It’s perfectly legal to sell your home without an estate agent. But before you go down the DIY route, it’s worth knowing what’s really involved — and what it could cost you in time, stress and final sale price.
Selling your home yourself means a lot of work
Getting your property ready for sale is just the beginning. Once you’ve decluttered and cleaned, you’ll need to:
• Value your home accurately and set a realistic asking price.
• Write an appealing, compliant property description (including all legally required material information).
• Take professional-quality photos that do your home justice.
• Handle enquiries, viewing requests and follow-ups — often at all hours.
• Host viewings and deal with buyer feedback.
• Negotiate offers and navigate the admin and paperwork that follows.
It’s doable, but it’s a big undertaking — especially if you’re working full-time or juggling family commitments.
Limited marketing means limited reach
You could advertise your home on social media or in local papers, but these channels only go so far.
Without an estate agent, you won’t have access to major property portals like Rightmove or OnTheMarket — the platforms where the vast majority of buyers start their search. You’ll also miss out on professional marketing, buyer databases and window displays that can generate real interest fast.
That lack of exposure can make it harder to attract serious buyers, which ultimately affects your chances of achieving the best possible price.
The risk: leaving money on the table
When multiple buyers are competing, you discover your home’s true market value.
But without broad marketing reach or skilled negotiation, you risk fewer viewings, lower offers and a slower sale.
A professional agent’s job is to position your property strategically, drive interest and manage the process so you get the best result with minimal stress.
The bottom line
Yes, you can sell your home yourself — but it’s not always the best move.
If you’re considering selling in Thetford or the wider Breckland area, we’d be happy to show you the advantages of a professional sale. From accurate valuations to expert negotiation and marketing, we’ll make sure your home gets the attention it deserves.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation valuation and discover how much your property could be worth.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East

