Selling a garage seems simple compared to selling a house — but it can still involve legal, structural, financial, and practical complications. Whether you're selling through a traditional buyer or a fast-sale service, being aware of potential pitfalls helps you avoid delays, lost money, or unnecessary stress.
Here are the most common problems garage sellers face — and how to avoid them with confidence.
1. Not Understanding Whether Your Garage Is Freehold or Leasehold
Many sellers don’t realise their garage is leasehold, especially if:
It sits in a block
It was purchased separately
It occupies land attached to another property
It has a historical or council-issued lease
Leasehold garages come with restrictions, fees, and legal obligations. Sellers must know:
Lease length
Ground rent
Service charges
Permission requirements
Any rules on sale or usage
Selling without this knowledge causes delays or price reductions later.
2. Not Having the Right Documents Ready
Even a simple garage sale requires:
Proof of ownership
Title deeds
Lease documents (if applicable)
Access rights
Identity verification
Service charge accounts
Boundary information
Delays happen when sellers scramble to find paperwork.
3. Hidden Structural Problems
Common problems include:
Leaking roofs
Asbestos panels
Rotting doors
Subsidence in older structures
Failed drainage
Broken locks
If a buyer discovers issues late, they may reduce the offer or pull out.
4. Overpricing the Garage
Many owners assume garages are worth far more than the market will pay. Overpricing leads to:
Weeks or months on the market
Very few enquiries
Failed negotiations
Disappointment and wasted time
Fast-sale buyers provide realistic valuations — but some sellers reject them because they expected unrealistic returns.
5. Falling for Scams or Unreliable Buyers
Red flags include:
Buyers asking for upfront fees
No written offer
Refusal to show proof of funds
Unrealistic promises
Sudden pressure to sign
Last-minute price drops
Fake “legal fees”
Always work with legitimate buyers and solicitors.
6. Forgetting About Shared Access Rights
Shared driveways or communal access often complicate garage sales. If:
Rights of way aren’t clear
The route is blocked
The neighbour objects
The legal documents don’t match the reality
…the sale can stall.
7. Not Clearing Out the Garage Before Completion
Some buyers will clear it for you, but many won’t. Leaving rubbish or old items can:
Breach the sale agreement
Delay completion
Reduce final payment
Cause disputes
Plan disposal early.
8. Not Being Honest About Condition
Concealing damage — especially asbestos or structural issues — may cause:
Price changes
Complaints
Legal consequences
Buyer withdrawal
Transparency builds trust.
9. Delayed Solicitor or Poor Legal Communication
Garage sales can be simple — but only if your solicitor is responsive. Slow communication causes:
Missed deadlines
Frustrated buyers
Delayed completion
Lost sales
Choose a solicitor who handles property transfers regularly.
10. Not Comparing Multiple Options
Your choices include:
Private sale
Auction
Fast-sale buyer
Investor
Local resident
Comparing offers avoids leaving money on the table.
Conclusion
Garage sales may seem straightforward, but many sellers encounter preventable obstacles. By preparing documentation, understanding your ownership structure, avoiding scams, and being transparent about condition, you can navigate the process smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.