Would you ever buy a house privately?

[Edinburghcapital]

I have a 5 bed house in Edinburgh in James Gillespie catchment area. Desirable for a growing family and lovely neighbourhood. Their is a shortage of family homes in this area.
I've thought about doing a home report but cutting out estate agents and dealing with solicitors only. Friends did this and it was very straightforward.
My question is - would you be happy to buy using the set up?
Thanks for your insight.

I think there's a huge difference between sourcing a private sale in cities and smaller towns!

I've never heard of any successful private sales from door to doors in Edinburgh (not saying there aren't any) in comparison where I live now it's the most common way to buy as agents are hopeless here!

Thanks for the Edinburgh insight. I think it's a case of good timing and great budget for Edinburgh.

My parents had a negative experience of selling privately when my dad retired. They responded to a leaflet put through the door and agreed a price directly which was a bit under market value but still reasonable considering no estate agent fees. However close to concluding the missives their buyer asked to drop the price stating difficulty getting mortgage plus roof repairs needed. My mum and dad had already offered on another property and felt cornered to accept the reduction. Their solicitor thought the buyer was chancing it knowing the property hadn't been on the market and it wouldctake a some time to find another buyer (plus they correctly deduced my parents wouldn't pull out of their subsequent purchase as they knew the seller). They regretted not going via an estate agent.

That sounds pretty awful. Thanks for sharing that. Always good to hear both sides.

Our neighbours sold their house through a private sale. Couple put leaflets through the door and our neighbours responded. They had their house valued by estate agent and negotiated a higher price. We live in the Sciennes/JG catchment.

My brother bought his last house in a private sale. He had heard a local family were selling, contacted them, agreed a price and that was it.

Can I just ask roughly where you are? We are in a 3 bedroom but would like bigger.

MIL sold privately in London to someone at her work. Was smooth and hassle free for her.

I bought my house privately in Scotland, all went very smoothly.

Thanks for the responses.
How lovely would it be to sell your house without the open viewings and cancelled viewings or those who come along to tell you that your property is the exact opposite they are looking for?

Have sold three of my houses privately. Agents (especially in Scotland) do so little for your money. They basically place an advert and let you handle the rest. Go for it.