Just a few years ago, the quick house sale market didn’t exist. Property prices were high, interest rates were low, and the majority of homeowners had no trouble selling their houses when they needed to. A slight slow-down in the market, however, coupled with the fact that there are always homeowners who are the victims of difficult circumstances such as divorce or redundancy highlighted a gap in the market for companies who could offer cash payment for a quick house sale.

The quick house sale market is young, yet it is attracting new companies all the time. The relative youth and size of the market means that there isn’t a lot of general market information around, but by piecing together the information below, you can see why those in the property business are starting to take notice:

An increasing number of people are attracted by the potential of this market and are starting up their own businesses. Whether they choose to work nationwide or within a defined local area, new companies means more competition, which is usually a good thing for the consumer.

Several of the companies in the quick house sale market use surveyors from RICS to value the properties they are interested in. RICS researchers have their finger on the pulse of the property market and have predicted that 2008 will see in increase in repossessions, particularly when people on fixed low-rate mortgages move to higher interest rates during the year.

If you’re considering using the quick house sale market, it’s always worth finding out how the company you’re talking to is going to finance the purchase of your home. Some companies use buy-to-let mortgages, whereas others have straightforward loans that they can use to find the cash they (and you) need. As pressure is put on the buy-to-let mortgage market, those companies that have secure, professional financing in place will do well.

In 2006, the housing market was still fairly strong. Houses for sale, even in the popular South-East can now be only the market for many months before an offer is even accepted – and then the sellers are relying on the property chain to ensure that the sale goes through. For those who are looking for a far faster process, the quick house sale market is becoming more attractive.

It is true that you may get less for your property if you choose to use the quick house sale market. You should be prepared for this before you make any firm decisions about selling your home. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that in a  buyers’ market, you may have to reduce your price even if you’re selling through an agent and, when you take all the fees and other costs into consideration, your cash price may not be as low as you think.