How hard is it to sell a problem property?

Selling a property can be stressful at the best of times, but when your home is considered a “problem property,” it can feel downright impossible. Whether it’s structural issues, a history of flooding or something like Japanese Knotweed creeping in, these challenges can make buyers hesitate, scare off mortgage lenders, and leave estate agents struggling to help.

But here’s the good news; selling a problem property isn’t impossible. Sure, it might take a bit more planning and the right approach, but there are ways to move forward.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down – what makes a property a “problem”, why they can be tricky to sell, and the best options for finding a buyer. From understanding what you legally need to disclose to exploring alternative selling routes, we’ve got the answers to help you navigate this tricky process.

If you’re feeling stuck and want a quick, straightforward solution, The Property Buying Company can make things easier. We buy any property, in any condition, for cash – no repairs, no surveys, no waiting around. 

Ready to take the next step? Let’s dive in and show you how selling your problem property can be simpler than you think…

What is a problem property?

A problem property is essentially a home with issues that make it harder to sell or significantly reduce its value. These problems can range from fixable things like broken chains or outdated wiring to bigger challenges like being in a flood prone area or having Japanese Knotweed – a plant that can damage foundations.

What counts as a problem property?

Problem properties can have all sorts of issues. Some are serious, like structural damage or being too close to something undesirable, like a mobile mast. Others might seem less severe but can still turn buyers away, like dodgy plumbing or peeling paint.

Sometimes, homeowners already know about these issues. If that’s the case, it’s important to be upfront and let potential buyers know, usually through the seller’s property information form. Trying to hide problems can backfire – big time. Buyers can take legal action if they discover hidden issues after the sale, especially if it costs them a lot to fix.

Other times, problems only come to light during a house survey. These inspections are a standard part of the buying process and can uncover things you might not have known about, like subsidence or a leaking roof.

What might make a property a problem?

A problem property can have all sorts of issues, both inside and out, so it’s worth taking a good, honest look at your home before putting it on the market. Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you prepare for questions from buyers or even address some issues beforehand.

Here are some of the most common things that can turn a house or flat into a “problem property.” Keep in mind, this isn’t a complete list — there are plenty of other factors that could cause challenges when selling:

If your property has any of these issues, don’t panic — it doesn’t mean it's unsellable. Getting a house survey yourself, and knowing about the problems upfront means you can plan ahead and find the right buyer.

Luckily for you, here at The Property Buying Company, we mean it when we say, we buy any house, in any location, in any condition (as long as it can be made habitable in the future). We are a UK based cash house buyer and can buy your house directly from you in as little as 7 days.

Why are problem properties hard to sell?

Selling a home with issues can be tough. Whether the problems are obvious or hidden, they often create extra hurdles that make it harder to find a buyer or secure the price you want:

Fewer buyers

• If your property has visible problems — like damp patches, cracks in the walls, or overgrown gardens — it might struggle to make a good first impression. Buyers may swipe past your listing or lose interest during a viewing.

• Even if the problems aren’t obvious at first glance, they might come to light during the survey. When that happens, some buyers will drop out entirely, deciding the extra hassle or costs just aren’t worth it.

Lower offers

• The buyers who stick around are likely to factor repair costs into their offers, which means you’ll probably get less than you hoped for. If the survey reveals something serious, like structural issues, they might renegotiate for an even lower price — or pull out altogether.

Mortgage problems

• Big issues like structural damage or a short lease can make your property “unmortgageable.” This means buyers can’t get a mortgage on it, leaving cash buyers — like investors or developers as your main audience. These buyers will be looking for a bargain, so you’ll need to manage your expectations on price.

Delays

• If you decide to fix the issues yourself, that can take time and money. Not all buyers will want to wait for repairs to be finished, especially if they’re looking to move quickly.

Property chains

• If you know your property has issues, you might steer clear of property chains from the start, expecting it could take a while to sell. It’s a smart move, as chains rely on everything going smoothly – and problem properties can slow things down or even derail the process.

• The real trouble often begins when problems are uncovered later in the process, like during a buyer’s survey or a mortgage valuation. When this happens, there’s a risk the sale could fall through entirely, breaking the chain and leaving everyone involved – buyers, sellers and agents, scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Can you sell a problem property?

Yes, absolutely – but it takes a bit more planning. Here are our top tips:

• Be honest: Be upfront about issues. Transparency builds trust and avoids surprises later on.

• Consider cash buyers: Fast home buying companies (like ourselves) or property investors often specialise in buying homes with issues. It’s quick and hassle free, though you may need to accept a lower price.

• Try a property auction: Auctions can attract buyers who are up for a challenge and willing to take on a fixer-upper.

• Fix what you can: For smaller problems, making some repairs can help make your property more appealing and increase your chances of selling.

Selling a problem property isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. If you want to sell your property quickly, consider selling to The Property Buying Company. We can help you sell by the end of the month, and get cash in your bank within 48 hours of completion. We will even cover all your legal and selling fees!

Is it illegal to sell a house with problems?

No, it’s not illegal to sell a house with problems in the UK, but you are legally required to be honest about any major issues. If you try to hide problems or fail to disclose important details, you could end up serious legal trouble.

Sellers are required to provide potential buyers with accurate and truthful information about the property. This is known as “material information” and includes anything that could influence a buyer’s decision to go ahead with the purchase. Here are some examples of issues you must disclose:

• Structural problems like subsidence or dry rot.

• A history of flooding or being in a high risk flood area.

• Disputes with neighbours, such as arguments over boundaries. 

• Faulty installations, like plumbing, electrics or heating.

You’ll usually declare these details using a Seller’s Property Information Form (SPIF), which is a standard part of the home selling process.

What happens if you don’t disclose problems?

If you deliberately hide or fail to mention important issues, you could face legal action. With the buyer either looking to claim compensation or cancel the sale altogether. 

If they discover problems after the sale, and can prove you knew about them (i.e. painting over damp), they could demand money to cover the costs of fixing them. And, in some cases, they might even have the right to reverse the transaction entirely. Either way, it can get expensive and stressful, so honesty is always the best policy.

Who will buy a problem property?

Selling a problem property might feel hard, especially if estate agents, mortgage lenders or surveyors have turned it down. But don’t worry – you still have options! Even if your home has structural problems, a short lease, or environmental concerns, buyers are out there.

At The Property Buying Company, we specialise in buying properties others wont touch. Here’s how we make selling your problem property simple:

• A fair cash offer based on your property’s current condition.

• A simple, straightforward process with no hidden costs or estate agent fees.

• Personal support to guide you through every step of the sale.

We buy any property, no matter the condition

It doesn’t matter if your property has subsidence, flood damage or even Japanese Knotweed — we’ll make you a cash offer. You won’t need to fix anything, hire contractors or spend any money. We buy properties exactly as they are — saving you time, stress and money. 

Why sell to us?

If your property feels like a “problem,” that no one wants, don’t lose hope. We’re here to help you sell quickly and hassle-free, without worrying about repairs or delays. Get in touch with us today to see how we can make the process easier for you.

Here’s why our customers love us:

Want to get the ball rolling? Sell your problem property with The Property Buying Company. We can help you sell more than 7 times faster than you could on the open market, cover all your legal fees and make sure you are looked after at every stage of the process.