An increase in buying and a shortage of supply has been commonplace in the UK this year and it is thought that the housing shortage may continue into 2010. Many homeowners have been reluctant to put their homes on the market due to the drop in house prices, which may have meant many of them selling for less than they paid for the property.

Off market sales, will show significance during the first quarter with the market expecting to be quiet until around May. While many owners wish to remain in their property until prices pickup there are some who simply cannot wait and who have to sell property as soon as possible.

Many who look for a quick house sale turn to companies that offer to buy homes for cash and who buy them fast, often in just a matter of weeks. For instance, those who are emigrating or relocating often need to sell quickly in order to be able to tie up all loose ends. When going through a divorce many choose to sell the family home this way in order not to have to put it on the market and suffer potential buyers coming through the home, which may also be inconvenient. Companies that buy houses this way typically do not ask for legal fees and this has to be weighed up against the fact that you may be able to sell in just weeks.