Thinking of Selling Fast? Here's What to Do First
Sometimes, life moves quickly. A new job offer, a growing family, or a sudden change in circumstances can make selling your home a top priority. But even if you're in a hurry, it's important not to rush into the process blindly.
Selling fast doesn’t mean selling carelessly. If you want to secure a quick sale without sacrificing your home’s value, there are a few key steps you should take first. Here’s what you need to know before putting that ‘For Sale’ sign up.
1. Understand your position clearly
Before anything else, take a step back and get a full picture of your current situation.
Ask yourself:
- Why do I want to sell quickly?
- Is there a deadline I need to work towards?
- Am I financially ready to move on?
- What’s my mortgage balance and early repayment terms?
You’d be surprised how many sellers lose precious time chasing offers without having their financials or paperwork in order. The clearer your own goals are, the smoother the process will be when you go to market.
2. Get an idea of your home’s value
The first step to a successful sale is knowing what your property is worth. This is especially important when time is tight—you want to set a realistic price that attracts buyers but doesn’t leave money on the table.
A great way to get started is by using an instant online house valuation tool. These tools analyse market data, recent sold prices, and local trends to give you a ballpark estimate. It’s fast, free, and gives you a good starting point before speaking to agents.
Of course, for an accurate figure, you’ll want an in-person valuation from a trusted local estate agent. But an instant online estimate gives you a quick reality check on where your home might sit in the current market.
3. Choose the right estate agent
Not all estate agents are equal—especially when it comes to achieving a quick but fair sale.
You’ll want an agent who:
- Knows your local market inside out
- Has a list of active buyers waiting
- Offers professional photography and marketing
- Is proactive and responsive with enquiries
- Can guide you through pricing, negotiation, and legal steps
It’s a good idea to meet with at least two or three agents before choosing one. Don’t just go for the one who quotes the highest asking price. Look at their recent track record, sales speed, and how well they understand your situation.
4. Price it right from the start
If you want to sell quickly, pricing is everything.
Overpricing can leave your property sitting stale on the market. Buyers will assume there’s something wrong if it lingers too long, even if you later drop the price.
Underpricing might attract fast interest, but it can also lead to regret if you miss out on what your home is truly worth.
Your agent should help you strike the right balance—considering local demand, nearby sold prices, and the urgency of your move. Remember, a well-priced home in a popular area can still go under offer within days.
5. Tidy up and tackle quick fixes
You don’t need to renovate your entire house to sell it quickly. But first impressions matter more than ever when you’re trying to get offers fast.
Focus on quick, low-cost improvements such as:
- Decluttering every room
- Deep-cleaning carpets and windows
- Touching up paintwork
- Fixing leaky taps, broken door handles, or creaky floorboards
- Boosting kerb appeal with a tidy garden and clean front door
The goal is to help buyers imagine themselves living in your home—without distractions. A clean, well-maintained property will always feel more valuable than one that’s clearly rushed to market.
6. Get your paperwork ready early
One of the biggest delays in property sales isn’t finding a buyer—it’s dealing with the legal side.
If you're serious about selling quickly, start gathering your paperwork now. This might include:
- Property title deeds
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Building regulations certificates (for extensions or structural work)
- Boiler service records
- Warranties for any appliances or installations
- Leasehold documents (if applicable)
You can also instruct a solicitor or conveyancer early, so they’re ready to go once a buyer is found. This small step can shave weeks off the timeline.
7. Be flexible with viewings
If you want a fast sale, you need to give buyers easy access to view the property.
Weekends and evenings tend to be most popular, so try to accommodate those where possible. The more flexible you are, the more opportunities your agent will have to line up serious interest.
Virtual viewings are also growing in popularity—especially for buyers relocating from other parts of the country. Ask your agent if they can offer a high-quality video tour as part of their marketing.
8. Consider your onward plan
Selling fast only works if you’ve thought about where you’re going next.
Are you buying another home? Renting temporarily? Moving abroad?
Whatever the case, make sure your plans are in place before you accept an offer. The last thing you want is to agree to a quick sale and then struggle to complete because you haven’t found your next property.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a purchase, renting short-term could buy you the breathing space you need.
9. Prepare for negotiation
Even in a quick sale, negotiation is part of the process.
Buyers may offer under the asking price or request conditions—such as a tight completion date or specific fixtures included in the deal.
Know your bottom line before you list, and discuss negotiation tactics with your estate agent. Being prepared will help you move forward confidently when offers start coming in.
10. Don’t panic
Lastly, stay calm.
Wanting a fast sale doesn’t mean you should accept the first offer or compromise too heavily. The key is preparation, not panic.
A good agent will help guide you through the process and ensure your goals are met, whether you're aiming to complete in weeks or just want to avoid dragging the process out for months.
Final thoughts
Selling your home quickly in 2025 is entirely possible—but only if you take the right steps from the start.
Get a clear sense of your position. Use tools like an instant online house valuation to check your home's worth. Choose a proactive estate agent, price it properly, and stay ahead of the paperwork.
With a little planning and the right team behind you, you can move on to your next chapter sooner than you think—without unnecessary stress or regrets.
