FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Straightforward answers before you decide.
Understand the possibilities, the practical steps and the questions to ask about an Assisted Sale.
What is an Assisted Sale?
It is an arrangement to prepare and market your home for sale. Where appropriate, we can arrange or fund agreed improvements before marketing, with costs and the financial settlement agreed in writing first.
Do I still own my property during an Assisted Sale?
An Assisted Sale does not automatically mean transferring ownership of your property to Property LifeSavers. The property remains yours unless a separate arrangement specifically provides otherwise. Any proposed agreement should clearly explain your rights and responsibilities, and you should obtain independent legal advice before signing it.
Do I have to fund the works upfront?
Where an Assisted Sale is agreed, Property LifeSavers can fund or arrange the specified improvement works, so you would not normally have to provide that money upfront yourself. The agreed costs are normally recovered as part of the financial settlement when the property is sold, in accordance with the written agreement.
How does Property LifeSavers get its money back?
The agreed improvement costs and any other agreed fees or amounts are normally dealt with from the sale proceeds when the property completes, according to the written agreement. The proposed settlement should show clearly what is being repaid and how the remaining proceeds will be distributed.
How much will I receive when my home sells?
The amount depends on the selling price, mortgage balance, selling costs and the written financial arrangement. Before proceeding, you should be shown how the proposed settlement works, including the expected deductions and how any additional proceeds would be divided. No final amount is guaranteed.
Is a higher selling price guaranteed?
No. Improvements may not add more value than they cost. Market conditions, buyer demand and other factors affect the price, and a sale may not complete.
Is the initial property assessment free?
Yes, you can request a free property assessment. Any proposed works, fees, repayment obligations or other financial terms must be explained and agreed in writing before proceeding.
Am I committed after the free property assessment?
No. Requesting an initial property assessment does not commit you to an Assisted Sale. If we believe an Assisted Sale may be suitable, the proposed works, costs, responsibilities and financial arrangement would be explained before you decide whether you want to proceed.
What kinds of improvements might be considered?
Depending on the property, the proposal could involve repairs, refurbishment, presentation or marketing. The assessment determines what may be appropriate. There is no standard package of works for every home.
Can I stay in my property during the process?
This depends on the proposed work and your circumstances. Access, occupation, safety, insurance and any need for alternative accommodation should be discussed and set out before work starts.
How long does an Assisted Sale take?
There is no fixed or guaranteed timescale. Assessment, agreements, works, marketing, finding a buyer and conveyancing all take time. Tell us about any deadline before considering this route.
What if the costs increase or the sale falls through?
Your agreement should explain spending limits, approval of extra work, repayment obligations and what happens if no sale completes. Do not assume that you would owe nothing in those circumstances. Obtain independent advice before signing.
Will you buy my house directly?
Assisted Sale is primarily about helping prepare and market your home. It is not an automatic offer to buy it. If another approach is proposed, its terms and suitability must be considered separately.
Can you stop repossession?
We cannot guarantee that repossession will be avoided. Contact your lender and seek urgent independent advice if you are behind on payments or facing action. A property enquiry does not pause legal deadlines.
Should I take independent advice?
Yes. Have an independent legal adviser review the proposed agreement, and obtain independent financial or mortgage advice where appropriate. Our website is general information about property-sale options.
What information should I send first?
A name, contact details, property postcode or address, general condition and timescale are a useful starting point. Financial estimates can be approximate and the mortgage balance is optional. Do not send account numbers, bank details, identity documents or sensitive records.
See If Your Property Qualifies
Tell us a little about your property, its condition and your selling plans. We can carry out an initial assessment and explain whether an Assisted Sale may be suitable.