Last updated: 3 Feb 2025
Assisted selling property has emerged as a game-changer in property investing, offering a creative way to optimise profits with minimal upfront investment. Mark Shaw, the self-proclaimed "Lifestyle Investor," shared his wealth of knowledge during a recent session of the Deal Finder's Corner. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Mark explained how assisted sales can benefit vendors, agents, and investors alike. Here's a deep dive into the key takeaways, practical strategies, and success principles that Mark outlined to help you leverage this powerful strategy.
While assisted sales offer incredible benefits, they are not without challenges. Here are some potential hurdles and Mark's advice on tackling them:
Vendor Resistance: Some vendors may hesitate to enter into a delayed completion agreement. Build trust by thoroughly explaining the benefits and providing examples of successful deals.
Finding Reliable Contractors: Contractors are essential for a successful refurbishment. Mark suggests building relationships with independent tradespeople or partnering with contractors on a profit-sharing basis.
Timing Risks: If the property doesn't sell within the agreed timeframe, you may need to renegotiate with the vendor or reduce the sale price. To mitigate this risk, Mark advises:
"Plan for the unexpected by pricing conservatively and adding a buffer to your timelines. Always have a contingency plan."
Mark shared an example of a three-bedroom house that required extensive refurbishment. The property had been on the market for months due to its poor condition. Here's how the deal unfolded:
Agreed Purchase Price: £100,000
Refurbishment Costs: £20,000
Final Sale Price: £160,000
Profit: £40,000 (after fees)
This deal exemplifies how investors can unlock hidden wealth in properties that others overlook.
Assisted sales are particularly effective in today's property market due to high stamp duty rates and rising costs of traditional financing. By offering a low-money-down, high-return alternative, assisted sales create win-win solutions for all parties involved.
For investors, the strategy is a pathway to financial independence with minimal risk. For vendors, it's a chance to sell properties faster and for a fair price. And for estate agents, it simplifies their workload while doubling their commission opportunities.
Mark Shaw's expertise highlights the potential of assisted sales to transform property investing. By focusing on creative solutions, building trust with vendors and agents, and executing refurbishments efficiently, investors can achieve significant profits while helping others achieve their goals.
Whether you're a seasoned property investor or just starting, assisted sales offer a flexible, scalable, and highly profitable strategy. Explore various property investment strategies to find the approach that best suits your goals and risk tolerance. As Mark aptly summarised:
"The beauty of assisted sales lies in their simplicity. With the right approach, everyone wins."
Deal Finder's Corner is your weekly property talk show, proudly brought to you by Property Filter. Our mission is to equip you with the best resources by inviting expert guests to share the most up-to-date and effective strategies, tactics, and insights for finding and securing property deals across the UK.
