How to Sell an Apartment Block in the UK: The Complete Guide
If you’re wondering how to sell an apartment block in the UK or where to sell an apartment block in the UK, you’re not alone. Selling a multi-unit freehold block is very different from selling a single residential property, and choosing the wrong route can cost you tens of thousands of pounds in lost value.
In this guide, we’ll explore the three main options for selling an apartment block:
- Auction
- High Street Estate Agents
- Specialist Apartment Block Agents like BlockLand
Selling at Auction: Fast but Often Below Market Value
The benefits of selling at auction:
- Speed – Auction sales can be quick, often completing in 28 days.
- Certainty – Once the hammer falls, the buyer is legally committed.
The downsides:
- Lower Prices – Properties at auction often sell at 10 to 20 percent below market value due to buyers looking for bargains.
- Fees Impact the Price – Buyers pay hefty auction fees, meaning they often reduce their bids to compensate.
- Limited Buyer Pool – Most auction buyers are cash investors looking for distressed or undervalued deals, which means fewer competitive bids.
- Data Point – According to Allsop Auction Reports, average auction sales often achieve 10 to 15 percent less than private treaty sales, especially for investment properties.
Selling Through High Street Estate Agents: A Poor Fit for Blocks
Why high street agents struggle with apartment blocks:
- Wrong Audience – Around 80 percent of their database consists of homebuyers, with another 15 percent being HMO or single-house investors. Very few are interested in apartment blocks.
- Incorrect Marketing – We’ve seen 10-unit blocks listed as “10-bedroom houses,” which confuses serious buyers.
- Over or Under-Valuation – Mispricing leads to properties sitting unsold for months, forcing sellers to accept big discounts later.
While high street agents may have large networks, they rarely have the specialist investor audience required to achieve true market value for blocks.
Selling with BlockLand: The Specialist Approach
At BlockLand, our sole focus is on selling and managing multi-unit freehold blocks across the UK. This specialism allows us to achieve better results, faster.
Why sellers choose BlockLand:
- Serious Buyer Database – We have a large network of trusted UK and international investors actively looking for blocks.
- Fast Sales at Asking Price – We’ve sold blocks at full asking price within 48 hours.
- Nationwide Coverage – We’ve successfully sold blocks in every county across the UK.
- Expert Team – We don’t just “list and wait.” Our team includes solicitors, surveyors, architects, and property strategists who create a bespoke selling plan for your block.
- No Upfront Costs – We only get paid when the sale completes, meaning we’re fully aligned with your success.
Which is the Best Way to Sell an Apartment Block?
If you want the fastest sale, auctions can work, but you’ll likely leave money on the table.
If you want maximum exposure, high street agents might seem appealing, but their buyer pool is not suited for apartment blocks.
If you want the best price with the least hassle, BlockLand is the proven route.
FAQs
How long does it take to sell an apartment block in the UK?
- Auction: 4–6 weeks (but at a discount).
- High street agents: 3–6 months (often overpriced initially).
- BlockLand: As little as 48 hours for some motivated buyers, but 8 weeks is typical for most transactions
What fees are involved in selling?
- Auctions charge sellers 2–3% plus VAT, and buyers also pay fees, reducing offers.
- High street agents usually charge 1–2% plus VAT.
- Blockland – 1-2% with no upfront costs.
Do I need a specialist solicitor to sell an apartment block?
Yes, block sales are more complex than single homes due to leases, service charges, and multiple tenants. BlockLand connects you with expert solicitors who handle these details smoothly.
Ready to Sell Your Apartment Block?
If you want expert advice on how to sell your apartment block in the UK, or you’re ready to start the process, get in touch with BlockLand today. Our team will give you a free block valuation and a clear strategy for achieving the best possible price.
