal work.
While a cash sale is much faster than going through the open market, there are still legal processes, such as conveyancing, that must be followed.
A reliable cash house buyer will give you a realistic timeframe and will explain the steps involved in the process. This allows you to plan your move, whether you are relocating for work, facing repossession or trying to settle probate.
At We Buy Any House, we are known for our ability to tailor the timeline for the seller’s needs, whether that means completing in 7 days or arranging a slightly longer period to allow the homeowner to prepare for their next move.
Will you conduct a property survey or valuation?
Another question to ask is whether the buyer intends to carry out a survey or valuation on your property. Many sellers are caught off guard when they accept a seemingly generous offer, only for the buyer to reduce the figure later after a survey has taken place. This practice, known as gazundering, can be extremely stressful and often leaves sellers feeling pressured to accept a lower price just to avoid starting over.
By asking this question upfront, you can gauge how the buyer operates. Some companies will arrange a RICS survey, while others will combine it with a desktop top valuation.
A reputable cash buyer will be upfront about their process and will aim to make an offer that reflects the true value of your home without springing last-minute changes.
At We Buy Any House, the focus is always on providing fair and realistic valuations from the outset so sellers can move forward without fear or hidden surprises.
Will the offer you make be guaranteed?
Following on from the issue of surveys, you should also ask whether the offer you are given is guaranteed. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for some firms to make a high initial offer to secure your interest, only to reduce it significantly before completion.
This tactic takes advantage of the fact that by the time the offer is lowered, many sellers are desperate to complete and feel they have no choice but to accept.
A trustworthy buyer will guarantee their offer and commit to it in writing, provided no major legal or structural issues are uncovered. By confirming this in advance, you protect yourself from disappointment and ensure the buyer’s intentions are genuine. At We Buy Any House, sellers can rest assured that the offer made is the one that will be honoured, giving our sellers total peace of mind.
Are there any hidden fees or costs?
One of the main reasons people turn to a cash house buyer is to avoid the mounting expenses of selling through the open market. Estate agent commissions, legal bills, and marketing costs quickly add up, making the traditional route not only slow but also costly.
However, some cash buyers advertise themselves as a ‘free service’ only to later add administration charges, survey fees, or other unexpected costs that eat into the final amount you receive. This is why it is vital to ask whether there are any hidden fees or charges before committing to a sale.
A genuine cash buyer should be upfront about exactly what you will receive on completion and whether you will be expected to pay for anything along the way. The most reputable companies, including We Buy Any House, cover all legal fees and do not add surprise extras at the last minute. This level of transparency ensures that what you are offered is what you walk away with, giving you the confidence to move forward without second-guessing the true cost of selling your home.
Do you cover legal and conveyancing costs?
Another essential question concerns who will pay for the legal side of the transaction. Conveyancing is an unavoidable part of selling a property, even in a cash sale, and the fees associated with it typically range from £1,000 to £1,500. For homeowners already under financial pressure, this added expense can be difficult to manage. A trustworthy cash buyer will usually cover these legal costs on your behalf, ensuring the sale is genuinely cost-free.
When you speak with a prospective buyer, ask whether they provide a solicitor or if you will need to appoint your own. If they do provide one, find out whether you are obligated to use them or if you can choose your own solicitor at their expense. We Buy Any House always covers the cost of conveyancing, which means sellers can enjoy a completely hassle-free process without the worry of extra bills landing on their doorstep.
Are you regulated or a member of industry bodies?
The property industry is vast, and while many companies operate ethically, there are unfortunately some that do not. To protect yourself, you should always ask whether organisations such as The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) indicate that the company follows strict codes of practice and is committed to fair dealing.
If a company is not part of any recognised body, you should proceed with caution. Regulation provides sellers with additional protection, including access to formal complaint procedures if anything goes wrong. We Buy Any House is a proud member of respected organisations within the industry, which means homeowners can be confident that they are dealing with a buyer that prioritises professionalism, transparency and accountability.
Can you provide testimonials or case studies?
Another important way to assess the reliability of a cash buyer is to ask for testimonials or read reviews from previous home sellers. Real stories provide valuable insight into how the company operates and whether it delivers on its promises. A genuine buyer will be happy to share written testimonials, direct you to platforms such as Trustpilot or Google Reviews.
If a cash house buyer avoids sharing any form of customer feedback, it may be a sign that they have something to hide. Reviews are one of the most powerful tools available to sellers when it comes to evaluating a company’s credibility. At We Buy Any House, thousands of homeowners have shared their positive experiences online, demonstrating the company’s commitment to trust, speed and fairness.
Do you buy any property regardless of condition?
One of the attractions of selling to a cash house buyer is that the sale is meant to be quick and simple, without the need for costly renovations or months of preparation. However, not all companies live up to the promise of buying ‘any house’. Some will refuse structural issues, short leases or those located in areas they consider undesirable. If your home falls into one of these categories, you could waste valuable time engaging with a buyer who later backs out.
This is why you should always ask whether the company truly buys any property, regardless of condition. A genuine cash buyer should be prepared to purchase homes that are dated, damaged or in need of complete renovation.
We Buy Any House does not discriminate against property type or condition. Whether your home is pristine, fire-damaged or suffering from damp, they will make a fair offer and see the transaction through to completion.
How will you handle my personal situation?
Every homeowner has a different reason for seeking a quick sale and understanding how a buyer will respond to your unique circumstances is vital. You may be dealing with divorce, trying to prevent repossession, managing a probate property, or relocating abroad for work. Each of these situations carries its own challenges and requires a buyer who can adapt to your needs.
When you ask this question, listen carefully to the answer. A professional company should demonstrate empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to work with you to achieve the best outcome. For example, if you’re selling due to financial difficulty, the buyer should be sensitive to your timeline and support you in avoiding unnecessary stress. At We Buy Any House, our sellers are treated as individuals rather than transactions, with the process tailored to meet your personal goals and circumstances.
Will you keep me updated throughout the sale?
Communication is often the difference between a smooth property sale and a stressful one. Some homeowners who have worked with disreputable buyers report long periods of silence, unanswered calls, and uncertainty about whether the sale is even progressing. To avoid this, you should ask how the buyer intends to keep you informed throughout the transaction.
A professional cash buyer should assign you a dedicated point of contact who will update you regularly and be available to answer any questions. They should provide clear communication about what stage the sale has reached and what will happen next. We Buy Any House prides itself on maintaining excellent communication, giving sellers peace of mind that they are always in the loop.
Conclusion: Protect yourself with the right questions
Selling your home to a cash buyer can be one of the fastest and most stress-free ways to move on, but only if you choose the right company. By asking the right questions before you commit, you protect yourself from hidden fees, misleading offers, and unnecessary delays. A genuine cash house buyer should be transparent, regulated and able to provide clear timelines and guaranteed offers. They should also treat you with respect and adapt to your individual circumstances, whether you are facing financial pressure, probate, relocation or divorce.
At the end of the day, your home is one of your most valuable assets, and you deserve to know exactly who you are dealing with and what the process involves. That is why so many homeowners trust We Buy Any House. With nationwide coverage, no hidden fees, guaranteed offers, and a reputation for transparency. We Buy Any House gives you the certainty and peace of mind you need when selling.
If you are ready to take the next step, you can get a free, no-obligation cash offer today and sell on your own terms. With We Buy Any House, the process is fast, fair and tailored to your needs.
Contact We Buy Any House now to see how quickly and easily you can sell your property.