How long can I rent the property back for?

Typically you can stay as long as you require, although no guarantees can be given to remain indefinitely. We are in the business of renting properties back long term and are keen to have committed long term tenants who  look after the property and love living there.

How does the rent back price you offer me compare with an Estate Agent's valuation?

The price we offer depends on many factors, including the type and location of the property, its condition and also the rental potential. We normally require a discount off the open market value to cover our costs and generate our business profit.  The level of discount we aim for will depend on your specific property, but generally we will offer 80% to 85% of your property's open market value.

How much rent will I be paying if I rent back?

Usually we charge the average market rent in your area for properties like yours.  However, we consider each case individually and will charge rent that is affordable to yourself.

Is there a rental deposit payable when renting back?

Yes. We normally ask for a one month deposit to be paid at the beginning of the tenancy.  The deposit will be repaid back to you on the day you decide to leave the property (assuming the property was not damaged in any way).

When is the rent payable?

We require the rent to be paid monthly in advance, except in some housing benefit cases where councils will only pay in arrears.

What kind of a tenancy agreement will be used?

In our sell house to rent back scheme, we use the standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement that is commonly used by letting agents. Even though you can rent back for typically long term, the tenancy agreement will be set to a maximum of one year at a time. At the end of each year a new agreement will be signed to allow you to carry on living in the property.

Do you rent back to Housing Benefit tenants?

Yes we do.  We have no problem renting back to you if you are claiming income support as long as the Housing Benefit Department is happy with this arrangement.  Every council is different and we advise you to check with your council directly first.

Would the rent increase over time?

Yes it will.  We typically fix the rent for the first few years of the tenancy.  The rent will start increasing, in line with the market rent inflation, afterwards.

What are the costs involved in me being a tenant?

Apart from the rent, you will also need to pay your bills (gas, electricity, etc.) and the council tax.  Optionally, and if you want to, you need to pay for your Contents Insurance.

After a sell house to rent back, we will be responsible for the Building Insurance and, in case of leasehold properties, the service charge and ground rent.  We will also be responsible for servicing the boiler (if there is one) every year and take care of any heating system breakdowns.

However, in return for the flexibility of the long term renting back, we expect our tenants to take care of minor repairs.

How about the furniture?

The furniture remains yours.  We are effectively buying the property from you without the movable furniture and renting it back to you unfurnished. However, in some cases, and if you want, we can negotiate to buy the furniture from you.

How much does it cost to sell a house to rent back?

Nothing.  We will pay for your solicitor fees.  There will be no Estate Agent's fees or surveyor's fees.

Can you tell me how to get an offer from your company?

Sure. Here is more information about the steps to follow to evaluate our buy and rent back service.

Do I need a solicitor for the sale?

Yes.  If you don't know one, we can recommend a good solicitor to act on your behalf to complete the sale and we will pay their fees.

How long does it take to sell the property?

About 3 - 4 weeks.  In time-sensitive cases we can complete much quicker.