Selling your house quickly isn’t about luck – it’s about strategy. Whether you’re relocating, managing an investment, or releasing equity, this step-by-step guide explains how to sell your house fast in London (backlink the guide) without compromising on price. Drawing on real data from Ernest-Brooks International’s London and Asia offices, here are the same techniques used to achieve faster completions and stronger offers.
Step 1: Price Your Property Correctly From Day One
Accurate pricing is the single most important factor when you want to sell your home fast. Properties listed at true market value attract three times more viewings in the first fortnight than overpriced listings.
Research from our London database shows that homes priced just 5-10% too high take up to 73% longer to sell and often achieve lower final prices.
Pricing Strategy | Average Days to Offer | Final Sale Price |
Market Value | 38 days | 98% of asking |
5% Above Market | 66 days | 94% of asking |
10% Above Market | 104 days | 91% of asking |
Based on client data from our London and Asia offices, properties priced competitively receive their first offer within 14 days. Work with an experienced agent and valuer who understands your local market rather than relying solely on automated online estimates.
Step 2: Complete All Legal Documentation Before Marketing
Delays in paperwork can cause buyers to walk away. Gather your key documents before launching your property online.
Essential documents include your EPC (valid for 10 years), title deeds, FENSA certificates, and for leasehold properties, a management information pack.
Getting these ready early can save two to three weeks once an offer is accepted.
Document Type | Time to Obtain | Cost Range |
EPC Certificate | 2-3 days | £65-120 |
Title Deeds Copy | 5-7 days | £3 per document |
Leasehold Pack | 10-14 days | £200-350 |
Building Certificates | 7-10 days | £50-150 |
Step 3: Fix Visible Problems That Put Buyers Off
Minor issues send the wrong signal to potential buyers. A cracked tile or leaky tap can make a buyer question the entire property’s condition.
Our sales data shows that homes with visible defects receive offers 8% below asking price on average. Focus on what buyers notice most during viewings – scuffed paint, loose handles, dripping taps, and worn carpets.
A professional painter costs around £150-250 per room but typically returns over 100% of its cost in higher offers.
You can also explore our guide on how to prepare your home for sale for a detailed checklist of simple value-boosting repairs.
Step 4: Stage Your Home for Maximum Visual Impact
Staging is proven to make homes sell faster and for more money. Remove clutter and personal items so buyers can visualise living there.
Natural light is your secret weapon – clean all windows, switch heavy curtains for lighter options, and trim any outdoor plants blocking sunlight.
Properties photographed with professional lighting receive over 40% more online enquiries than poorly presented ones.
Staging Element | Impact on Sale Speed | Cost |
Decluttering | 23% faster | £0-200 |
Professional cleaning | 15% faster | £150-300 |
Garden maintenance | 19% faster | £100-400 |
Neutral paint | 21% faster | £500-1500 |
Step 5: Choose an Estate Agent Based on Results and presence, Not Fees
The right estate agent can make the difference between a fast, profitable sale and months of frustration. When choosing, focus on performance rather than just commission rates.
Ask each agent about their average time to sale, percentage of asking price achieved, international v national exposure and marketing strategy. The best agents consistently secure 96%+ of asking prices.
At EBI, our team benchmarks above the London average for both speed and achieved price – combining valuation expertise with international buyer reach.
Step 6: Invest in Professional Marketing Materials
High-quality visuals drive serious interest. Professional photography increases viewing requests by up to 139% compared to amateur shots.
3D virtual tours and drone footage can make your listing stand out, reducing average time to offer by nine days. Always include a floor plan with clear room sizes and total square footage.
Step 7: Time Your Market Entry Strategically
Timing your launch can accelerate your sale by several weeks. Properties listed on Thursdays receive around 20% more online views than those listed earlier in the week.
Spring (March–May) remains the strongest period, followed by September when families seek to move before the school year progresses.
Launch Month | Average Days to Offer | Buyer Competition Level |
March | 31 days | High |
September | 34 days | High |
January | 52 days | Medium |
August | 48 days | Low |
If you need to sell quickly, align your marketing to these peak windows and plan ahead for photography and legal pack readiness.
Step 8: Respond to Viewings and Offers Without Delay
Momentum is everything when selling your house fast. Respond to viewing requests within two hours – response time directly impacts your likelihood of receiving an offer.
Be flexible with viewing times. Evening and weekend slots increase viewing numbers by over 60%.
Once an offer is received, respond within 24 hours even if declining – this keeps potential buyers engaged and shows professionalism.
Step 9: Negotiate Smartly and Stay Data-Driven
Know your minimum acceptable price before negotiations start, factoring in all selling costs. Multiple offers often create competition that pushes prices on average 4% higher.
Negotiation Factor | Impact on Final Price |
Single offer | 94% of asking |
Two competing offers | 98% of asking |
Three+ offers | 104% of asking |
Cash buyer | 96% of asking (but faster) |
Accepting offers from buyers without chains can shorten completion by a month on average.
If you want to learn more about timescales and buyer behaviour, read our blog on how long does it take to sell a house in the UK.
Step 10: Keep Momentum Through to Completion
Sales fall through when momentum stalls. Respond to solicitor queries within 48 hours and chase your buyer’s solicitor if progress slows.
Keep your property presentable until completion, as 1 in 5 buyers request extra visits for surveys or measurements. Maintaining presentation standards prevents buyer concerns.
Track milestone completions weekly with your solicitor. Properties where sellers actively manage the process complete 22 days faster than passive sellers who want to sell your house fast.
Process Stage | Typical Duration | Your Action Required |
Offer to Survey | 14-21 days | Provide access quickly |
Survey to Mortgage | 21-28 days | Answer queries promptly |
Mortgage to Exchange | 14-21 days | Chase solicitor weekly |
Exchange to Completion | 7-14 days | Arrange removals |
Accelerate Your Sale with London’s Award-Winning Property Experts
If you’re serious about selling your home fast, choose an agent with both local knowledge and international reach.
Ernest-Brooks International has been awarded Best International Property Consultancy 2025 for achieving above-average sale prices and faster completions across London.
We combine data-driven valuation, premium marketing, and expert negotiation to deliver superior results. Our transparent approach ensures you always know what it costs to sell your house – with no hidden fees.
Request your free London property valuation today and discover how quickly we can help you sell.
Quick FAQs About Selling Your House Fast
How can I make my home more attractive to buyers?
Focus on first impressions: declutter, repaint, and maximise natural light. Staged homes sell 20% faster on average.
Is spring still the best time to sell in London?
Yes – March to May remains the most active, but professional marketing can generate interest year-round.
Should I accept the first offer?
Only if it matches your expectations. Waiting for competing offers can achieve up to 4% above asking price.
How much does it cost to sell a house in London?
Expect 1.5%–2.5% + VAT in agent fees. Read more in our guide: How much does it cost to sell a house in London.
