Who are House Buy Fast
The Worthing-based company behind House Buy Fast – Future Planned Relocation Services Ltd – began trading in 2008, initially focused on buying auction properties for investors. In 2011 they expanded into buying properties for cash and created the ‘House Buy Fast’ brand.
What services do House Buy Fast provide?
House Buy Fast offer two different methods of sale: quick sale and online estate agency.
They say their quick sale service can complete in 3 days to 3 weeks, paying up to 85% of market value.
Their online estate agency route is suitable for homeowners looking for full market value. With this method of sale, they suggest they can complete in 6 weeks to 6 months.
What is the buying process for House Buy Fast?
House Buy Fast have a 5-step buying process:
Step 1: Get in touch with the company via phone, email or an online valuation form.
Step 2: House Buy Fast say they will use their in-house valuation system and the information you provide about your property to calculate your offer.
Step 3: If you accept the offer, House Buy Fast will organise a structural survey of the property and instruct solicitors.
Step 4: There will be some forms to fill in.
Step 5: The sale will complete and you’ll receive the money in your bank account.
How much below market value do House Buy Fast offer?
House Buy Fast’s website suggests that they can pay up to 85% of market value for their quick sale route.
Pros & Cons of House Buy Fast
House Buy Fast - Positives
- UK-based company
- Members of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) and National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB)
- Reviews and accounts suggest that House Buy Fast do have the cash available to buy some properties directly
House Buy Fast - Negatives
- Whilst it appears House Buy Fast do buy some properties directly, they also offer an online estate agency service. The success of this seems to vary.
- One customer review suggested the homeowner thought they were getting a quick and guaranteed sale but instead found out their property had been put on the open market – this resulted in them losing their reservation on a new-build property.
- Some homeowners who have used House Buy Fast’s online estate agency service have complained about a lack of viewings compared to local high street estate agents.
Is House Buy Fast legit? - Our verdict
House Buy Fast are members of the NAPB and TPO, which is a good sign. They also appear to buy at least some properties directly, though it appears from customer reviews that a substantial number of customers choose the company’s online estate agency route instead.
Unlike some other companies, House Buy Fast seem to be upfront and honest about the two options.
Are House Buy Fast any good?
From their customer reviews, House Buy Fast do appear to have the ability to buy properties directly. They also offer an online estate agency service.
Cash home-buying services and online estate agency services are very different. They will appeal to (and be suitable for) different property owners. Cash home-buying services are suitable for those who need a quick or guaranteed property sale and can consider accepting less than market value to achieve this. An online estate agency will be an option for those who can’t afford to accept less than market value, but no estate agent (online or high street) will be able to offer any guarantees around speed, success or the price you’ll achieve.
If you can’t accept less than market value for your property, we would advise you to think carefully before you decide to go with an online estate agency. Whilst online estate agencies are sometimes cheaper than high street estate agencies, they are not always as successful. A local high street estate agent will have a good knowledge and understanding of your local area and potential buyers. It can be tricky for national online estate agents to compete. This is reflected in multiple customer reviews that said they were disappointed by a lack of viewings when trying to sell through House Buy Fast, only to relist with a local estate agent and sell very quickly.
If you need a quick or guaranteed house sale, a genuine cash home buyer can offer a speed and certainty that cannot be matched by any other method of sale.
This company arranged to have 2 estate agent valuations done. 3 days later, their agent texted and said he had the valuations back, they were with the underwriters and he would be in touch later that day or the next day. I then heard nothing further. I emailed in reply to his initial email (so the address was right) and texted both numbers he had texted from. Later tried to call the mobile when I had heard nothing but a message said the number did not exist. Today I looked for a landline number for the company and called them. I was told the agent I had spoken to had been on holiday and was passed to someone else. This person told me he had called me and left a message previously – I had no missed calls or messages. He said the valuations had come back far lower than expected – this after the original agent had estimated a value that seemed inflated to me – no doubt to draw me in to take the next step. Then he said that, as one room of my house is grade 2 listed, they wouldn’t make an offer anyway. If this had been made clear upfront it could have saved me a good deal of time and trouble. In summary of my experience – very dodgy time wasters and best to steer clear. I have decided against following this route to sell, but checked out quite a few other companies along the way – all of whom were more transparent and offered a better and more honest service – noticeably Better Move.
There contract states the MAY apply to land reg telling other people they are interested in your property.
I had no interest in mine, they did not want to buy it and didnt tell me they put notice on my property when you would hope some ethics code of practise of keeping the seller informed of everything …but clearly not.
I was told I had to run the contract between myself and them to the end but this was in Jan but had to see it through to March no offers no interest or further viiewings . He said we had quite alot if interest .. really , no offers or further viewings ..all lies.
Now he refuses to take the off Land Reg until he knows how much its selling for? The people were nothing to do with his company and this is some 5 months later. So effectively 8 months
So when he tells you he will withdraw you from everything he lied.
Do not go with this company be very cautious. The tatics needs to be governed more to be honest .
Was told exactly how it was in a very professional manner was very impressed how it was explained to me
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House Buy Fast customer reviews
House Buy Fast Reviews Trustpilot
Trustpilot Score: 4.6 / 5
Positive reviews mention polite, professional staff and clear explanations of the services available. Several relate to the company’s estate agency services rather than a direct cash buying service.
Less complimentary customer reviews mention a lack of viewings through the online estate agency, poor communication and false promises. One customer also mentioned having lost their reservation on a new-build home because what they thought was a guaranteed quick sale direct to House Buy Fast turned out to be an open market sale through their online estate agency service.
House Buy Fast have only replied to 1 negative review in the last 12 months.
House Buy Fast Reviews Google
Google Score: 4.7 / 5
House Buy Fast’s Google reviews are similar to their Trustpilot reviews. Some very positive feedback that mentions successful property sales and polite, knowledgeable staff, but also some that criticise a lack of property viewings.
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Compare House Buy Fast with Quick Move Now
| Quick Move Now | House Buy Fast | |
|---|---|---|
| Established since | 1998 | 2011 |
| Annual turnover | £20.3 million | As a small company, House Buy Fast are exempt from having to publish full company accounts. This means we’re unable to see their annual turnover. |
| Members of any professional associations or redress schemes? | Yes, Quick Move Now are members of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) and the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) | Yes, House Buy Fast are members of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) and the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB). |
| Is the company registration number available on the website? | Yes | Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions About House Buy Fast
House Buy Fast say they can pay up to 85% of market value.
House Buy Fast say they use their own internal system, along with information you provide, to make you a cash offer. If you choose to accept that offer, they will conduct an independent property survey.
No, House Buy Fast say they do not charge any fees for the their service.
Yes, if you choose to use a solicitor that is recommended by House Buy Fast, they will cover your legal fees.
House Buy Fast say they can often complete the sale in under 2 weeks.
House Buy Fast claim to be a direct cash buyer, but their customer reviews suggest that they also offer an online estate agency service.
The property buying industry is unregulated, but companies can join voluntary organisations. House Buy Fast are members of both The Property Ombudsman and the National Association of Property Buyers.