Selling a vacant property comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’ve inherited a house, just moved out or it’s been left vacant for months, knowing how to handle the sale can make all the difference. Let’s dive into what you should do—and how you can sell quickly and smoothly.

What to do with an empty house

Before you put an empty house on the market, there are a few things you’ll want to do to make sure it keeps its value:

Keep it secure and maintained. An empty house can be a target for vandalism or squatters (human or animal!). To stop this from happening, it’s a good idea to stop by the house regularly, make sure the locks and alarms are working as they should, and consider a smart home camera for peace of mind.
Address any urgent repairs. Damp patches, a leaking roof or broken windows can put off potential buyers, so some investment in the maintenance can reap you rewards in the sale price.
If it is already empty, check you don’t have to pay the “Empty Homes Premium” on your Council tax which can be up to 400% of the standard tax.
Stage it virtually or physically. Even if the house is empty, you can still help people see how it could be set up, as this helps potential buyers envision themselves living there. To do this, you can either bring in some furniture (either spare of your own or get some cheap pieces from a charity shop), or digitally add furniture into the photos.
Stay energy-efficient. An empty house can still rack up energy bills if things have been left on, so turn off non-essential electrics, set the boiler to holiday mode and turn the water off at the mains.

How to sell an empty house in 2026

The current property market is competitive, but it’s brimming with digital tools and fresh approaches to help you find a buyer fast. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Get an accurate valuation

Start by getting a realistic market valuation. Free online estimates can give you a ballpark figure, but for a much more accurate number, book a professional valuation with an estate agent or get a no-obligation offer from a quick-sale company like House Buyer Bureau. Knowing how much your property is worth helps you set a realistic asking price.

Step 2: Choose your sales route

In 2026, there are more options than there have been in the past. Now, you can:

Go traditional. List with an estate agent who will arrange your viewings and negotiate offers.
Opt for an online agent. These virtual companies often have lower fees than traditional agencies and operate digital viewings, but they don’t have much knowledge of the local market.
Consider an online auction. Some empty properties will be attractive to investors, but make sure you do your homework about how auctions work as, when the hammer falls, you are committed to the sale. And if it fails to sell at auction, the future value of the property will be reduced as prospective buyers will be able to see it didn’t sell and will worry what is wrong with it.
Sell to a cash buyer. With a cash buyer like House Buyer Bureau, you’ll complete in as little as 7 days with no fees and a guaranteed sale—even if the property needs work.

Step 3: Prepare the property for marketing

Even an empty house benefits from a final clean, fresh paint on scuffed walls, and neatly trimmed gardens or yards. Arrange for high-quality photos to be taken (ideally on a bright and sunny day), and if your garden or location is a standout feature, you might consider getting some drone shots.

Step 4: Market with impact

Maximise your exposure by combining:

Online listings. Use portals like Rightmove and Zoopla to find browsing buyers.
Social media. Create and post short video walkthroughs on Instagram or Facebook, as these are easily shared and can reach people off of typical property platforms.
Direct outreach. Do a bit of research and get in touch with local investors or cash buyers who specialise in quick acquisitions.

Step 5: Review and compare offers

Once the offers start coming in, weigh them up. While price is important, it’s not the only thing to consider: chain length and expected completion date are both important too. A slightly lower cash offer that doesn’t have restricting conditions can be preferable to a higher offer that is dependent on chain ties.

Step 6: Complete the sale

Use a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the contracts and other legal bits. If you’re selling to a cash buyer like House Buyer Bureau, the process is streamlined: no searches, no chain and you can typically complete in as little as 7–14 days. Also, if you use any of our recommended solicitors, you won’t have to pay any legal fees.

Tips for selling an inherited house

Selling an inherited property is often complicated, not just with the extra process of probate but also with the emotional weight that comes with it. Keep these pointers in mind:

Check probate requirements early. Probate can take months to come through, so you need to make sure you have secured and maintained the property in the meantime.
Clear out personal belongings; after any family bequests, consider what can be sold or donated, and then think about getting in a professional house clearance firm.
Factor in any Inheritance Tax or Capital Gains Tax liabilities.

For a comprehensive guide, visit our resource page on selling inherited property.

What a excellent experience

After I had decided to sell an inherited property I was put in contact with HBB my first point of contact was Dorothy who may I say was the most helpful, understanding and pleasant person I have had the pleasure dealing with. My next experience was with Kerrie and yet again equally as pleasurable they both went above and beyond and guided my through the whole process and basically did everything for me they were in contact almost on a daily basis and not just regarding the sale but also on how I was doing. Dorothy and Kerrie are absolutely credits to the company and I would have no hesitation to use and recommend this company to others once again thank you so very much for all your help and I wish you all the best for the future.

by Vannessa Glazzard

Sell your property quickly with House Buyer Bureau

At House Buyer Bureau, we specialise in transforming empty or challenging-to-sell homes into cash in your account—fast. We offer a guaranteed sale with speedy completion, with no estate agent fees and friendly support throughout the whole process.

Ready to unlock the value of your empty house? Get your free, no-obligation cash offer today at House Buyer Bureau and move on with confidence.

Chris

Chris has worked in property all his career, first as a successful estate agent before spotting a gap in the market for buying property directly from people looking for a simple, quick sale.

He has a passion for property and as an experienced valuer, has looked at well over 50,000 properties so far at HBB. He has extensive experience in property buying and regularly comments in the press on property matters, trends and promotes ways to simplify and speed up the selling process.

View articles by Chris