Landlords sometimes need to sell with tenants in situ; to another investor, or post-vacant. The approach you choose affects price, timescale and risk.
Decide your route: with or without tenants
- Sell with tenants: Appeals to investors seeking instant rent. Keeps income flowing and avoids voids. Expect a smaller buyer pool but a potentially quicker transaction in markets like Southampton or Portsmouth fringes.
- Sell vacant: Broadens the buyer pool to owner-occupiers (Winchester, Lymington, Romsey). You may achieve a higher price but carry costs during notice and refurb.
Prep your legal file
Ensure the tenancy file is complete: AST copies, deposit protection certificates, prescribed information, gas/electrical safety, Right to Rent, inventory and rent schedule. Missing documents can derail a sale or depress price.
Communication is everything
Respectful, timely communication with the tenant preserves access for viewings and valuations. Consider incentives (rent reduction or moving assistance) for flexible access or an agreed exit.
Presentation & repairs
Tidy, well-maintained tenanted homes photograph better and attract stronger offers. Handle statutory repairs promptly and consider light pre-sale refreshes when feasible between tenancies.
Viewings & privacy
Agree a written viewing protocol: notice period, maximum frequency, and timing. Buyers appreciate a cooperative tenant; tenants appreciate clear boundaries.
Choosing the right buyer
If selling with tenants, target investors via agent databases and investment platforms. Provide yield facts (rent, void assumptions, service charges, ground rent if leasehold) and evidence of compliance.
Timing the exit
If selling vacant, discuss appropriate notice routes with your solicitor/agent in line with current legislation and required notice periods. Plan for a post-tenancy refresh (paint, carpets, safety checks).
Unsure which route will net you more? We’ll benchmark investor vs owner-occupier pricing in your patch and build a sale plan that protects both value and timeline.