Key Facts
| Company name | Ziphouse Ltd |
|---|---|
| Also trading as | Ziphouse Ltd; Ziphouse |
| Companies House no. | 10309396 |
| Incorporated | 03 August 2016 |
| Year founded | Unknown |
| Corporate structure | Standalone private limited company |
| SIC code | 68100 |
| Operating model | Direct cash buyer (mixed internal/external funding) |
| Geographic coverage | UK-wide |
| Typical offer | Up to 85% stated on site |
| Typical timeline | Typically around 3 weeks; site also uses 7–21 days / 7–28 days style wording |
| Legal fees | Unknown |
| TPO member | Yes |
| NAPB member | Yes |
| Official website | ziphouseltd.co.uk |
PSW Company Index
Three independent measures, built from verifiable data rather than the company's marketing: how its offer compares with the cash-buyer sector, how quickly it completes, and how openly it operates. Every input is shown so you can check the working.
Transparency signals
Good-practice signals
- Member of The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
- Member of the NAPB
- Complaints procedure published
- Typical offer level disclosed
- Data protection / privacy in place
- Independent redress / ombudsman route
- Legal fees policy stated
Contract red flags
- Conditional or hidden fees noted
- Late price-reduction pattern
- Tie-in / exclusivity required
- Early contract before completion
- Requires use of their solicitors
- Restricts marketing elsewhere
- Exit penalties mentioned
How these are calculated. Offer Fairness ranks the company's stated offer (as a % of market value) within the cash-buyer sector — all cash offers are below open-market value. Completion Speed is the fastest completion the company advertises, shown as a fact, not a score, because most firms advertise a similar best case; confirm any timescale in writing. Transparency adds points for TPO/NAPB membership, a published complaints procedure, a disclosed offer level, data-protection registration, an independent redress route and a stated legal-fees policy, and deducts for contract red flags; only publicly verifiable signals score. Full methodology.
Company Overview
Ziphouse appears to operate as a fast-sale property business that markets itself as a cash buyer able to move quickly and cover seller costs. Its public materials suggest a staged process: a provisional offer is made first using internal underwriting tools and market data, then a local valuation is obtained before a formal offer is issued. That means the first figure appears to be indicative rather than final. The company website also contains investor-facing material, investment opportunities content, and investment risk wording. Based on available information, this suggests Ziphouse may operate through a broader model than a simple one-route direct buyer. Filed accounts support that it is involved in buying and selling its own real estate, but the wider evidence suggests a mixed model that may include direct acquisition alongside investment-linked activity. Sellers should clarify whether Ziphouse itself is the buying entity in their case, whether any third-party funding or investor involvement sits behind the deal, and at what point the offer becomes fully binding.
Products, Services & Process
Property types accepted
Residential — any condition
- Contact the company by phone or online form to provide property details.
- Receive a no-obligation indicative cash offer, typically within 24 hours.
- If the offer is of interest, a formal valuation is carried out.
- A formal offer is made. If accepted, solicitors are instructed.
- Choose a completion date to suit your circumstances.
- Contracts exchanged and funds transferred on the agreed date.
Fees & Pricing
Ziphouse’s public pricing model appears to be a two-stage one. It says it can make a provisional offer quickly using underwriting tools, software, and market data. It then says that, once the provisional offer is accepted, local valuations are obtained before a formal offer is made. Structurally, that means the first figure appears to be indicative rather than fixed. The site says it can offer up to 85% of value and cover seller costs, which fits a typical fast-sale discount model. The review evidence broadly supports this being the intended commercial position, with some positive reviewers indicating they understood the trade-off. However, the negative reviews show that not every seller experiences the pricing process positively. Some describe lower-than-expected valuation outcomes or later movement away from the initial expectation. Based on available information, pricing stability appears to depend heavily on valuation outcomes and on whether the seller understands that the first figure is provisional. Sellers should clarify the valuation basis, who carries it out, what assumptions sit behind the first offer, and under what circumstances the price can be revised.
What Offer to Expect
Cash-buying companies pay below the open market in exchange for speed and certainty. The benchmarks below are worked on the current UK average house price of £270,080 (HM Land Registry / ONS UK House Price Index, June 2026). Your own figure depends on your property's value and condition.
On the UK-average £270,080 home, Ziphouse Ltd's stated offer works out at roughly £230,000–£230,000, versus £203,000–£230,000 for the typical cash buyer. Open-market figure is before agent and legal fees. Source: HM Land Registry / ONS UK House Price Index, June 2026.
| Route | Typical proceeds | On a £270,080 home | Typical speed | Sale falls through? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziphouse Ltd (this company) | up to 85% of market value | £230,000–£230,000 | 7–28 days | Very low |
| Typical cash buyer | 75–85% of market value | £203,000–£230,000 | 7–28 days | Very low |
| Open-market sale (estate agent) | Close to full market value, minus agent & legal fees | ~£270,080 less fees | about 5–6 months (≈25 weeks) | roughly 25–35% (about 1 in 3) |
Offers can fall below 70% for properties needing significant work.
Benchmarks: HM Land Registry / ONS UK House Price Index; Rightmove; Zoopla; Propertymark; TwentyCi. The cash-offer range reflects independent consumer guidance, not figures supplied by cash-buying companies. Illustrative only — verified June 2026.
Cash Sale vs Estate Agent vs Auction
How the three main ways to sell a home compare on the factors that matter most to sellers.
Ziphouse Ltd's figure is its advertised fastest completion — confirm any timescale in writing. Approximate time from agreement (or listing, for the open market) to completion. Sources: Rightmove; Zoopla; Propertymark; TwentyCi.
| Factor | Cash-buying company | Estate agent (open market) | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical proceeds | 75–85% of market value | Close to full market value (minus fees) | Variable — reserve plus hammer price |
| Typical timeline | 7–28 days | about 5–6 months (≈25 weeks) | ~6–10 weeks (incl. 28-day completion) |
| Sale falls through? | Very low | roughly 25–35% (about 1 in 3) | around 15% |
| Fees to you | Usually none — buyer covers legal costs | Agent commission (~1–2%+VAT), legal, EPC | Auction/entry fees, legal pack |
| Effort required | Minimal | Viewings, staging, chain management | Legal pack, viewings, reserve setting |
Sources: Propertymark; TwentyCi (fall-through); Rightmove; Zoopla (timelines); HM Land Registry / ONS UK House Price Index (prices). Verified June 2026.
Funding & Completion Stability
The evidence gives a mixed picture. Ziphouse presents itself as a direct buyer, and its accounts confirm a principal activity of buying and selling its own real estate. Positive reviews also include several references to completed sales and relatively quick progress. However, the funding picture appears more layered than simple headline cash-buyer wording suggests. The accounts show substantial stock and listed investments but very little year-end cash, and Companies House filings show secured charges, including a debenture and property-linked security. The website also contains investor-facing content and investment risk disclosures. Based on available information, this may mean Ziphouse can transact directly in some cases but may still rely on asset-backed funding, external finance, or wider investment arrangements rather than unrestricted cash sitting on hand. That does not prove instability, but it does mean sellers should clarify whether funds are already in place for their specific purchase, whether the transaction depends on any further approvals or finance, and what happens if valuation or underwriting changes after the provisional offer.
Reviews & Reputation
Review patterns are mixed but lean positive on service. Positive reviewers often describe responsive staff, quick progress, and help with pressured situations such as broken chains or complex sales. Several mention completion in weeks rather than months. Negative reviews are fewer in the supplied sample but more structurally important: they describe lower-than-expected offers, valuation-led reductions, and in one case an investor fallback after the initial proposition changed. There is also a separate complaint about data handling. Overall, reviews suggest some sellers experience a smooth fast-sale service, while others appear frustrated by pricing outcomes or by a gap between headline expectations and the eventual deal structure.
- Speed of sale and fast initial response
- Professional and helpful staff
- No fees or hassle compared to traditional sale
What reviewers praise
- Offer below market value
- Late price reductions
- Uncertainty over completion timeline
Common complaints
Complaints & Common Issues
Public material does not clearly set out the full seller-side contract structure, so important control points remain unclear. The website indicates a staged process: provisional offer, acceptance, valuation, then formal offer. That suggests a seller may not be dealing with a fully fixed price from the start. The site also says 10% can be released on exchange, which suggests some transactions may involve early funds before completion, but this does not explain the wider legal protections, restrictions, or exit terms. There is not enough publicly available evidence in the reviewed material to confirm option agreements, exclusivity periods, title restrictions, required solicitor use, remarketing restrictions, or assignment rights. Sellers should therefore clarify the legal route before proceeding: whether the offer is conditional on valuation or further checks, whether they remain free to market elsewhere before exchange, whether any notice or restriction is placed on title, whether they must use a nominated solicitor, and whether any fee or deduction could arise if the sale does not complete.
Customer Support
| Phone | Not published — see official website |
|---|---|
| Not published — contact via website form | |
| Response time | Within 24 hours |
Regulatory & Compliance
Company History & Timeline
- UnknownIncorporated: 03 August 2016
Ownership & Leadership
| Current directors | Michael Terence Burgess |
|---|---|
| Prior related entities | Yes ZIPHOUSE DEVELOPMENTS LTD appears related via common director Michael Terence Burgess; director/PSC change from Francis Graham Fenegan to Michael Terence Burgess in January 2025 |
| Registered address | The Work Lab, Claydons Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, England, SS6 7UP |
Ziphouse Ltd vs Alternatives
How Ziphouse Ltd compares with other independently profiled cash buyers on the terms sellers ask about most. Figures are drawn from each company's own Property Sale Watchdog profile and reflect the same assessment methodology.
| Factor | Ziphouse Ltd (this profile) | The Property Buying Company | Open Property Group | We Buy Any Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical offer | Up to 85% stated on site | Typically 15%–35%+ below market (based on reviews) | Below market / variable. Review evidence includes sellers who explicitly accepted a lowe… | Commonly marketed as up to c.80–85% of market value; review evidence suggests some outco… |
| Typical timeline | Typically around 3 weeks; site also uses 7–21 days / 7–28 days style wording | Advertised fast (7–28 days); reviews suggest often longer or variable | Marketed as within 7 days, sometimes 24 hours or 6 weeks; review evidence ranges from un… | Headline claim: around 7 days or less / in a timeframe that suits the seller; review evi… |
| Legal fees | Unknown | Free | Free | Seller pays own |
| TPO member | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NAPB member | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PSW risk rating | Medium Risk | Medium Risk | Medium Risk | High Risk |
All comparison companies are independently profiled on Property Sale Watchdog. Compare key terms, memberships and risk ratings before committing to any single buyer.
View The Property Buying Company profile → View Open Property Group profile → View We Buy Any Home profile →
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast completion possible — 7–21 days stated
- No estate agent fees
- Member of both The Property Ombudsman (TPO) and the NAPB
- Buys properties in any condition
Cons
- Up to 85% stated on site — below open-market value
- Late reduction pattern observed
- Funding model requires independent verification
- Limited published completion rate data
Frequently Asked Questions
Ziphouse Ltd is registered at Companies House (number 10309396). TPO status: Yes. NAPB status: Yes. Sellers should verify proof of funds and the contracting entity before proceeding.
Ziphouse Ltd offers Up to 85% stated on site based on publicly available information. This reflects the trade-off for speed, certainty, and no selling fees. The actual figure will depend on property condition, location, and market conditions at the time of valuation.
Based on publicly available information, Ziphouse Ltd states typical completion is Typically around 3 weeks; site also uses 7–21 days / 7–28 days style wording. Actual timelines may vary depending on property type, legal complexity, and the route used.
Ziphouse Ltd TPO membership: Yes. NAPB membership: Yes. Both organisations require members to follow a code of practice and provide sellers with an independent redress route. Sellers should verify membership status directly with the relevant bodies.
Based on available information, Ziphouse Ltd’s legal fee policy is: Unknown. Sellers should confirm this directly with the company and check whether any conditions apply to legal fee coverage.
The late price reduction pattern for Ziphouse Ltd is recorded as: Occasional. Sellers should ask the company to confirm the formal offer in writing, clarify what conditions could cause the price to change, and at what stage the offer becomes legally binding.
Ziphouse Ltd primarily buys residential properties in any condition across the UK. The company states it will consider properties regardless of condition. Sellers with unusual or commercial properties should confirm eligibility directly with the company.
Sellers should be more cautious if they need a price that is fixed from the start, if they are highly sensitive to later valuation-led changes, or if they want every contractual term pinned down before engaging. Caution is also sensible for sellers who are not comfortable with a model that appears to combine direct buying language with wider investment-linked activity and secured external funding….
Who This Suits & Who Should Be Cautious
May suit sellers who…
This structure may suit sellers who prioritise speed, convenience, and process support over achieving full open-market price. Based on the website and review evidence, Ziphouse appears to target sellers with time-sensitive or problem-led situations, including probate, chain pressure, repossession risk, short lease issues, or properties that may be harder to sell conventionally. It may also suit sellers who understand from the outset that a fast-sale route usually involves a meaningful discount and who are comfortable with a staged pricing process in which the initial figure is provisional and the formal offer follows valuation. Sellers who want one central point of contact and a potentially quicker route than the open market may find this model workable, particularly if certainty and speed matter more than maximising price. Suitability depends on the seller understanding exactly who is buying, when the offer becomes formal, and whether funds are already committed for their transaction.
Be cautious if you…
Sellers should be more cautious if they need a price that is fixed from the start, if they are highly sensitive to later valuation-led changes, or if they want every contractual term pinned down before engaging. Caution is also sensible for sellers who are not comfortable with a model that appears to combine direct buying language with wider investment-linked activity and secured external funding. The evidence does not prove a problematic structure, but it does suggest more nuance than a simple, immediate, unconditional cash purchase model. Sellers who cannot tolerate a revised offer, need full certainty on buyer identity and funding source, or want all legal controls understood in advance, should ask more questions before proceeding. They should take care to understand whether the provisional offer can change, whether any restrictions apply, and what protections exist if the transaction does not complete.