Published: 10/06/2025 By Tom Bloomfield
Private Treaty is the method of sale which most buyers and sellers in the UK will be most familiar with.
It normally features an open-ended marketing period where buyers can submit offers at any point, and where the seller can respond or counterbid at their discretion. There is no fixed marketing period and therefore no given date by which offers should be submitted.
If a seller accepts an offer under Private Treaty, the terms of the sale are not set in stone, meaning both parties can withdraw or attempt to renegotiate terms right up until exchange of contracts.
Private Treaty is generally considered to be a good method of achieving the best price, but with the disadvantages of being less certain and at times slow.
Alternative methods of sale are Formal Tender, Informal Tender and Auction, all of which have their own characteristics; if you seek advice on the best method of sale for your property please contact Tom Bloomfield on tab@brooksleney.co.uk