Optimising Flips Through Assisted Sales with Mark Shaw
Last updated: 3 Feb 2025
Assisted sales have 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.
What Are Assisted Sales?
At its core, an assisted sale is a property flip without the burden of ownership. Instead of purchasing a property outright, the investor enters into a legal agreement with the vendor to refurbish and sell the property. The vendor remains the owner throughout the process, but the investor funds the refurbishment and markets the property for resale. Profits are made from the uplift in value minus the agreed-upon purchase price and refurbishment costs.
"An assisted sale is essentially a flip without the ownership. It’s quicker, more flexible, and far less capital-intensive."
Key Advantages of Assisted Sales
For Investors:
Low Money Down: You don’t need to purchase the property outright, eliminating the need for large deposits and hefty stamp duty fees.
Higher Profit Margins: By avoiding ownership costs, including bridging loans, your net profit from an assisted sale is significantly higher.
Scalability: With fewer financial constraints, investors can handle multiple assisted sales simultaneously.
For Vendors:
Guaranteed Sale Price: Vendors receive the agreed-upon price without the stress of managing viewings, renovations, or long waiting times.
Faster Sale Process: The refurbishment increases the likelihood of a quick sale at a higher price.
For Estate Agents:
Reduced Workload: Investors handle refurbishments and property marketing, saving agents time and effort.
Double Fees: Agents can earn commissions twice – once during the initial agreement and again when the property is sold post-refurbishment.
Steps to Conduct an Assisted Sale
Mark outlined a clear framework for identifying, structuring, and executing an assisted sale effectively:
Identify Suitable Properties
Look for properties with the following characteristics:
Dated interiors or significant refurbishment needs.
Motivated vendors, such as those with vacant or probate properties.
Properties that have been on the market for a long time or experienced price reductions.
"Time works in your favour with assisted sales. The longer a property stays unsold, the more open vendors and agents become to creative solutions."
Explain the Concept to Vendors and Agents
When approaching estate agents or vendors, focus on the benefits:
Emphasise the speed of exchange (typically four to six weeks).
Highlight your ability to pay close to the asking price by avoiding traditional ownership costs.
Provide a detailed email offer explaining the process and terms to ensure clarity and confidence.
Draft a Legal Agreement
Engage a solicitor to draft a simple contract outlining:
The agreed purchase price.
The refurbishment responsibilities and timeline.
The completion date (usually six to nine months).
"Always use solicitors to ensure both parties are protected. The clearer the agreement, the smoother the process."
Execute the Refurbishment
Speed is critical in assisted sales. Coordinate with contractors to begin work immediately after the exchange. Opt for cosmetic upgrades like fresh paint, new carpets, or updated kitchens and bathrooms, as these deliver the highest return on investment.
Market and Sell the Property
Once refurbished, market the property to attract buyers. Consider pre-marketing during the refurbishment phase to secure potential interest early.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
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."
A Case Study: Assisted Sale in Action
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.
Why Assisted Sales Are Perfect for Today’s Market
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.
Final Thoughts
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. As Mark aptly summarised:
"The beauty of assisted sales lies in their simplicity. With the right approach, everyone wins."
What should I do next?
Ready to find your next deal? Join Property Filter today and gain access to the tools and insights that top investors use to source, structure, and secure winning deals using the best property software on the market.
Watch the full session with Mark Shaw on YouTube here for more in-depth insights.
Additional resources
The Magic Behind A Successful Property Refurbishment - Proven Recipe From Martin Rapley
Unlocking Property Investment Success With Richard Evans: How To Focus On Deals, Not Searches
Learn How To Double The Deals In Half The Working Hours With Jackie Tomes
Unlock the Goldmine: Commercial Property Opportunities with Ranjan Bhattacharya
