Property Saviour Raises Alarm on Cash House Buyer Scams: 7 Crucial Checks All Sellers Must Make
With property scams costing UK homeowners hundreds of millions each year, Leeds-based quick-sale specialist Property Saviour is launching an urgent awareness drive: How to Spot a Cash House Buyer Scam. The campaign shares insider red flags and actionable checks every seller should take before trusting a quick-sale company.
Peak summer selling season brings a surge of urgent house moves. Sellers often need to sell quicker than normal—and scammers target this vulnerability.
Common scenarios where a fast sale is essential:
- Inheritance or Probate: Sellers inheriting a property may need to resolve probate quickly to avoid ongoing maintenance costs, disputes, or emotional distress.
- Divorce or Separation: When couples separate, a swift sale enables both parties to move forward financially and emotionally.
- Facing Repossession: Sellers under threat from lenders may be pushed to secure funds immediately to avoid losing their property.
- Broken Property Chain: Being let down by buyers or other parts of a transaction can leave sellers needing speed to avoid collapse of the whole chain.
- Relocation for Work or Family: Sometimes sellers must move urgently, whether for a new job, family commitments, or health reasons.
- Financial Hardship or Debt: Homeowners may wish to raise funds quickly to pay off debts, health bills, or other pressing obligations.
- Empty/Unwanted Properties: Vacant properties are vulnerable to squatters, vandalism, or mounting costs, motivating a speedy sale.
“These are genuine, stressful reasons someone might need a fast, certain buyer,” says Saddat Abid, CEO of Property Saviour. “But urgency can sometimes mean sellers make hasty decisions, opening the door to scams.”
Saddat Abid, CEO of Property Saviour, warns:
“When you’re selling fast, you’re more exposed to those who prey on urgency. We’ve seen heartbreaking stories where sellers lost their dream home—or tens of thousands of pounds—because they trusted a rogue company.
This isn’t just about protecting Property Saviour’s clients. We urge everyone to use our checklist to verify any company they deal with. Don’t be rushed or pressured. True cash buyers should welcome scrutiny.”
7 Checks to Spot a Cash House Buyer Scam
- Can They Prove Real Cash Funds?
Ask for a current bank statement or a formal letter from their solicitor—not just emails or screenshots. Independently confirm with the issuing bank or lawyer. - Direct Buyer or Broker?
Some firms gather leads and “sell” them on to others. Find out if you’re dealing with the actual buyer with funds, not just a broker or middleman. - Will the Offer Suddenly Change?
Ask whether the offer is binding, and under what circumstances the price can drop. Watch out for sudden “survey findings” or post-valuation reductions. - Any Hidden Fees or Charges?
Reputable buyers are transparent and usually cover all costs. Demand an itemised list of any fees—if in doubt, walk away. - Are They Paying Your Legal Fees – with Your Chosen Solicitor?
Genuine buyers pay for independent legal representation and do not insist you use “their” solicitor. - Are They Accredited and Regulated?
Check for membership in The Property Ombudsman or other recognised regulatory bodies—but don’t just trust website logos, always verify their registration independently. Remember, if something goes wrong, Ombudsman investigations typically take several months to process and respond to complaints. If you need to sell quickly—such as to settle probate or avoid repossession—can you really afford to wait that long for a resolution? - Do They Have a History of Borrowing?
A true cash buyer should not need to borrow for your sale. Many so-called ‘cash buyers’ actually use bridging loan companies to finance the purchase of your home, which typically means sending two estate agents to complete valuations. This often results in a revised—usually reduced—offer much closer to exchange of contracts, a practice we consider unethical. - Check for hidden borrowing:
Go to the Companies House website and search the company’s name.
Look for “charges” or “mortgages” registered against the company—these mean your sale may depend on them securing a loan, not real cash.
No charges? That’s a good sign. Multiple mortgages or charges? Be cautious.
“If a firm claims to be a cash buyer but is regularly borrowing against properties or has recent charges, their offer isn’t guaranteed,” says Saddat Abid. “Your sale could collapse or be delayed, leaving you in limbo.”
What to Do If You Spot a Red Flag
- Don’t sign anything before independent legal advice.
- Examine their reviews: are they genuine or just anonymous ratings? Look for real success stories featuring sellers they’ve helped, not just faceless testimonials. If possible, ask to speak with past sellers so you can verify how the company performed and how their process works in practice.
- Use the Companies House website yourself—don’t rely on emailed PDFs from the buyer.
- If the company is evasive or pressures you to sign quickly, walk away.
Saddat Abid, CEO of Property Saviour, concludes:
“We want sellers empowered—not exploited. This campaign is about education, transparency, and taking power back from scammers. We’ve seen cases where sellers have been threatened with legal action, and Ombudsman complaints can take months to resolve—so it’s far better to be safe than sorry. Doing your due diligence on the buyer will pay dividends later. If you follow these checks, you can sell your home confidently, whether it’s with any reputable buyer.”
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