Does a ‘Divorce House Sale’ Put Buyers Off?
Divorce sales often come with a reputation for being complicated, but with the right approach, they don’t have to be. The key is careful planning, clear communication, and smart marketing. In this blog, we’ll break down how to attract buyers, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a smooth sale.
There’s a myth that divorces make for problematic property transactions in the UK. Honestly, sometimes they can, but in this blog, I’ll explain how to make sure your sale attracts buyers rather than putting them off.
Step One: Iron Out the Details
Clear up any confusion and ensure the legal rules are watertight before going to market. Not all splits are messy… some are though, we get that. If yours falls into the latter category, the best thing you can do before selling the family home is to get everyone on the same page about the sale.
Key things to agree on:
- Who is giving access for viewings.
- Marketing price and choice of estate agent.
- Confirmed timescales.
- Which solicitor is handling the conveyancing.
- Communication channels (collective, e.g. WhatsApp, or individual).
- The agreed chain and its conditions.
Step Two: Market the Chain Wisely
How the chain is marketed can make or break the buyer's experience. Ideally, a divorce house sale should be marketed with no onward chain. This means both parties agree to sell the property first, then handle their own purchase transactions independently, without making purchases part of the sale conditions.
Divorce sales often get a reputation for being ‘messy’ because of conflicting motivations. For example:
- One person is still living in the property, reluctant to leave the family home, and planning to downsize (including a purchase in the sale).
- The other person has already moved out, is eager to get the transaction funds, and is potentially covering both mortgage payments and rent elsewhere.
This scenario sets the stage for delays, disputes, and frustration—not only for the sellers but for buyers too. Buyers crave a smooth, predictable process, so a lack of alignment between sellers can act as a major red flag.
Step Three: Be Transparent and Upfront
Honesty goes a long way in the property market. You don’t need to plaster “divorce sale” across the marketing materials, but it’s important to be upfront with your estate agent and conveyancer. They can handle any sensitive aspects of the sale and position the property professionally, in a way that reassures buyers.
Buyers value transparency. If they sense potential delays or unresolved issues, they might steer clear. On the other hand, showing them that all parties are on the same page and the sale is being managed efficiently inspires confidence.
Step Four: Present the Property at Its Best
Selling a home under challenging circumstances means focusing on what you can control—how the property is presented. A clean, well-maintained, and appealing home will attract more interest, no matter the backstory.
Consider hiring a professional stager, or take time to declutter, repaint, and fix any noticeable issues. The aim is to make the home feel warm and inviting, so buyers focus on the property itself, not the situation behind the sale.
Step Five: Choose the Right Agent
Not all estate agents are created equal.
Make sure yours is equipped to handle the complexities of a divorce sale. Look for an agent with experience in these situations who can act as a neutral party, keeping things running smoothly.
A skilled agent will:
* Manage communication effectively.
* Handle (not ignore) any tension between the sellers.
* Reassure buyers that the sale process is under control.
* A single point of contact estate agents is best in a divorce sales.
In Summary
A divorce house sale doesn’t have to scare buyers off, but it does require careful planning and collaboration. By agreeing on key details upfront, presenting the property at its best, and working with the right professionals, you can transform a potentially tricky situation into an attractive opportunity for buyers.
Avocado Property Partners are skilled in the delicate situation of a divorce sale and also are one of the only estate agents in the country that are genuinely a single point of contact service. Contact us today to make your sale simple and successful.