Firedstone
Most people selling a property assume the estate agent route is the default — and for many situations, it is the right choice. But for others, a direct quick sale offers something the open market cannot: speed, certainty, and discretion. The question is which matters more to you.
The estate agent route: what you get
An estate agent sale offers exposure to the widest possible pool of buyers. More competition typically means a higher price — though not always, and not always by as much as sellers assume.
In practice, a UK residential sale via an estate agent takes an average of four to six months from listing to completion, and a meaningful proportion fall through during that period. Sellers also pay estate agent fees (typically 1–3% of the sale price plus VAT), legal costs, and potentially EPC renewal and conveyancing fees.
The process involves: instructing an agent, preparing the property, professional photography, portal listing, viewings, offer negotiation, acceptance, survey, conveyancing, and exchange and completion. At any point in this chain, the buyer can withdraw.
The direct quick sale: what you get
A direct sale to a buyer such as Firedstone removes most of the above steps. The process moves from initial enquiry to offer in principle to due diligence to completion — without a public listing, viewings, or estate agent involvement.
The trade-off is price. A direct buyer is not competing with others in an open market, and the offer will typically be below full market value. The discount reflects the certainty, speed, and absence of fees the seller receives in return.
There are no estate agent fees for sellers using this route.
A side-by-side comparison
| Estate Agent | Direct Sale | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical timeline | 4–6 months | 4–12 weeks |
| Fees to seller | 1–3% + VAT | None |
| Public listing | Yes | No |
| Viewings required | Yes | No or minimal |
| Risk of fall-through | Higher | Lower |
| Sale price | Closer to market value | Below market value |
| Certainty | Lower | Higher |
When a direct sale makes sense
A direct sale tends to make sense when one or more of the following apply:
- Speed matters. You need to sell within a specific window — to avoid ongoing costs, meet a personal deadline, or resolve a financial situation.
- Discretion matters. You do not want the property publicly listed, or do not want neighbours, tenants, or colleagues to know you are selling.
- Certainty matters. You cannot afford a fall-through and need to know the sale will complete.
- Condition matters. The property needs significant work and is unlikely to appeal to a large pool of retail buyers.
- Tenants in situ. Vacant possession is difficult or undesirable to achieve on the timeline required.
When the open market makes sense
If you are not under time or personal pressure, and the property is in good condition, the open market will typically achieve a higher price. This is the right choice for most sellers who have the time and flexibility to wait for the best offer.
Our position
Firedstone offers direct property purchases across England and Wales. We are transparent about our process and our offers. If you are unsure which route suits your situation, we are happy to explain both and help you make the decision that is right for you — without any obligation.
This article contains general information only. Sale timelines, fees, and prices vary by property and market conditions.