The seven questions below are straightforward to ask. The answers will tell you whether the company can actually deliver on what’s being offered — and on what terms.
1. Are you the actual buyer, or do you act as an intermediary?
This is the most important question — and one many sellers don’t think to ask.
Not every “cash buyer” is purchasing your property directly. Some:
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Agree a price, then source a third-party investor
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Operate as intermediaries or deal traders
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Use option agreements to control the sale without committing funds
None of this is necessarily improper, but it does change the nature of the transaction.
If they are not the buyer:
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The timeline may be outside their control
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The deal depends on another party agreeing to proceed
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The risk of delay or fall-through increases
A direct buyer — using their own funds or committed finance — will have control over the purchase and be able to move with greater certainty.
If the answer isn’t clear, that in itself is useful information.
2. What is the full legal name of the purchasing entity?
You should know exactly who you are selling to — not just a brand or trading name.
With the full legal name, you can check:
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Registration and trading history on Companies House
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Whether the company is active
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Who the directors are
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Whether anything in the filing history raises concern
This is a basic step, but an important one.
A credible buyer should provide this without hesitation.
3. How is the purchase funded — and can you provide evidence?
A cash offer is only as reliable as the funding behind it.
Some buyers:
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Hold their own capital
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Use lending facilities
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Work with investor backing
Others only secure funding after agreeing a price, which introduces risk later in the process.
You don’t need detailed financial documentation, but you are entitled to understand:
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How purchases are funded
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Whether funding is already in place
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And whether any verification can be provided
If funding is uncertain, the likelihood of delays — or the deal falling through — increases.
5. Will I be asked to sign anything before a solicitor is involved?
In a straightforward cash sale, you should not be asked to enter into a binding agreement before legal representation is in place.
Some companies may introduce:
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Exclusivity agreements
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Lock-in clauses
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Heads of terms with restrictions
These can limit your ability to:
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Consider other options
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Withdraw from the deal
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Or respond if progress stalls
If any document is presented early, take time to understand exactly what it means before signing — ideally with independent advice.
A buyer confident in their process will not need to restrict your options at this stage.
6. When will the survey take place if I accept your offer?
This is a practical way to assess how ready the buyer is to proceed.
A well-prepared buyer will typically:
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Confirm next steps clearly
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Arrange a survey within a defined timeframe
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Move the process forward without unnecessary delay
Vague timelines or shifting commitments can indicate:
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Funding is not yet secured
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A third party is involved
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Or operational capacity is limited
Clarity here often reflects how the rest of the transaction will unfold.
7. Can I use my own solicitor, and what costs will you cover?
Independent legal advice is one of your most important protections.
You should:
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Have the option to appoint your own solicitor
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Be clear on what legal costs are covered
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Understand whether any recommendations are optional
Some buyers offer to cover fees (often up to a limit) or suggest panel solicitors to help speed things up — both can be reasonable.
What to avoid is any situation where:
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You are required to use a specific solicitor
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Or independence is compromised
Before you make a final decision
If you’re close to accepting an offer, it’s worth taking one final step.
Our guide — “Before You Accept a Cash Offer: 5 Risks Most Sellers Overlook” —
focuses on the issues that most often cause problems for sellers, including:
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Why deals fall through
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Where last-minute price reductions tend to happen
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Which terms are worth paying close attention to
It’s designed to give you a clearer picture of what to expect — before you commit.
Compare Cash House Buyers (If You’re Ready to Move Forward)
If you’re already speaking to companies — or close to making a decision — it can be useful to see how different buyers compare side by side.
Not just on price, but on:
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How they structure purchases
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Whether they buy directly or use third parties
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Typical timelines and process
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What costs they cover
Our comparison service is designed to give you a clearer view of your options, without committing to any one company upfront.
All buyers on the platform:
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Have been verified
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Are required to provide proof of funds
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And operate within defined criteria
This allows you to:
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Compare multiple buyers in one place
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Choose who you want to speak to
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And proceed at your own pace
