Can I sell my house and still live in it?
You can, but should you?
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Selling your house while continuing to live in it is something many people in the UK look into, whether it’s to free up some cash, simplify their lives, or make long-term plans easier. The two main ways to do this are through a home reversion scheme or by selling to family, friends, or children under an agreed arrangement that lets you stay in the home.
But, other options, like lifetime mortgages, aren’t technically selling your house. Instead, they’re loans secured property against your home. And, while you might hear about the old Sale and Rent Back schemes, this option has been unavailable since 2012. Many of these routes can also create issues with long-term stability or inheritance plans, especially if you don’t have a solid savings cushion.
That’s why we think there’s a better way. By using a service like ours, you can sell your house, unlock the money tied up in it, and make choices that work for you. Whether it’s downsizing, retiring in comfort, moving in with family, or simply enjoying the financial freedom you’ve earned, we’re here to help.
Selling your house doesn’t mean giving up your peace of mind – it can be the start of something better. Let us make it easy for you to plan your future while making the most of today.
Selling and staying in your home options
From home reversion schemes to lifetime mortgages, and even selling to family or friends, each option comes with its own pros and cons. Some allow you to stay in your home for life, while others might offer more flexibility but impact your inheritance or financial future…
Home reversion schemes
This is when you sell all or part of your home to a provider in exchange for a cash lump sum or regular payments, but you get to stay in your home rent free or for a small fee for the rest of your life. The catch? You give up ownership or a big chunk of it.
Pros
You can stay in your home for as long as you like without worrying about monthly payments
It gives you access to cash or a steady income when you need it.
Cons
You’ll only get a fraction of your home’s market value – usually around 20% to 60%.
It massively reduces any inheritance you leave behind.
It’s not great if you might want the flexibility to move in the future.
Fees and legal costs add up.
Selling to family or friends
This is where you sell your home to someone close to you – like family or a friend – on the condition that you can stay living there. It can be done informally, but a legal agreement is definitely recommended to avoid problems down the road.
Pros
Your home stays “in the family,” which can be reassuring.
Terms are often flexible – you might not even need to pay rent.
It’s usually cheaper since there aren’t as many fees involved.
Cons
Mixing money and personal relationships can get tricky if issues arise.
You’ll need to have a clear legal agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
The person buying your home needs to be financially able to afford it, which isn’t always the case.
Lifetime mortgages
A lifetime mortgage is essentially a loan against the value of your home. You keep living there and don’t make monthly payments because the loan (plus interest) gets paid off when you pass away or move into long term care.
Pros
You still own your home, which feels more secure for some people.
You can get a lump sum or smaller amounts over time, depending on your needs.
No repayments while you’re still living there.
Cons
Interest builds up over time, so it can eat away a lot of your home’s value.
If you want to move in the future, things can get complicated.
It’s technically not “selling” your home, so it won’t give you the full amount of cash upfront.
Companies that offer it:
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Sale and Rent Back scheme
The Sale and Rent Back scheme used to be where you could sell your home to a company and rent it back, staying as a tenant. It’s not an option anymore because it was banned in 2012.
The Property Buying Company
If you've been considering these options but none of them feel quite right, selling your home to The Property Buying Company could be a simpler and better alternative.
Here’s why:
You get a guaranteed sale without the hassle of waiting for a chain to complete.
It’s quick, so you can access your money and move with your plans in a matter of weeks.
It’s flexible, letting you choose a timeline that works for you.
There are absolutely no hidden fees, and we will even cover your legal costs.
Selling to The Property Buying Company gives you the freedom to make a fresh start, whether that means downsizing, moving closer to loved ones, or just enjoying financial peace of mind.
If you’re ready to explore this option, we’re here to help! Just fill out our postcode below…
Which is the best option for you?
Selling your home but still wanting to live in it sounds like the best of both worlds, right? The good news is – there are several ways to do it. The tricky part? Each option comes with its own pros, cons and fine print.
To help you figure out what works best for your situation, we’ve broken things down into two key areas: financial and practical considerations.
What will you get & what are the costs?
The financial side of things is often the biggest concern. How much money will you get? What are the fees? Are there any hidden costs? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect with each option:
| Feature | The Property Buying Company | Lifetime mortgages | Home Reversion schemes | Selling to family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fees | No fees for sellers; company covers costs. | Arrangement fees and interest charges apply. | Legal and valuation fees (can be significant). | Minimal legal fees (usually shared or agreed upon). |
| Price received | 80.42% of market value (average offer). | Retain full ownership but repay with interest. | Seek a portion of your property (20% to 60% of market value). | Usually close to market value, depending on the agreement. |
| Best for | Homeowners needing quick cash or flexibility due to relocation, settling an estate or avoiding repossession. | Retirees aged 55+ looking to unlock equity. | Retirees aged 65+ willing to sell a share of ownership. | Those with family or friends who want to assist financially. |
| Financial risk | Low – receive a lump sum with no ongoing costs. | High – compounding interest can reduce equity over time & rates can change. | Moderate – equity sacrificed for upfront cash. | Low - flexibility and trust between family/friends reduces risks. |
| Benefits? | Fast cash, no fees, flexible completion. | Retain ownership, no immediate sale needed. | Ability to live rent free or at reduced rent. | Keeps property in the family, flexibility with agreements. |
| Disadvantages? | 19.58% below market value. | Compounding interest can eat into equity. | Lose a portion of property value and inheritance. | Potential disputes if terms aren’t clearly defined. |
If you need quick money with no hassle, The Property Buying Company is a solid option. If you want to stay put and don’t mind a long term loan, a lifetime mortgage could work. How reversion schemes let you sell a chunk of your home but stay rent free, while selling to family offers flexibility but requires clear agreements to avoid disputes later.
How it works day to day
Money is one thing, but what about the practical side? Will you still have control over your home? How long does the process take? What about inheritance? Here’s what you need to know:
| Feature | The Property Buying Company | Lifetime mortgages | Home Reversion schemes | Selling to family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time to complete | Average sale in 114 days. Can be as fast as 7 days. | Between 28 and 56 days. | Between 42 and 84 days. | Moderate – depends on mutual agreement and conveyancing. |
| Control over property | Full control until sale is complete. | Retain full ownership, but property is collateral. | Shared ownership with the provider. | Full control unit sale; terms depend on the agreement. |
| Tenancy or occupancy terms | None – you move out after sale. | Continue living in your home as owner. | Retain the right to live in your home rent free or at a reduced rent. | Depends on pre-agreed terms; often informal tenancy. |
| Inheritance impact | No property inheritance, but funds can be passed on. | Reduces inheritance due to loan repayment. | Significantly reduces inheritance value. | Property remains within family. |
Karl McArdle, CEO & Co-Founder of The Property Buying Company, says:
“There’s no one size fits all answer when it comes to selling your home and staying in it. Everyone’s situation is different, and the right option is ultimately what feels right for you.”
“If you need quick cash and are ready to move on, selling to a company like ours is a straightforward hassle free option. If staying put is the priority but you need to unlock some money, a lifetime mortgage might be a better fit.”
“A home reversion scheme works for those willing to sell part of their property in exchange for rent free living, while selling to family can keep the home in trusted hands – but it’s important to have clear agreements to avoid complications down the line.”
“We’ve spoken to so many homeowners who feel overwhelmed by the choices out there. The key thing is to make sure you’re fully informed and stay away from Sale and Rent Back schemes."
"Speaking to a financial advisor or getting legal advice can really help, and if you’re unsure, we’re always happy to chat and help you explore your options.”
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Get a fresh start
Staying in your home after selling might have felt like the right option at first. But, sometimes, moving on entirely can offer the fresh start you need. That’s where we come in. Our cash buying service is designed to make selling your home quick, simple, and hassle-free.
- Tell us about your home
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Pop your postcode into the box above, select your property, answer a few easy questions and share your contact details. That’s it – no overly complicated forms, no stress.
- Get your cash offer
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One of our expert consultants will give you a quick call to chat about your home’s condition. Using that info, along with market data and similar property sales, we’ll work out a fair valuation and give you an initial cash offer (in 24 hours).
- We’ll visit your home
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If you like the offer, we'll arrange for one of our Regional Managers to visit. They’ll take a look around, answer any questions you have, and make sure everything is as it should be. After their visit, we’ll confirm your final cash offer.
- We handle the legal stuff
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Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll sort out all the legal paperwork and even cover your solicitor’s fees. We’ll also arrange for a professional RICS survey to keep everything straightforward and above board.
- Complete the sale on your terms
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Once everything is signed off, you choose when we exchange and complete. Whether you need to move quickly or need more time to figure out your next steps, we’ll work around you.
It’s that easy.
Whether you’re downsizing, moving closer to family, or simply ready for something new, we’re here to help you make it happen. No stress, no hidden fees – just a straightforward, transparent way to sell your house and take the next step.
Why homeowners choose us
The Property Buying Company offers a unique and straightforward alternative to the more complicated and often restrictive “sell and stay” options:
You get full flexibility to move forward
Unlike home reversion schemes or lifetime mortgages, which tie you to specific terms or leave you with less financial freedom, selling your home to use means you get:
Full control over your next steps: Whether that’s downsizing, relocating or pursuing other goals.
No ongoing agreements: You’re not locked into contracts or repayment plans.
You’ll receive a fair cash offer quickly
While options like home reversion schemes only give you 20% to 60% of your property’s value, and lifetime mortgages reduce your home’s equity with interest, we offer competitive cas prices based on your home’s true market value, plus:
We don’t charge any hidden fees or interest.
Your cash is available in weeks, not months.
No complicated paperwork or delays
Selling to family or friends often involves complicated legal agreements to avoid disputes, but with us:
We handle all the legal work for you and even cover your legal fees.
There’s no stress or risk of falling out with loved ones.
A guaranteed sale without uncertainty
Unlike selling on the open market, or options like lifetime mortgages, where plans can fall through or take longer than expected, we guarantee a sale.
No chains to worry about.
You choose the timeline that works for you – whether that’s fast or flexible.
No long term impact on inheritance
Home reversion schemes and lifetime mortgages can severely reduce the inheritance you leave behind. By selling outright to us, you can:
Control how you use the money, whether that’s passing it on to loved ones, saving for the future, or enjoying your retirement.
Avoid compounding interest or shared ownership agreements.
Ultimately, selling to The Property Buying Company gives you the freedom and financial peace of mind to take control of your future without the complications of other options. Whether you’re looking to downsize, move closer to loved ones, or simply enjoy the cash value of your home, we make it easy, quick and worry free.
If you’re ready to explore our options, get in touch with us today!
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