A sharp slowdown in UK property sales is prompting some investors to rethink their exit strategies — with growing numbers turning to ‘quick buy’ firms that promise fast, hassle-free deals, but at a price.
According to Open Property Group (OPG), monthly property transactions have dropped below 30,000 for the first time since May 2020, as high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on buyer confidence. In many regions, properties are now taking between two and three months to sell, with averages stretching to 80 days in Wales and 78 in London.
This sluggish pace has left some landlords and investors looking for alternatives — and quick-buy companies, which can complete a sale in just a few weeks or even days, are stepping in to fill that gap.
Firms like Open Property Group specialise in buying properties directly from sellers without the need for estate agents, listings or property chains. Their appeal lies in the speed and simplicity they offer — often completing deals in as little as seven days. But the trade-off is significant: sellers typically receive 10% to 30% below the market value of their property.
Despite this, many are willing to accept the discount. OPG reports that 73% of clients who use their service do so because they need a fast sale. Other motivations include equity release (8%), retirement or relocation planning (a combined 8%), and the need to sell properties with sitting tenants (5%).
“Speed and certainty are the biggest draws,” says Jason Harris-Cohen, CEO of Open Property Group. “For investors dealing with underperforming assets or needing to raise capital quickly, a quick sale can be the most practical option.”
With economic headwinds continuing to dampen activity, quick-buy services are also proving attractive to those seeking to avoid further market risk. For landlords with sitting tenants or properties that require legal or structural work, selling via the open market can be particularly time-consuming and uncertain.
By contrast, quick-buy firms are chain-free, do not require open market listings, and often take on properties that might deter traditional buyers. For landlords trying to exit a low-yield asset or reduce exposure, that level of convenience can be compelling.
However, the downside is clear: selling at below market value can eat into returns and limit future financial flexibility. Investors also have little room for negotiation — most quick-buy firms base their offers on internal valuations and rarely budge.
There’s also the opportunity cost to consider. With many market forecasts pointing to modest growth over the next two to three years, holding out for a traditional sale or taking a property to auction could yield a higher price.
For some, yes. Investors under cash flow pressure, or those with complex assets difficult to offload through traditional channels, may find the benefits of a quick sale outweigh the financial compromise.
But for others, especially those with resilient portfolios and the ability to wait, the discount may be too steep a price to pay for speed.
As the market continues to evolve, investors will need to weigh short-term liquidity needs against long-term returns — and decide whether time, or value, matters more.
