Is It Better to Sell a Block Vacant or Tenanted?

TL;DR

Vacant possession is not always the best option. Selling a block of flats with tenants can reduce risk, save time, and still achieve market value.

What’s in This Article

• What vacant possession means

• Why landlords aim for vacancy

• Risks of vacant strategies

• Comparing vacant vs tenanted sales

• Which option suits your block

• FAQs

• Next steps

What Is Vacant Possession

Vacant possession means selling the block with no tenants, allowing the buyer full control after completion.

Historically, this was seen as ideal — but the market has changed.

Why Landlords Try to Sell Vacant

Landlords often assume vacant blocks:

• Attract more buyers

• Achieve higher prices

• Are easier to sell

In reality, this is not always true, especially under current housing law.

Risks of Selling Vacant

Achieving vacant possession can involve:

• Long notice periods

• Court delays

• Legal costs

• Compliance challenges

• Loss of rental income

If possession fails, the sale can collapse entirely.

Tenanted vs Vacant: Key Differences

Tenanted Sale

• Immediate income for buyer

• Faster transaction

• Lower legal risk

• Investor-focused buyers

Vacant Sale

• Broader buyer pool

• Higher holding costs

• Legal uncertainty

• Longer timescales

For many blocks, tenanted sales are now more reliable.

How Value Really Works

Blocks are priced on:

• Net income

• Yield

• Risk

Vacancy does not automatically increase value. In some cases, removing tenants reduces value by removing income certainty.

Which Option Is Right for You

Vacant possession may suit you if:

• The block is small

• All tenancies align

• Compliance is perfect

• You can wait

A tenanted sale may suit you if:

• You want speed

• Tenancies are mixed

• Cash flow matters

• Risk needs to be minimised

FAQs

Do investors buy vacant blocks
Yes, but many prefer income-producing assets.

Can I switch strategy mid-sale
Often yes, but it may delay completion.

Will tenants object to a sale
No. A sale does not change their rights.

Next Steps for Landlords

Choosing between vacant and tenanted sale is a strategic decision — not a cosmetic one.

Citywide Blocks helps landlords exit safely by buying blocks:

• Vacant or tenanted

• With legal or management complications

• Without reliance on possession

Call 0113 323 0678 for a free valuation and exit strategy discussion.