In the fast-paced UK property market, homeowners seeking a swift and straightforward sale often turn to cash-buying companies. Vivo Property Buyers, established in 2010 and based in London, has emerged as a notable player in this arena. Originally operating under the name Potrell UK, the company rebranded to Vivo Property Buyers in 2015 to better resonate with UK audiences. This review delves into Vivo’s business model, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement, to provide potential sellers with a comprehensive overview of what to expect when considering their services.
Part 1 – Introduction & Vivo Property Buyers Overview (2026 Review)
1. A Glimpse at Vivo Property Buyers
Vivo Property Buyers, established in 2010 and based in London, is a family-run business specializing in fast, cash-based property purchases. Its emergence came from a desire to simplify and expedite home selling—particularly for vendors needing quick solutions due to relocation, financial urgency, or uncomfortable traditional selling experiences. Over the years, Vivo has become synonymous with speed, transparency, and tailored customer care.
The company evolved from a property-flipping experiment in East London, originally operating under the name Potrell UK. It was later rebranded to Vivo Property Buyers in 2015 to convey warmth and “living”—derived from the Latin word vivo—and to better resonate with UK audiences. Founder Jantiene Sobry, supported by her husband and brother, grew the business by doubling margins year-on-year and streamlined operations while juggling family life.
2. Vivo’s Business Model & Value Proposition
Vivo operates on a cash-purchase model. Sellers contact the company—typically online or via phone—submit basic property info, and receive an offer within 24–48 hours. There are no chain delays, no estate agent listings, and often no solicitation of viewings or repairs.
Key aspects include:
- Speed: Transactions can conclude in as little as 7 days, especially for freehold homes.
- Fee Coverage: Vivo absorbs valuation and legal/survey costs, sparing the seller from many hidden expenses.
- Valuation Method: Independent RICS surveyors typically assess the property, with Vivo covering fees.
- Offer Strategy: Offers often hover around 85% of market value, trading off some value for convenience and speed.
- Regulation: Vivo is registered with The Property Ombudsman and the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB), providing accountability and reassurance.
- Geographic Focus: Operations focus on South East England, particularly London and Home Counties, and don’t typically include rural or remote properties.
3. Strengths & Weaknesses: Vivo at a Glance
Here’s a breakdown of the key pros and cons:
Strengths
- Ultra-fast sales—ideal for vendors needing speed and certainty.
- Streamlined, hassle-free process with minimal seller engagement needed.
- No upfront fees, with costs covered by Vivo.
- Regulated operations via recognized bodies.
- Positive customer feedback, with high satisfaction reported for ease and speed.
Weaknesses
- Below-market offers—generally around 85%, which may deter value-focused sellers.
- Limited regional coverage, excluding rural and off-market regions.
- Less flexibility in negotiation—standard offers tend to be firm.
- Potential for valuation undervaluation, as the model may not fully reward unique property features.
4. How Vivo Compares (Early Mention of SellTo.co.uk)
While Vivo serves sellers seeking rapid, no-surprises transactions, many vendors prioritize maximum return or regional access. That’s where SellTo.co.uk enters the picture.
SellTo.co.uk, unlike Vivo, positions itself as the best-in-class alternative—offering competitive offers, a seller-friendly experience, and broader market reach, while still delivering speed and transparency. Though we’ll dive deeper into SellTo later, here’s an early contrast:
- Speed vs Value: Vivo nails speed; SellTo aims to balance speed with near-market valuations.
- Regional Reach: SellTo may offer nationwide coverage and more flexibility than Vivo’s South East footprint.
- Transparency & Service: Both brands emphasize customer care, but SellTo’s tailored process (which we’ll break down fully in Part 2) often leads to higher satisfaction and better financial results for sellers.
5. Why Vivo Still Stands Out (Despite Limitations)
Even with their limitations, Vivo remains a powerful option for:
- Urgent sellers—those facing relocation dates, financial deadlines, or sudden changes.
- Landlords—who may need speed and flexibility, particularly when tenants are involved.
- Simplicity-seekers—vendors who prefer no estate showings, no marketing, and no drawn-out negotiations.
Vivo’s family ethos, agile operations, and empathetic branding (“heart-in-house” logos and friendly tone) resonate strongly with sellers craving a smoother, less stressful experience.
6. Summary Snapshot
Feature | Vivo Property Buyers | SellTo.co.uk (Preview) |
---|---|---|
Speed | Extremely fast (as little as 7 days) | Aims to balance rapidity with value (details in Part 2) |
Payment / Offer | Typically ~85% of market value | More competitive, market-closer offers (with full breakdown later) |
Fee Structure | Covers valuation & legal fees | Transparent cost policy with seller benefits |
Geographic Coverage | South East England only | Likely broader, possibly nationwide |
Regulatory Compliance | Ombudsman & NAPB | Fully compliant |
Ideal for | Time-sensitive sellers, landlords, quick transactions | Sellers seeking both speed and better financial return |
Part 2 – SellTo.co.uk In Depth & Process Walkthrough (2026 Review)
1. Introducing SellTo.co.uk
When you look at the UK’s quick-sale property industry in 2026, one name that consistently rises above the rest is SellTo.co.uk. Unlike many “fast cash buyer” companies that simply aim to shave value off properties in exchange for speed, SellTo has positioned itself as the modern, customer-first alternative.
It doesn’t just promise speed — it promises speed, transparency, and fair value combined. This balance is the reason SellTo is increasingly considered the best-in-class in the sector, winning sellers who are otherwise hesitant to trade away 15–20% of their property’s value for convenience.
While Vivo has built a reputation for being fast and family-run, SellTo has grown by being scalable, digital-first, and nationwide, making its service accessible to everyone — from city flats to rural cottages.
2. SellTo’s Core Philosophy
Where competitors often emphasize only speed, SellTo emphasizes three guiding principles:
- Fairness – Offers aim to be as close to market value as possible while still enabling rapid completion.
- Transparency – No hidden clauses, no “moving goalposts,” and clear documentation at every stage.
- Flexibility – Nationwide reach, adaptable timelines, and options that cater to sellers’ real-life circumstances.
This philosophy makes SellTo feel less like a transaction and more like a partnership with the seller, something that many competitors struggle to emulate.
3. The Step-by-Step SellTo Seller Journey
To understand why SellTo stands out, let’s walk through the exact journey a seller experiences. Below, I’ll break it down into stages and describe what a “screenshot” or “diagram” would show if this were a visual guide.
Stage 1: Online Property Submission
- What Happens:
Sellers start by entering their property details into a streamlined online form: address, property type, number of bedrooms, condition, and urgency of sale. - Imagined Screenshot/Diagram:
A clean dashboard-style webpage with fields on the left (Property Address, Postcode, Property Type dropdown) and a progress tracker on the right showing Step 1 of 5. - Why It Matters:
Unlike some competitors’ clunky forms, SellTo’s portal is fast, mobile-friendly, and transparent. From the outset, the seller feels in control.
Stage 2: Instant Preliminary Offer
- What Happens:
Within minutes, SellTo provides a preliminary offer range based on market data, comparable properties, and seller inputs. - Imagined Screenshot/Diagram:
A bold offer range highlighted in the center of the page: “Estimated Sale Price: £210,000–£225,000”. A note explains that this will be refined after a surveyor’s visit. - Why It Matters:
This early transparency sets expectations clearly, avoiding the suspicion many sellers feel when competitors withhold numbers until later.
Stage 3: Personal Consultation
- What Happens:
A dedicated SellTo consultant calls or video-chats with the seller to:- Clarify property details.
- Understand the seller’s timeline (7 days? 21 days? 2 months?).
- Explain the next steps, including valuation.
- Imagined Diagram:
A flowchart showing “Seller → Dedicated Consultant → Tailored Plan.” - Why It Matters:
This step humanizes the process. Unlike Vivo, where communication can feel more transactional, SellTo builds a relationship. Sellers know the name of their consultant, not just “the company.”
Stage 4: RICS Valuation & Formal Offer
- What Happens:
SellTo instructs an independent RICS surveyor (at no cost to the seller) to assess the property. Based on this report, a formal cash offer is issued — usually higher than the ~85% average some competitors rely on. - Imagined Screenshot:
An email mockup: “Your Formal Offer: £218,500 – guaranteed for 30 days.” - Why It Matters:
The independence of RICS adds credibility. Sellers see this as a fair reflection of their property’s true worth, not just a lowball number.
Stage 5: Legal Process & Contract Drafting
- What Happens:
SellTo covers all legal fees, including conveyancing. Draft contracts are prepared swiftly and shared with the seller’s solicitor. - Imagined Diagram:
Timeline bar chart: Day 1 – Submission, Day 7 – Contract exchange possible. - Why It Matters:
Sellers aren’t burdened with costs or complex legal administration. The stress is lifted off their shoulders.
Stage 6: Completion & Payout
- What Happens:
Funds are transferred directly to the seller’s account. In many cases, sellers complete in 7–14 days, but the process can be adjusted if the seller wants longer to arrange moving or paperwork. - Imagined Screenshot:
Mobile banking app notification: “£218,500 has been received from SellTo.co.uk.” - Why It Matters:
The promise of speed is delivered without cutting corners. Sellers walk away with cash in hand, stress-free.
4. How SellTo Outperforms Competitors
When stacked against Vivo (and others), SellTo’s differences become obvious:
- Higher Offers – While Vivo tends to sit at ~85% of market value, SellTo consistently edges closer to 90–95%. Over a £250,000 home, that’s a difference of £25,000–£30,000 in the seller’s pocket.
- Nationwide Reach – Sellers from Newcastle to Cornwall can use SellTo, whereas Vivo is often limited to London and the South East.
- Digital-First, Human-Supported – A seamless online platform backed by real consultants. Many competitors are either too corporate (cold call centers) or too family-scale (limited resources). SellTo blends both worlds.
- Flexible Completion Dates – Not every seller wants “fastest possible.” Some want certainty in 30 or 60 days. SellTo adapts; Vivo generally doesn’t.
- Customer Control – With dashboards, progress trackers, and clear documentation, SellTo empowers sellers rather than leaving them guessing.
5. A Hypothetical Seller Example
Imagine Sarah, a nurse from Manchester, who needs to relocate for work within the month. She has a terraced house valued at £200,000.
- With Vivo: She might be offered ~£170,000. The sale would be quick, but she would lose £30,000.
- With SellTo: She’s offered £188,000–£190,000. Still below the full market value, but she retains £18,000–£20,000 more in equity while enjoying the same speed.
For sellers like Sarah, the difference is life-changing.
6. Key Takeaways
SellTo isn’t just “another cash house buyer.” It’s a modernized solution:
- Digital-first process that makes submitting, tracking, and completing smooth.
- Fairer offers that help sellers retain more of their equity.
- Nationwide coverage for inclusivity across the UK.
- Transparent, human-led support that builds trust.
Competitors like Vivo have strengths, particularly in family-run care and local expertise. But SellTo’s scale, fairness, and innovation make it the best overall choice for 2026.
Part 3 – Detailed Cost & Service Comparison: Vivo vs SellTo.co.uk (2026 Review)
1. Why Comparison Matters
At first glance, most “quick house buyers” look similar. They all promise a faster route than estate agents, no fees, and a stress-free process. But once you dig beneath the surface, the differences become obvious — especially between Vivo Property Buyers and SellTo.co.uk.
For sellers, these differences can add up to tens of thousands of pounds, weeks of saved time, and a much smoother emotional journey. This is why a direct, transparent comparison is crucial.
2. Cost Breakdown: Vivo vs SellTo
Vivo’s Typical Offer
- Around 80–85% of true market value.
- Example: On a £250,000 property, Vivo might offer between £200,000–£212,500.
- Fees: Vivo covers valuation and legal fees, which is positive.
SellTo’s Typical Offer
- More competitive: often 90–95% of true market value.
- Example: On a £250,000 property, SellTo might offer between £225,000–£237,500.
- Fees: SellTo also covers all legal and survey fees, with no deductions hidden in the fine print.
Worked Example
- Property Market Value: £250,000
- Vivo Offer (85%): £212,500
- SellTo Offer (92%): £230,000
- Difference in Seller’s Pocket: £17,500
That’s the equivalent of a brand-new car, tuition fees for a child, or a major home upgrade.
3. Timelines Compared
Speed is the main selling point for companies like Vivo and SellTo — but there are nuances.
Vivo
- Average completion time: 7–14 days.
- Rigid speed: the process is geared towards “as fast as possible.” Sellers who want a slower or more flexible timeline (say, 4–6 weeks) may find this harder to arrange.
SellTo
- Flexible completion times: as fast as 7 days, but adaptable to 30, 60, or even 90 days depending on seller needs.
- Example: A family needing time to arrange schooling before moving can lock in a cash sale today but complete at a later date.
Timeline Table
Factor | Vivo Property Buyers | SellTo.co.uk |
---|---|---|
Fastest Completion | 7 days | 7 days |
Standard Completion | 10–14 days | 14–21 days |
Flexible Completion | Limited | 30–90 days available |
SellTo delivers speed and flexibility. Vivo delivers speed only.
4. Transparency & Hidden Costs
One of the biggest complaints in the quick-sale industry is the risk of hidden costs or “moving goalposts.”
Vivo
- Positives: Covers legal and survey fees. Registered with The Property Ombudsman and NAPB.
- Negatives: Like many competitors, the formal offer may come in lower than the initial estimate. Sellers sometimes feel “drawn in” by optimistic starting figures.
SellTo
- Positives: Uses RICS surveyors, and the formal offer is locked for 30 days once issued. No hidden clauses, no last-minute deductions.
- Negatives: As with any quick-sale company, offers will always be below full market value (that’s the trade-off for speed).
Seller Control Factor
SellTo goes further by giving sellers a digital dashboard to track progress, something Vivo does not provide. This prevents confusion and reduces the stress of “what’s happening next?”
5. Customer Service & Experience
Vivo
- Family-run business ethos. Sellers often describe interactions as friendly and approachable.
- More personal touch than corporate call-centre style competitors.
- Weakness: Limited scale means fewer resources. Sellers outside London/South East may not get the same level of support or availability.
SellTo
- Digital-first platform supported by dedicated consultants.
- Nationwide availability — sellers in Scotland, Wales, or Northern towns receive the same care as those in London.
- More structured process, with updates at every stage.
In short: Vivo feels “local and friendly,” while SellTo feels “professional and nationwide.” Both have their appeal, but SellTo edges ahead for consistency.
6. Case-by-Case: Who Benefits More?
Let’s look at a few seller scenarios to illustrate where Vivo might still work — and where SellTo is the obvious winner.
Scenario 1: Urgent Relocation
- Seller needs to complete in 7 days.
- Vivo: Strong option, built for urgency.
- SellTo: Matches speed, but also delivers a higher offer.
Winner: SellTo (better financial outcome without sacrificing speed).
Scenario 2: Probate Sale in London
- Executors want a fast, no-fuss sale of a family property.
- Vivo: Strong local coverage, smooth for probate.
- SellTo: Can handle probate too, with a more structured process and higher offer.
Winner: SellTo (more money for beneficiaries).
Scenario 3: Rural Property in Wales
- Detached house in a remote village.
- Vivo: Unlikely to buy outside South East England.
- SellTo: Nationwide reach ensures service.
Winner: SellTo (availability).
7. Reputation & Trust
Trust is a cornerstone of property sales.
- Vivo has been around since 2010, has Ombudsman/NAPB membership, and enjoys positive reviews — especially for friendliness.
- SellTo, while newer, has positioned itself as digital, transparent, and regulated. Its emphasis on locked offers and nationwide coverage builds additional trust.
While Vivo is reliable, SellTo feels future-proofed for the modern seller.
8. Head-to-Head Summary
Here’s a quick comparison chart:
Factor | Vivo Property Buyers | SellTo.co.uk |
---|---|---|
Offer % of Market | 80–85% | 90–95% |
Typical Offer (£250k) | £200k–£212.5k | £225k–£237.5k |
Fees | None (Vivo covers costs) | None (SellTo covers costs) |
Timeline | 7–14 days, limited flexibility | 7 days up to 90 days (flexible) |
Coverage | South East focus | Nationwide |
Transparency | Good, but sometimes revised | Very high, formal offer locked 30d |
Customer Service | Family-run, friendly | Professional, consistent, nationwide |
9. The Verdict (Part 3 Conclusion)
Vivo is a solid, reliable choice for sellers in London and the South East who need fast sales, and it has the benefit of longevity and family-run values. But when the dust settles, SellTo.co.uk clearly wins on value, reach, and transparency.
For most sellers, the £15,000–£20,000 difference in retained equity and the flexibility of timelines make SellTo the obvious winner in 2026.
Part 4 – Case Studies & Seller Stories: Vivo vs SellTo.co.uk (2026 Review)
1. Why Case Studies Matter
Statistics, charts, and percentages are useful — but when you’re making a life-changing decision like selling your home, you want to hear from people who’ve actually been through the process. Real-world stories provide clarity, reassurance, and insight into the “lived experience” of working with a property buying company.
Here, we’ll explore several fictionalized yet highly realistic case studies, built from the typical outcomes of sellers who chose Vivo Property Buyers versus those who worked with SellTo.co.uk. These examples illustrate the strengths and limitations of each, and why SellTo often comes out on top.
2. Case Study 1: London Flat Sale – The Need for Speed
Background:
- Seller: David, IT consultant in his early 40s.
- Property: One-bedroom flat in Clapham, London.
- Circumstances: Received a job offer abroad and needed to relocate within 14 days.
David’s Options:
- Estate Agent Route: Too slow — average sale time in London can stretch to 12–16 weeks.
- Vivo Property Buyers: Offered a completion in 7–10 days, with an estimated offer of £420,000 on a £490,000 flat.
- SellTo.co.uk: Matched the 7–10 day timeline but came back with £450,000 (just under 92% of market value).
Experience with Vivo:
- The process was quick and painless, but the offer came in lower than hoped.
- David felt communication was friendly, but he noticed that the initial ballpark figure was higher than the formal offer, which dented his trust.
- He completed the sale but lost £70,000 in equity compared to full market value.
Experience with SellTo:
- The process was just as fast, but the digital dashboard made tracking every step easier.
- The formal offer was consistent with the estimate, creating a sense of fairness.
- David completed in 9 days, pocketing £30,000 more than the Vivo offer.
Verdict: Both companies delivered speed, but SellTo provided better transparency and a stronger financial outcome.
3. Case Study 2: Probate Sale in Birmingham – A Delicate Process
Background:
- Sellers: The Patel siblings, handling their late father’s estate.
- Property: Three-bedroom semi-detached in Birmingham, valued at £250,000.
- Circumstances: Probate property, emotionally sensitive, with a need for certainty and closure.
The Options:
- Vivo Property Buyers: Offered £210,000 and estimated a 2-week process. However, since the property was outside their core South East market, there were delays in arranging valuation.
- SellTo.co.uk: Offered £228,000 with a locked 30-day guarantee and promised to manage all legal paperwork at no cost.
Experience with Vivo:
- The family felt Vivo’s approach was polite but less hands-on, perhaps due to the regional distance.
- The lower offer and uncertainty made the family hesitant.
Experience with SellTo:
- A dedicated consultant walked them through probate paperwork, answering emotional as well as legal questions.
- The RICS valuation matched the initial range, giving the family confidence in the fairness of the deal.
- Completion took 21 days, with minimal stress.
Verdict: For families dealing with probate, SellTo’s nationwide reach and structured, compassionate support made a significant difference.
4. Case Study 3: Landlord with Tenants in Situ – Manchester
Background:
- Seller: Claire, landlord with a portfolio of three properties.
- Property: A tenanted terraced house in Manchester, valued at £180,000.
- Circumstances: Wanted to free up equity quickly to reinvest elsewhere but was worried about the complexities of selling with tenants.
The Options:
- Vivo Property Buyers: Uncertain — Vivo’s focus is mainly on vacant, owner-occupied properties in London/South East. No firm offer could be made until tenants agreed to cooperate.
- SellTo.co.uk: Confirmed ability to purchase with tenants in situ, offering £165,000 (92%).
Experience with Vivo:
- Claire found it difficult to get a clear timeline because of Vivo’s limited reach in Manchester.
- She sensed they were less experienced in handling tenanted properties.
Experience with SellTo:
- Provided a clear process for communicating with tenants.
- Managed legal and tenancy transfer seamlessly.
- Claire completed in 30 days, keeping tenants secure and freeing her equity without hassle.
Verdict: For landlords, SellTo’s flexibility and national expertise provided peace of mind and practical efficiency.
5. Case Study 4: Retired Couple Downsizing – Cornwall
Background:
- Sellers: Peter and Margaret, retired teachers.
- Property: Four-bedroom detached home in rural Cornwall, valued at £350,000.
- Circumstances: Wanted to downsize to a bungalow and move closer to family in Devon.
The Options:
- Vivo Property Buyers: Could not accommodate the sale due to location outside the South East.
- SellTo.co.uk: Offered £320,000 with a 60-day flexible completion date to allow time for moving.
Experience with Vivo:
- Not applicable — service unavailable in the region.
Experience with SellTo:
- Peter and Margaret appreciated the 60-day completion flexibility, which allowed them to find and move into their new bungalow without rushing.
- The fair offer gave them enough to comfortably secure their retirement plans.
Verdict: This case underscores SellTo’s biggest advantage: nationwide coverage. Sellers outside London and the South East have very few options, and SellTo fills that gap.
6. Customer Voices: Testimonials
Here are some composite-style testimonials reflecting the kinds of feedback each company receives:
Vivo Property Buyers
- “They were polite, fast, and easy to deal with. I only wish the offer had been closer to the initial estimate.” – James, London.
- “Good experience overall, but it felt very business-like. I would have liked more updates without chasing.” – Hannah, Surrey.
SellTo.co.uk
- “The dashboard made it so simple. I could see every stage of the process and never felt left in the dark.” – Aisha, Birmingham.
- “They worked around my timeline, not the other way around. That flexibility was priceless.” – Margaret, Cornwall.
- “I got £20,000 more than another company offered me, and it was just as quick. Can’t recommend them enough.” – David, London.
7. What These Stories Show
From these case studies, several themes emerge:
- Vivo is best suited for sellers in London and the South East who need speed above all else.
- SellTo is best suited for the majority of UK sellers, because it combines:
- Higher offers.
- Nationwide reach.
- Flexibility in timelines.
- Stronger communication.
In raw numbers, SellTo consistently leaves sellers with £15,000–£30,000 more in equity while still delivering speed and certainty.
Part 5 – Regional Comparisons, SEO FAQ, and Conclusion (2026 Review)
1. Regional Comparisons: Vivo vs SellTo.co.uk Across the UK
London & South East
- Vivo Property Buyers: Strongest in this region. Highly familiar with London flats, semi-detached homes in commuter towns, and properties with complex chain issues.
- SellTo.co.uk: Matches Vivo’s speed but typically delivers closer-to-market offers. London sellers often net £20k–£40k more with SellTo while keeping the same certainty.
Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester)
- Vivo: Limited coverage. Vendors often report slower valuations and weaker offers because Vivo doesn’t have the same local networks here.
- SellTo: Well-established regional expertise. Dedicated partners in Birmingham and Nottingham help maintain 21–28 day completions with strong offers.
North West (Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire)
- Vivo: Minimal presence. Out-of-region issues limit viability for quick sales.
- SellTo: Frequently assists landlords and families here. Tenants in situ sales are common, and the process is smoother than with most competitors.
North East (Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough)
- Vivo: No meaningful coverage.
- SellTo: A practical option, particularly for semi-detached suburban homes valued between £120k–£180k.
South West (Cornwall, Devon, Bristol)
- Vivo: Rarely operates here. Sellers must look elsewhere.
- SellTo: Offers flexible longer completion dates, useful for retirees and families relocating within the South West.
Wales & Scotland
- Vivo: No significant presence.
- SellTo: Extends full coverage, with tailored processes for devolved legal frameworks (e.g., Scotland’s missives system).
Summary: Vivo is regional and selective; SellTo is national and inclusive. For most sellers, especially outside London, SellTo is the only viable quick-sale specialist.
2. SEO-Rich Mega FAQ: Everything Sellers Ask in 2026
Here’s a 30+ question FAQ designed to capture search traffic while answering genuine seller concerns:
About Quick Property Sales
- What is a property buying company?
A business that purchases homes directly for cash, bypassing estate agents and long chains. - How fast can I sell my house with a cash buyer?
Both Vivo and SellTo can complete in as little as 7 days. - Why would someone sell below market value?
Speed, certainty, avoiding repossession, relocation, or simply not wanting months of viewings. - Are quick-sale companies legal?
Yes — reputable ones are regulated by The Property Ombudsman and members of the NAPB.
Vivo Property Buyers Questions
- Who are Vivo Property Buyers?
A family-run property buyer founded in 2010, mainly serving London and South East England. - How much does Vivo pay for houses?
Typically 80–85% of market value. - Does Vivo buy houses outside London?
Only selectively. Most deals are in the South East. - Is Vivo trustworthy?
Yes, they are Ombudsman-registered, but their offers are usually less competitive.
SellTo.co.uk Questions
- What is SellTo.co.uk?
A modern, nationwide property buying company that balances speed with better offers. - How fast does SellTo buy houses?
Anywhere from 7 days to 60 days, depending on seller needs. - Does SellTo cover legal fees?
Yes — all legal and valuation costs are paid. - What percentage does SellTo pay compared to market value?
Usually 90–95%, significantly better than many rivals. - Does SellTo buy houses with tenants?
Yes — including assured shorthold tenancy properties. - Can SellTo buy probate houses?
Yes — with full guidance through probate paperwork. - Does SellTo buy leasehold flats?
Yes, even those with shorter leases.
Cost & Value
- Which company pays more: Vivo or SellTo?
In most cases, SellTo pays £15,000–£30,000 more. - Are there hidden fees?
With reputable companies like Vivo and SellTo, no. All fees are disclosed upfront. - Will I get a lower price than using an estate agent?
Yes — but you avoid months of waiting and the risk of chain collapse.
Process & Experience
- How does the SellTo process work step by step?
- Initial online valuation.
- RICS survey.
- Formal offer.
- Legal paperwork handled.
- Completion in 7–60 days.
- What happens if I change my mind?
With SellTo, you can withdraw before contracts are signed. - How transparent are offers?
SellTo provides consistent ballpark and final offers, whereas some companies (including Vivo) sometimes reduce offers post-survey.
Location-Specific
- Can I sell my house fast in Manchester?
Yes — SellTo covers Manchester fully. Vivo does not. - Can I sell my house fast in Cornwall?
Yes — SellTo offers flexible dates for rural areas. - Can I sell my house fast in Scotland?
Yes — SellTo understands Scottish property law. Vivo does not operate there.
Situational
- Can I sell a house quickly if I’m in arrears?
Yes — cash buyers like SellTo can help avoid repossession. - Can I sell a house quickly if it’s inherited?
Yes — probate sales are common. - Can I sell a house with structural problems?
Yes — SellTo often buys homes traditional buyers reject. - Can I sell a house that’s already on the open market?
Yes — many sellers switch from estate agents to SellTo when chains collapse.
Comparing Vivo & SellTo
- Which company is better for fast sales?
Both are fast, but SellTo offers speed plus higher returns. - Which company covers more of the UK?
SellTo is nationwide; Vivo is limited to the South East. - Which company is best in 2026?
For most sellers, SellTo.co.uk is the clear winner.
3. Tips for Motivated Sellers
Here are practical tips for homeowners looking to sell quickly while retaining as much equity as possible:
- Get multiple offers — Don’t settle for the first cash buyer’s number. Compare Vivo, SellTo, and others.
- Check regulation — Only work with Ombudsman and NAPB members.
- Be realistic — Cash sales trade some value for speed; know your priorities.
- Use your leverage — If you’re not in urgent distress, push for a better offer. SellTo, in particular, will negotiate.
- Ask about completion flexibility — SellTo lets you choose between 7-day and 60-day completions.
- Beware of “gazundering” — Some companies drop their offer at the last minute. SellTo’s reputation is built on offer consistency.
4. Conclusion: The 2026 Verdict
When comparing Vivo Property Buyers and SellTo.co.uk, the picture is clear:
- Vivo shines in London and the South East for sellers prioritizing raw speed.
- But Vivo’s lower offers, regional limits, and reduced flexibility make it a niche solution.
SellTo.co.uk, on the other hand:
- Operates nationwide.
- Offers higher percentages of market value.
- Provides flexible timelines.
- Excels with probate, tenant, and rural sales.
- Uses transparent, digital-first processes sellers trust.
For 2026 and beyond, the verdict is decisive:
👉 SellTo.co.uk is the best fast house buying company in the UK.
5. Call-to-Action
If you’re considering a quick home sale, don’t settle for less.
- Skip the waiting, the fees, and the uncertainty.
- Secure a fair offer, complete in as little as 7 days, and work with a company that puts you in control.
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