Selling Your Property Privately: A Complete Guide

Your home has a story. You're the best person to tell it.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about selling privately on Virify, from your first steps to agreeing a price. Whether you're new to private selling or want a refresher, you'll find practical advice on preparing your home, creating a listing, managing enquiries, and handling offers with confidence.

Key takeaways

• Private selling gives you control and can save thousands in fees, but requires time and effort.
• Get your property ready, research its value, and gather essential documents before listing.
• Virify's step-by-step creator guides you through building your listing.
• Respond promptly to enquiries and host welcoming, professional viewings.
• Negotiate clearly and evaluate offers on more than just price.

Before you list: getting ready

Decide if private selling is right for you

Private selling gives you control and could save thousands in fees. But it requires time and effort on your part.

You'll benefit from:

• saving estate agent commission (typically 1-3% of sale price)
• the freedom to market exactly how you want
• direct contact with buyers

You'll need to:

• host viewings
• respond to enquiries
• discuss offers

If you're comfortable with this, private selling can work brilliantly.

Get your property ready

Walk through your home as if you're seeing it for the first time.

Quick wins:

• deep clean every room
• declutter wardrobes and surfaces
• fix obvious issues (dripping taps, squeaky doors)
• use neutral paint colours to spruce up dated walls
• ensure garden areas are well maintained

Research your property value

Set a realistic price from the start. Too high and you'll waste time. Too low and you'll lose money. Be honest about your home's position in the market.

Use multiple sources:

• check Virify's price paid data to understand recent sale prices for your area
• browse similar properties currently listed
• factor in your property's condition and unique features
• get a professional valuation from a RICS surveyor

Property Valuations & Surveys

You'll also need to consider your pricing strategy and offer type.

Offer Types in Property Listings

Gather your documents and consider legal advisors

Get these ready before you list, you'll need them as you progress.

Essential documents:

• photo identification
• title deeds or proof of ownership
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Leasehold information (if applicable)
• Management company details (if applicable)

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

What is ‘Tenure’?

Helpful documents:

• building regulations certificates for any building work done
• any guarantees you have for windows, boilers and/or damp treatment etc.

Legal advisors

It's also worth thinking about the solicitors or conveyancers you'll use to progress the sale once the price is agreed with a buyer.

Solicitors & Conveyancers

Creating your listing on Virify

Register and verify your account

Head to Virify and create your account. You'll need to verify your identity and property ownership – this builds trust with buyers.

Why verification matters:

All private sellers on Virify verify their identity. It protects you and buyers from scams and timewasters.

Complete the listing creator

Virify's step-by-step creator guides you through everything. Each section builds your listing automatically.

You'll input:

• property type and price
• full address (you'll also confirm your property ownership at this step, so have your ownership documents ready!)
• number and size of rooms
• key features (garden, parking, storage)
• photos and description

Pro tips for better listings:

Take photos in natural daylight. Show each room from its best angle. Include outside space, parking, and street view.

Write your description in plain English. Highlight what makes your home special. Mention local transport, schools, shops, parks.

The more detail you provide, the better Virify's intelligent search will match you with serious buyers.

Preview and publish

Review your listing before it goes live. Check photos, description, and all details are accurate.

When you're happy, click publish. Your property goes live immediately and appears in search results straight away - easy!

Managing enquiries and viewings

Respond to enquiries promptly

Buyers message you directly through Virify's in-platform messaging. You'll get real-time notifications.

Best practices:

• reply as soon as you're able, even if it's a short "thanks for your message, let me look into that and get back to you"
• answer questions honestly and fully
• be friendly and professional

If you ever feel uncomfortable with a conversation, a report and block button is available.

Handling Enquiries Like a Pro

Arrange viewings

Make sure to book viewings at times that work for you. Rescheduling or cancelling viewings at short notice should be avoided (where possible).

Before each viewing:

• ask the buyer to confirm if they're a cash buyer or need a mortgage (and if they have a mortgage in principle) - this helps show they're serious
• confirm the appointment with the viewer
• open curtains and turn on lights
• quick tidy and air freshener
• put away valuables

During viewings:

• be welcoming but let people explore
• point out features viewers may miss
• be honest and answer questions openly

After viewings:

• follow up with interested viewers
• ask for feedback if they're not keen
• adjust your approach or price if needed

How to Host a Great Viewing

Stay safe

Consider having someone else present during viewings. Tell a friend or family member when viewings are scheduled.

You may be more comfortable with verified users, who are users on Virify that have provided photo ID, giving you extra confidence they are genuine people. The verified tag is shown on users' accounts.

Virify tip
Buyers and tenants scroll fast through listings. Clear photos, honest descriptions, and quick responses usually drive more serious enquiries.

Agreeing a sale

Handle offers professionally

When offers come in, take time to consider them properly.

Evaluate each offer:

• price isn't everything
• first-time, and chain-free buyers generally move faster
• check buyer profiles for verification status

Don't rush:

You're not obliged to accept the first offer. Negotiate if the price isn't right.

Finding the Correct Buyer

Negotiate clearly

Counter-offer if needed. Be clear about what you'll accept and why (just like selling on social media marketplaces).

Stay polite and professional. Property transactions involve emotion, but calm heads get better results.

Accept an offer

Once you've agreed a price, confirm it in writing through Virify's messaging.

Offer Accepted: What's Next?

Now Virify's job ends. You'll handle the rest with your legal advisors.

After accepting an offer

Instruct a solicitor

Choose a legal advisor. Get quotes from several – prices vary widely.

Your legal advisor handles all legal work: contracts, searches, transfer of ownership.

Stay in touch with your buyer

Keep communication open. Answer solicitor questions quickly. Chase your solicitor if things slow down.

The faster you both move, the sooner you complete.

Prepare for completion

Sort out removals, redirect post, cancel utilities, and hand over keys on completion day.

Tips for success

Be responsive. Buyers can move on quickly if you don't reply.

Be realistic. Overpricing kills momentum. Price fairly from the start.

Be honest. Transparency builds trust and prevents problems later.

Be patient. Finding the right buyer takes time. Don't panic.

Use Virify's guides. Check back regularly for updates and advice.

You're in control

Selling privately isn't for everyone. But with the right tools and guidance, it's completely achievable.

Virify gives you the platform, the reach, and the support. You bring the knowledge of your home.

Your property, your listing, your rules. Let's get started.