Part Exchange vs. Assisted Move: What's The Difference?

You have found a beautiful new Homes by Carlton home that feels just right. There is only one thing standing between you and your next chapter: you still need to sell your current property.

For many homeowners, selling an existing house can be one of the most uncertain parts of moving. You may need to arrange valuations, choose an estate agent, prepare your home for viewings, negotiate with buyers and manage a property chain — all while trying to secure the new home you want.

The good news is that moving schemes such as Part Exchange and Assisted Move can make the process simpler.

Although the two options have a similar aim, they work in different ways. With Part Exchange, the housebuilder will typically purchase your current property directly. With Assisted Move, your home is marketed to buyers on the open market, but the housebuilder organises and supports the sale.

So, which option might be right for you? This guide explains the difference between Part Exchange and Assisted Move, how each scheme works and the points to consider before making your decision.

What's The Difference? The Quick Answer

The principal difference is who buys your current home.

With Part Exchange, Homes by Carlton could become the buyer of your existing property. This can remove the need to find an open-market buyer and means there is no chain beneath your sale.

With Moving with Homes by Carlton, our Assisted Move scheme, your current property is marketed on the open market. We help coordinate the marketing process and pay the estate agency fees, while giving you initial exclusivity over your chosen Homes by Carlton plot.

Here is a quick comparison:

Please note: both options are available only on selected plots and developments and are subject to eligibility, terms and conditions.

What Is Part Exchange?

Part Exchange is a home-moving scheme through which a housebuilder may agree to purchase your current property as part of your move into a new-build home.

Instead of waiting for an estate agent to find a buyer, you sell your existing property to the housebuilder. The agreed value of your current home is then put towards the purchase of your new property.

It is similar in principle to part-exchanging a car, although buying and selling property naturally involves more detailed valuations, surveys, legal work and eligibility checks.

With Part Exchange from Homes by Carlton, we could become the buyer of your existing home. This can give you a guaranteed buyer, remove the chain beneath your sale and eliminate estate agency fees associated with selling your existing property.

How Does Part Exchange Work?

The exact process will depend on your circumstances, your existing property and the new Homes by Carlton plot you would like to purchase. Broadly, it involves three main stages.

1. Initial Qualification

Once you have found your preferred new home, speak to our Sales Team to determine whether the development and plot are eligible for Part Exchange.

We will take some initial details about you and your current property to assess whether it may meet the scheme’s criteria.

Part Exchange is available on selected plots and developments. Under the current Homes by Carlton terms, the value of your existing home must not exceed 70% of the purchase price of the new property.

Certain property types are not eligible, including leasehold houses, apartments, listed buildings, investment properties and homes with an EPC rating below E.

2. Independent Valuations & An Offer

If you qualify, we will arrange for your current home to be assessed by independent estate agents.

If Homes by Carlton is able to make an offer, it will reflect a fair market value based on achieving a sale within six weeks. The offer will also be subject to a RICS survey and any further satisfactory enquiries and reports.

It is important to compare the offer with the wider benefits of Part Exchange, rather than considering the figure in isolation. These benefits can include the absence of estate agency fees, a chain-free sale and greater certainty over your move.

3. Acceptance & The Legal Process

If you accept the offer, you will move forward with the purchase of your new home and the sale of your existing property.

Your solicitor will need to progress both transactions within the required timescales. The Homes by Carlton Sales Team will explain the process and keep you updated as your move progresses.

CGI Street Scene Of Beauford Park, Witton Gilbert Where Selected Plots Are Part Exchange-Eligible.

What Are The Benefits Of Part Exchange?

A More Certain Sale

A conventional sale is dependent on finding a suitable buyer. Even after accepting an offer, the transaction may be affected by mortgage applications, surveys or problems elsewhere in the chain.

With Part Exchange, Homes by Carlton could be your buyer. This removes the need to wait for an open-market purchaser and can provide greater confidence that your sale will progress.

No Chain Beneath Your Sale

Property chains can introduce delays and uncertainty. If one buyer or seller withdraws, several connected transactions can be affected.

Part Exchange removes the chain beneath your existing property, helping to simplify the process.

No Estate Agency Fees

You will not need to pay estate agency fees for the Part Exchange sale. However, you remain responsible for any fees or commissions incurred through agreements made with estate agents before entering into the Part Exchange arrangement.

A Potentially Quicker Move

Part Exchange offers are based on a valuation intended to enable the existing property to sell within six weeks. This can make the process attractive to buyers who want to secure an eligible new home without first waiting for a conventional sale.

Less Time Managing The Sale

Selling on the open market usually means preparing photographs, arranging viewings, negotiating offers and responding to prospective buyers.

Although valuations, inspections and reasonable access will still be required under Part Exchange, you will not have to manage the usual process of finding your own buyer.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing Part Exchange?

Part Exchange offers valuable certainty, but it will not be the right option for every homeowner.

The scheme is available only on selected plots and developments, and both you and your current property must meet the eligibility requirements.

You should also consider how the offer is calculated. It will be based on a price expected to support a sale within six weeks, which may differ from a more ambitious open-market asking price.

Before deciding, consider:

• The Part Exchange offer

• The estimated price and timescale of an open-market sale

• Estate agency fees you may otherwise pay

• The risk and complexity of a property chain

• The importance of securing your preferred new home

• Your desired moving timescale

• The value you place on certainty and convenience

Your Sales Executive and independent financial and legal advisers can help you understand how these factors relate to your move.

What Is Assisted Move?

Assisted Move is another option for homeowners who have found a new-build property but still need to sell their existing home.

Unlike Part Exchange, the housebuilder does not purchase your property. Your home is marketed on the open market and sold to an independent buyer.

The housebuilder helps to coordinate the process, which can include arranging estate agency services, professional photography, floorplans, online marketing and viewings.

At Homes by Carlton, our Assisted Move scheme is called Moving with Homes by Carlton.

Under the scheme, we market your current home while giving you exclusivity over your chosen Homes by Carlton plot for an initial period of four weeks. Once a buyer is in place with a complete chain, you can proceed to a Full Reservation on your new home.

How Does Assisted Move Work?

1. Find Your Dream New Home

The process begins once you have identified an eligible Homes by Carlton plot.

Our team will take some initial information about your circumstances and current property. You will also need to be financially qualified by our new-build mortgage specialists, although you are not required to use the panel to arrange your mortgage.

2. Agree A Selling Strategy

A suitable appointment will be arranged to assess your existing property and discuss a strategy for selling it at your desired market price.

This is a key difference between Assisted Move and Part Exchange. With Assisted Move, your property is marketed to buyers through portals such as Rightmove rather than purchased directly by Homes by Carlton.

3. Market Your Property

If you decide to proceed, your home will be marketed for an initial four-week period, with regular reviews.

Currently, our Moving with Homes by Carlton Assisted Move scheme includes: 

• Four weeks’ exclusivity over your chosen Homes by Carlton plot

• Estate agency fees paid by Homes by Carlton

• Professional floorplans and photography

• Marketing on major property portals

• A “For Sale” board outside your home, where applicable

• Accompanied viewings, where applicable
  

   

4. Find A Buyer & Reserve Your New Home

Once a buyer for your current property is in place with a complete chain, you can proceed to a Full Reservation on your new Homes by Carlton home.

The purchase of your new property can then progress alongside the sale of your existing home.

CGI Street Scene Of Woodberry Park, Staindrop Where Selected Plots Are Assisted Move-Eligible.

What Are The Benefits Of Assisted Move?

Open-Market Exposure

Your home is promoted on major property portals and marketed to prospective buyers. This allows you to pursue an open-market sale while receiving professional support.

Estate Agency Fees Are Covered

Homes by Carlton pays the estate agency fees included in the scheme, potentially reducing the upfront cost of selling your home.

Professional Marketing Is Arranged

Floorplans, photography and property portal listings are organised as part of the service, helping to present your property effectively.

Temporary Exclusivity Over Your Chosen Plot

Your chosen Homes by Carlton plot is held exclusively for an initial four-week marketing period. This gives you time to find a buyer without immediately losing the opportunity to purchase your preferred home.

Support Throughout The Process

Rather than arranging every element of the sale independently, you have support with the marketing process and clear steps to follow once a suitable buyer is found.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing Assisted Move?

Assisted Move still relies on finding an open-market buyer. The speed and certainty of your sale can therefore be affected by market conditions, the agreed asking price, buyer demand and the progress of the property chain.

The initial exclusivity period is four weeks, so it is important to agree a realistic selling strategy from the outset.

You should also be aware that Moving with Homes by Carlton does not guarantee that you can remain in your current property until your new home is ready. Depending on the timing of the two transactions, interim accommodation may be necessary.

As with Part Exchange, Assisted Move is available only on selected plots.

Which Is Better: Part Exchange Or Assisted Move?

Neither scheme is automatically better. The right option depends on your property, priorities and preferred timescale.

Part Exchange may suit you if:

• You want greater certainty over the sale of your current home

• You would prefer to avoid an open-market property chain

• You want a simpler, potentially quicker process

• You are comfortable with an offer based on achieving a sale within six weeks

• Your existing home and preferred plot meet the eligibility criteria

• Securing your chosen new home is more important than testing a higher asking price over a longer period

Assisted Move may suit you if:

• You would like to market your home to open-market buyers

• You want professional help arranging the sale

• You would benefit from having estate agency fees paid

• You are comfortable waiting for a suitable buyer and complete chain

• An initial four-week period of plot exclusivity provides enough time for your circumstances

• Your preferred plot is eligible for the scheme

Find The Right Way To Make Your Move

Having a house to sell does not have to prevent you from finding your dream new home.

Part Exchange can offer a more certain, chain-free route, with Homes by Carlton potentially becoming the buyer of your existing property. Assisted Move allows you to market your home to open-market buyers while benefiting from professional support, paid estate agency fees and temporary exclusivity over an eligible plot.

The best way to understand which option suits you is to discuss your current property, preferred development, financial position and moving priorities with our Sales Team on 0333 034 1355. 

Is Assisted Move the same as Part Exchange?

No. With Part Exchange, Homes by Carlton may purchase your existing property directly, subject to eligibility and an agreed offer.

With Assisted Move, your existing property is marketed to open-market buyers. Homes by Carlton helps coordinate the process and pays the included estate agency fees, but an independent buyer is still required.

Do I need to find a buyer before using Part Exchange?

No separate open-market buyer is required if Homes by Carlton agrees to purchase your home through Part Exchange. Your property will still need to qualify, undergo valuations and surveys, and meet the relevant terms and conditions.

Do I need to find a buyer with Assisted Move?

Yes. Your property will be marketed on the open market and you will need a suitable buyer with a complete chain before proceeding to a Full Reservation.

Are estate agency fees included?

There are no estate agency fees for a Part Exchange sale.

Under Moving with Homes by Carlton, Homes by Carlton pays the estate agency fees included in the Assisted Move scheme. Other costs, such as anti-money-laundering checks or a required EPC, may still apply.

Can any property be used for Part Exchange?

No. Part Exchange is subject to eligibility criteria. Homes by Carlton’s current terms exclude leasehold houses, apartments, listed buildings, investment properties and homes with an EPC rating below E. Your existing home must also be worth no more than 70% of the purchase price of the new property.

Is Part Exchange guaranteed?

No. Homes by Carlton is not obliged to make an offer. Any offer is subject to valuations, a RICS survey, further enquiries and the complete Part Exchange terms and conditions.

Is Assisted Move available on every new home?

No. Moving with Homes by Carlton is available on selected plots only. Speak to a Sales Executive to check the options available for the home you are interested in.

Part Exchange and Moving with Homes by Carlton are available on selected plots and developments only and are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions. Scheme information and costs were correct at the time of writing but may change. Please speak to a Homes by Carlton Sales Executive and obtain independent financial and legal advice before making a decision.