Landlord Sales Agency specialises in helping landlords sell their properties quickly without having to evict tenants. We have 3 different sales models to choose from, including our ‘Full Market Value with Fees’ choice but our most popular option is our ‘Fixed Price’ sale. Landlords agree a sale price they are happy to accept and we take our fee from the difference between the agreed offer and the final sales price. Our fixed price offer is normally in the region of 85% of a high street valuation.
A question we are often asked is “why would I sell property for 15% less than it’s worth?”
Our answer would probably focus on the quality and convenience of our service which we believe is the best in the fast property sales business. We take our fee and pay sellers’ conveyancing costs* from the difference so the real cost is considerable lower especially when sellers consider the savings they make by avoiding prolonged VOID periods, through smaller CGT bills and according to Zoopla, in the UK property market, the average discount on value for homes (including simple sales) in 2025 is generally in the range of 3% to 5%, with some regions experiencing more significant reductions.
However, to give you an impartial answer, we asked AI. This is their answer:
Landlords might accept 85% of market value to sell a property quickly for several practical and strategic reasons, often linked to cash flow, risk, or personal circumstances. Here are the main ones:
1. Tenant Issues
- Problem tenants (e.g. non-paying, damaging property, anti-social behaviour) can make a quick sale more appealing, especially to cash buyers with time to deal with such complications.
- Tenant consideration landlords who want to look after long term tenants who have looked after the landlord’s property and paid years of rent might choose to sell through specialist agencies who will ensure the tenants can remain in situ or help them relocate after the sale.
2. Exit Strategy / Portfolio Rebalancing
- The landlord might be downsizing or rebalancing their portfolio, offloading underperforming or high-maintenance properties.
- Accepting 85% to release equity quickly can make sense if reinvestment opportunities are more lucrative or if they are having difficulty accessing the equity in a predictable and acceptable timeframe.
3. Avoiding Capital Gains Tax Timing Issues
- Selling before a tax year ends or before planned changes to tax rules can create urgency, making a discount worthwhile.
4. Regulatory and Legal Pressure
- Increasing legislation, rent controls, licensing requirements, and Section 24 tax changes in the UK have made landlording less profitable and more complex.
- Some landlords prefer a fast exit over dealing with ongoing compliance and reduced returns.
5. Property Condition
- A rental may be in poor condition after years of use, and the landlord may not want to invest in refurbishments.
- Selling to an investor or cash buyer “as-is” avoids the cost and effort of making it mortgageable or buyer-friendly.
6. Cash Flow or Debt Pressure
- They may be over-leveraged, facing rising interest rates, or struggling to meet mortgage repayments.
- A fast sale helps reduce exposure or avoid repossession.
7. Void Period Risk
- Facing a long void period (especially with high mortgage costs and no rental income), a landlord might prefer a fast discounted sale.
In short, landlords often have a more business-minded approach and are more open to ‘tactical pricing’ as well as the value of their time and energy. If selling at 85% helps reduce risk, cut losses, reduces their involvment and secures a sale or opens up better financial options, it can be a rational decision — especially when they have already profitted from huge capital gains and do not intend to replace assets. Many sellers see the trade-off as worth it for speed, certainty, convenience, and peace of mind.
Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!
