New Zoopla guide aims to help agents sell homes for vendors after a break-up

Zoopla has launched a new guide to help agents advise buyers when purchasing a property with a partner to avoid future nightmares.

The document includes advice on how buyers can protect their own share in a property and what to do if selling a home while separating. 

It comes as a survey by the portal highlighted tricky situations that have emerged when partners purchase a property together and later split-up.

One in eight who remain living with their ex are forced to continue sharing a bedroom with them, the survey found.

The poll showed that 13% of couples found themselves involved in a standoff – with neither prepared to move out, while 15% said their ex-partner made things awkward by starting a new relationship whilst still living together.

Another 42% of married respondents said it took them longer to get out of their joint mortgage than it did to get a divorce

The analysis found that couples were forced to live together for an average of 1.3 years after they split up. 

For 95% of respondents, it was at least one month. 

The portal is therefore urging couples who own together to plan ahead to avoid nightmare scenarios and is providing guidance on how to do so, including for agents on selling a property where the vendors have a relationship breakdown.

Commenting on the launch, Nick Neill, managing director at Ewemove, said:  “For any agent selling a home where there is a relationship breakdown, it is critical that you deal with both parties equally and fully when communications are involved. 

“Not least having both their signatures on your terms of business, but also in respect of booking viewings, presenting offers and agreeing to inclusions for the sale.

“Relying on the response from one party only is a recipe for disaster. “Really importantly, always host the viewings yourself as the agent - don't rely on either party to do it for you, as if they're feeling reluctant to sell, you'll be going nowhere fast, as they'll put potential buyers off.”

- Read the guide