Selling through a divorce or separation
Handling a sale discreetly when one household becomes two.
Free guide · 5 min read
Deciding what the sale needs to achieve
A separation sale usually has a specific job to do — releasing equity for two households, funding a clean break, or simply moving on from a property that no longer fits either party's life. It helps us to know that goal early, because it shapes how we price and market the property, and how quickly we push for a sale versus holding out for the best possible price.
An independent, fair valuation
Both parties need to trust the figure the property is marketed at, so we value it the same way we would for any client — on the evidence, not on what either side hopes to hear. If solicitors are involved, we are used to providing a written valuation for their file as well as the usual verbal appraisal.
Joint ownership and consent to sell
Where a property is jointly owned, both owners need to agree to sell and to instruct us — we cannot act on one party's instruction alone unless a court order says otherwise. If a financial settlement or consent order is still being finalised, timing is often dictated by the solicitors rather than by the property market, and we work around that rather than pushing our own timeline.
Keeping it discreet, and workable, day to day
Viewings during a separation are often more sensitive than a normal sale — one party may still be living in the property, or both may still be there. We keep communication in writing where that helps, coordinate viewing times around whoever is at home, and are careful about who we discuss the sale with. Discretion here is not an add-on; it is the job.
General information, not legal, financial or tax advice — every situation is different, so speak to a solicitor or accountant about your own before you act on it.