Sitting tenants and selling houses

[Thunderpants]

Does anyone know what the deal is when selling a house with a sitting tenant? I have a tenant who's been great for the past 5 years, but I need to sell the house. I'm so loathe to turn her out of the house, but not sure whether you get a lot less for your property if there's someone in it. does anyone have any experience in this area? thanks.

In my experience you don't have to turn her out until you are at the exchange part of the process.

If you sell it as a buy to let investment ie she stays in despite the sale, you might get more for it because the house has been let to a good tenant.

If you are selling it on the basis it will be empty on completion, will she be co-operative when the agents bring people round for viewings? For example, will she be there, or leave it tidy? It might be hard to market with her in there.

Unless you grant her more rights than a shorthold tenancy the new owners can chuck her out anyhow. If you do give her more rights then the market value will be hugely reduced.

Our letting agency had a contact who specifically bought properties with sitting tenants. That way they get a quicker return.