What Does Cash Buyers Only Mean?

The term cash buyers only refers to when home sellers will only accept offers from potential buyers that have all of the money immediately available.

This means that an offer won’t be considered if the buyer needs to apply for a mortgage or obtain funding of any kind.

The same goes for funds that might take a while to come through. For instance, the seller is likely to reject the offer if the buyer is waiting for inheritance or some kind of employment bonus to arrive.

Similarly, if money (albeit the full amount) is tied up in a property that is yet to sell, the offer will not be accepted.

In short, the buyer needs to prove that he/she has the money for the full value of the property ready to go. This is often known as proof of funds.

Normally, this is presented in the form of a recent bank statement.

Under Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, the buyer’s conveyancer will need to check that the cash funds come from a legitimate source.

It’s essential to ensure the money has not come via criminal means. There are also some restrictions on money coming from certain countries.

Note that a cash gift is acceptable (as long as it’s demonstrable that the money is coming directly from the buyer’s account).

Is a Cash Buyer Better?

Not necessarily…

There are certainly benefits to accepting an offer from a cash buyer – the main one being speed.

However, having the money ready puts buyers in a stronger negotiating position. As they’re invariably tying in a lot of capital (quickly), most are going to want to negotiate a lower price for the property.

It therefore often depends on how quickly you need to sell and whether you are willing to accept a lower price for the benefit of speed.

Property Solvers, for example, has bought homes for cash since 2003 through our We Buy Any House service.

Our offers lie at between 80 and 75% of the market value. With this option, we’re able to complete sales in as little as 7 days and our clients pay no estate agency or legal fees. In other words, for our many happy clients, quickness and efficiency are more important than price.

Why Would Someone Sell a House for Cash?

The term ‘cash buyers only’ isn’t always a red flag – particularly if the property needs renovation.

One of the other reasons why people prefer cash buyers is to avoid the dragged-out mortgage processes and therefore get a faster house sale.

It’s hugely disappointing to be let down by a buyer who has, often through no fault of his/her own, been refused a mortgage.

It can even happen if a buyer has a mortgage in principle in place and there are no issues with the survey. Indeed, the mortgage is only secure when the offer comes through (usually just before the exchange of contracts). It often makes the whole sales process quite tense.

Since the financial crash, regulations have required lenders to take a cautious approach with regards to mortgage applications.

Although it’s still too early to say how the coronavirus and Brexit will truly impact home lending decisions, it wouldn’t be out of the question to expect things to become stricter in the coming years.

Other Reasons to Accept a Cash Offer

The owner is a landlord selling a tenanted property (buy-to-let mortgage finance applications are currently taking longer than ever);
A couple is selling after divorce and would prefer a cash sale to avoid the delays that come with mortgaged buyers;
The seller needs to stop repossession from happening and a cash buyer can proceed a lot quicker than a mortgaged buyer can;
When selling at auction. Here, the onus of responsibility is on the buyer to complete within the set timeframe. Auction mortgages are notoriously slow and purchasing with cash may be the only feasible way of moving forward;
The property has been inherited, needs extensive work and will struggle to sell to the average buyer (using a mortgage);
The sellers have been gazundered and need the money fast;
The owners are looking at options on how to sell their homes for other practical reasons such as fast relocation, needing money for a specific purpose or being let down by a buyer. A cash disposal is one of the best ways to get over this problem.

Although there are other conveyancing-related risks, working with a cash buyer generally means that the sale becomes a whole lot more efficient.

Related to this, cash buyers are also often experienced in property acquisitions. Many of the silly games that can often happen with conventional buyers are avoided.

Avoiding Property Chains

Selling your house to a ‘cash only buyer’ eliminates the risks that often come with multiple interconnected sales.

They won’t need to sell their own property in order to free up funds. As a result, there’s no need for them to wait for a mortgage to be approved. Nor will they have to wait for the best time to sell up.

This means that the sale can be closed quickly. The seller can get the money from the house a lot quicker than is normally the case.

That’s why you’ll often find that sellers insisting on cash bids are simply doing so because there is considerable time pressure on them.

Buyers, stumping up a lot of cash, also gets comfort in the fact that there’s no onward chain and the purchase is generally more secure.

What’s more, they save on mortgage arrangement and brokerage fees (not to mention the monthly payments).

Something to Note…

Very few people are in the position to offer cash upfront for a property.

This means, as a seller, by catering to cash buyers you’ll be narrowing the pool of potential people who would be interested.

You’re also making a sale less likely to achieve due to a lack of the right type of buyers out there.

This may result in your property sitting on the market for months, thus causing your sales plan to backfire.

**Why Are Some Properties Cash Buyers Only?**

As you check out the portals and estate agency listings, you may see phrases such as Cash Buyers Only, Cash Offers Only, Cash Purchase Only and such like.

It’s worth noting that there’s a fine line between being open to a cash offer and only accepting a cash offer. The emphasis being on the word ‘only’.

In other words, there is a reason no other feasible proposition other than the buyer paying with cash.

In these scenarios, as a buyer, it’s worth being extra careful. Although much relates to mortgageability issues discussed above, the situation is usually more serious.

Indeed, many properties end up being sold for cash as other buyers have unsuccessfully attempted to seek finance. We often see these kinds of properties coming up for private sale also.

Here are some examples to be aware of why properties may get sold (often for a cheaper price) in this way:

Structural Problems

If there are structural defects including subsidence, bowed walls, heavy roof damage, damp caused by serious leaks then buying the property and making it habitable would require considerable expense.

Owing to this, a cash buyer may acquire the dilapidated property for cash and then resolve the underlying issues. This would render the property mortgageable.

Properties with structural problems are more likely to attract developers and individuals looking for a project.

The condition of the property is likely to make little difference in cases of this kind. Some buyers may even go so far as to demolish the structure entirely and start again!

Damage to the Property

The property is in a state of disrepair, in that it has been damaged by fire or flooding.

Alternatively, it may have been left empty for a long time and been damaged by the progression of time or as a result of vandalism.

Here, a cash purchase is often the only way forward.

Japanese Knotweed

A fast-spreading weed that produces bamboo like spikey stems that can grow to over 2 metres.

Due to potentially being able to spread through solid ground (even concrete) and damage foundations, mortgage companies often refuse to lend where there is evidence of this weed.

However, if an approved treatment system is being applied to eliminate the weed the lender may be willing to move forward.

Failing that, selling for cash may be the only way to go.

Damp in the Property

Whilst often confused with condensation (reasonably easy to resolve), serious cases of rising damp can cost a small fortune to resolve.

Buyers would need invest in dealing with the issue, using injections often combined with replastering and further ventilation (depending on how serious the problem is).

Mortgage companies may propose some kind of retention whilst this is resolved (requesting an insurance backed guarantee). However, if the situation is bad, then a cash purchaser may be a better solution.

A Huge Amount of Work Required

Experienced property refurbishers know that renovating properties is a lot more costly than at first may seem.

If your property has a huge scope of works to undertake before being sellable, a cash purchaser is often the plausible way to progress.

The property will often have an energy performance rating of E, F or G (well below the minimum C EPC rating requirement soon to be compulsory)

Age of the House

Much will depend on when your house was built and the quality standards of the time. Older properties tend to cost more to maintain.

In most cases, there’s nothing to worry about.

However, if an older property has been badly looked after or abandoned there’s more likelihood of it being more suited to a cash purchase.

Type of Build / Materials Used

Another possibility is that, while the property is in good condition for the time being, it has been built using materials that are likely to age badly or deteriorate – another reason for lenders to refuse to agree to a mortgage.

Airey houses (built in the 1940s), for example, are often rejected by lenders for this reason. Similarly, steel frame houses frequently have a similar fate when it comes to mortgages.

Of course, while a building in poor condition or created from unsuitable materials may be a nightmare for some, other buyers are keen to snap up a property of this kind – cash upfront in many cases.

Tiny Properties

Flats (and some houses) that are too small to be mortgaged often get sold for cash.

These are more likely to be found in city centres where space is more constricted.

Location of the Property

The likelihood of mortgage companies turning down applications is higher if a property is in an undesirable or hazardous area.

Property-specific risks such as shared drainage, boundaries, title disputes and such like are usually resolvable.

If the property is in a crime or anti-social behaviour area, this may also cause issues.

Other geological and environmental problems, that would render a property unmortgageable, may cause bigger problems.

These may include:

Broader subsidence risks (if a property is close to old / unsecured coal mines, for instance)
Flood risks (check the long term flood risk here);
Landslip risks;
Historic landfills or waste management sites
Previous industrial use / toxic waste disposal sites;
Current or former presence of asbestos, arsenic, solvents or gases;
Former petrol station sites.

Such complications often get revealed during the conveyancing searches or they may be obvious.

Short or Defective Leases

If a leasehold property has less than 80 years remaining, it becomes very difficult to sell on the open market.

This is because the lease extension cost starts to dramatically increase and the power to make decisions falls in the favour of the freeholder. What’s more ‘marriage’ fees are also payable.

There are only a handful of mortgage lenders that would finance these types of properties.

Cash buyers can often step in a buy the property with a short lease. However, expect a request for discount as they take on the burden / risk of extending the lease themselves.

Other Legal Issues with the Property

If the property and/or surrounding land has associated legal complications, mortgage companies may well turn the application down.

These may include negative easements, restrictive covenants, unfulfilled overage clause obligations planning / building control limitations

Mixed-Use Property

A cash purchase may be more suitable if a property has split commercial and residential uses.

What often happens is that the cash buyer will move forward with the sale. They then seek a boutique lender that specialises in financing these types of building.

Rightmove Cash Buyers Only

Rightmove, Zoopla and On the Market – as the UK’s leading portals – are good places to look for properties for sale to cash buyers exclusively.

Although really only available to registered estate agents and auctions, also worth checking out Rightmove+ which has an abundance of information on property sales often unavailable in the public domain.

The listing itself should highlight that the property is for sale in this manner. If not, you should be informed upon making the enquiry so you’re fully aware of this condition of sale.

Indeed, most agents would want to clarify the situation from the start to minimise disappointment and complaints not to mention wasted resources.

There is no point pursuing the purchase of the property if you do not fit the correct criteria. It’s very rare to hear of cash only sellers changing their minds.

However, if your property sale is between exchange and completion you may have better luck with your offers. The transaction is more secure here and very unlikely to fall through.

Due Diligence

It’s worth doing some research on the property’s valuation to make sure it’s being priced fairly.

On the Rightmove listing itself, if you scroll down and look for the right-hand panel, you’ll see a list of the last three sales on the street.

Click on the View more > button and you will see more information about the sold properties on your street (updated in line with HM Land Registry data).

You can also visit this link to get directly to Rightmove’s sold house prices page.

Note that you can also change the criteria to see sales trends within up to 15 miles, of different property types and tenures.

As mentioned above, cash buyers would typically wish to pay less. This value would be proportionate to the particular issue facing the property.

Cash Buyers Only House for Sale

If you’re reading this post in search for property owners that only accept cash buyers, as well as Rightmove and Zoopla, there are a number of other portals worth checking out.

Here at Property Solvers, for example, we occasionally list them on our properties for sale on behalf of sellers using our property auction service. We also offer a modern method of auction option, but most sellers looking for cash buyers prefer the more traditional approach

As mentioned above, in any marketing material stress that the property is for cash buyers alongside the reason why.

You may also come across developers disposing of part-exchange properties to cash buyers only. This is often because they may need to release capital quickly.

In other circumstances, sellers simply want to avoid estate agency fees and the hassles that come with putting their cash sale properties up on the open market.

Here are some of the sites where they can list without charge and, therefore well worth checking out:

Some sellers are also approached by cash buyers who see that the property is in severe disrepair. Here, it’s somewhat obvious that the house cannot be mortgaged.

Others buyers hear on the grapevine that a house is up for sale. Local pubs, community centres and places of worship are also possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I sell to a 'cash buyer only' individual or company?

One of the main reasons would be to sell your house fast. Cash buyers are often in a strong position to move much quicker compared to most buyers that you would find through an estate agency. They do not need to rely on mortgage or other third-party finance sources (which frequently delay sales by months).

Cash buyers will also take on properties with structural problems, cladding issues, fire damage, Japanese knotweed, damp, extensive refurbishment / renovation requirements, legal problems such as short leases amongst other reasons.

In many cases, these kinds of properties are unmortgageable making a cash sale the only real option.

Where can I find cash buyers?

The estate agency listing will explicitly state that the property is for cash buyers only. This means that on all the portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, buyers will come forward and book a viewing only if they are in a cash position.

The estate agent should also state that the property is for cash buyers only to avoid any confusion or wasted time. Well-established estate agents often have a contact list (‘black book’) of professional buyers and property investors who may be interested.

More commonly, cash buyers are often found at property auctions. Often, they’ll be well accustomed to buying cash only properties which means that, provided the auctioneer has valued the building correctly, you can get a relatively hassle-free sale.

When selling to a cash buyer, would I have to accept a discount?

Much will depend on the circumstances surrounding the property.

For instance, if your needs extensive works or has costly physical issues, it would be unreasonable to expect to achieve the full market value (see how to check the value of your house here).

Most cash buyers will want to factor in remediation costs as well as account for the amount of time and effort it would take to bring the property back to a habitable state.

To give you a rough idea, We Buy Any House companies like our own would generally offer in the region of 75% of the current market value. We do not charge any agency fees and will pay all your legal costs.

However, if your property does not have any issues you may find that an estate agent can bring you a serious cash buyer who will offer the asking price. Much will depend on how desirable your property is, the level of demand and the state of the market when you’re selling.

Are cash buyer only properties always problematic?

Not necessarily…

Sometimes people need a quick sale and will prioritise buyers that do not need to rely on a mortgage to fund the purchase.

Either way, most buyers will want to undertake a professional Level 1/2/3 RICS or “Red Book” survey to make sure there’s nothing untoward.

Are cash buyer only companies trustworthy?

It depends…

There are unfortunately several ‘fly by night’ cash home buying firms that engage in shady practices such as dropping the price at the last minute or deceiving sellers.

Nonetheless, the industry is changing for the better as more companies in the space are increasingly concerned about the risks of being struck off by the regulatory bodies operating in the industry.

Property Solvers, as the UK’s leading quick home buying firm, is held fully accountable to a number of regulatory bodies including The Property Ombudsman or TPO code of conduct, the National Property Buyers Association or NAPB, Trading Standards, Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, the Information Commissioner’s Office and NAEA PropertyMark.

I'm a cash buyer, where can I find sellers?

Auction houses and established local estate agencies are often a good place to start. We would also suggest setting up email alerts with the major portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and On the Market. There are also a number of niche portals such as like Home.co.uk, the House Shop and Residential People where independent sellers list cash only properties.

Unless you are part of a quick home buying firm (like Property Solvers), it’s often hard to find sellers who are willing to sell their properties for cash.

Much also depends on where you’re looking to buy. In cheaper parts of the country, for example, there’s more likelihood of finding cash home sellers.

Cash Buyers Only

Ruban Selvanayagam

Sell House Fast and Auction Expert

James Durr

Founder, Property Entrepreneur and Sell House Fast Expert