Winning a house through an Omaze prize draw can change someone’s circumstances overnight, and it is natural to wonder what comes next. Is selling the home possible if living there is not the plan? The short answer is often yes, but there are details worth knowing first.
This guide walks through how the handover works, what UK taxes might apply, and how a sale typically unfolds. It also covers costs, timeframes, and the role of solicitors and estate agents, so the whole picture is clear and practical from the start.
If you are considering entering or have already won, the information below may help you make confident, well-informed choices. Always take part within your means and seek independent advice where needed.
Can I Sell The Omaze House If I Win?
In most cases, the winner receives full legal ownership of the property. That means they can usually sell it in the same way as any other homeowner, with no ongoing obligation to live in or keep the house.
The specific terms for each draw can vary slightly, so it is important to read them carefully. Occasionally, there may be short-term conditions, identification checks, or formalities to complete before the home can be sold.
If anything in the terms seems unclear, independent legal advice can help. With that in mind, how does the transfer into the winner’s name actually work?
How Omaze Transfers Property To Winners
Once a winner is confirmed, the conveyancing process begins so legal title passes to the new owner. Identification and verification checks are carried out, and a solicitor manages the paperwork, including the transfer deed and registration with HM Land Registry.
Key points often covered during handover include:
- Whether the property is freehold or leasehold and, if leasehold, any ground rent or service charges
- A fixtures and fittings list, setting out what is included with the home
- Warranties, guarantees, and any planning or building control documents available
Costs for the legal transfer are commonly covered by the promoter, though winners should always check the draw’s terms to confirm what is included. Once the change of ownership is registered, the winner has the legal rights and responsibilities that come with owning a home, such as arranging insurance and utilities.
With ownership settled, many people want to know whether the prize is always the home itself, or if a cash alternative is possible.
Will I Receive The Property Title Or A Cash Option?
In most house draws, the advertised home is the prize and the legal title transfers to the winner. The property then belongs to them to live in, rent out, or sell.
Cash alternatives are not generally offered unless stated in the specific terms for that draw. Those terms set out exactly what the winner receives, so they are the best source for a definitive answer.
Do I Need To Pay UK Taxes Or Stamp Duty When Selling The Prize?
There is usually no income tax on receiving a prize home. Stamp Duty Land Tax is often dealt with as part of the prize award, but the draw’s terms should confirm this.
If the property is later sold, Capital Gains Tax may be due on any increase in value since it was transferred to the winner. The starting point for CGT is typically the property’s market value on the date it was awarded. Whether tax is payable depends on individual circumstances, including whether the house was used as a main residence, which can qualify for relief. A tax adviser can explain reporting deadlines and how any reliefs might apply.
Once the tax position is understood, thoughts usually move on to the practicalities of putting the home on the market.
Steps To Sell The Omaze House In The UK
Selling a prize home generally follows the same path as any residential sale in the UK. The process is legal in nature, involves several professionals, and benefits from clear planning.
Get A Solicitor Or Conveyancer
A solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal work, prepares and reviews contracts, orders searches where needed, and deals with the buyer’s representatives until completion. Choosing someone with strong property experience tends to keep the process on track and reduces the risk of avoidable delays.
Get A Survey And Valuation
A survey provides an objective view of the property’s condition, while a valuation helps set a realistic asking price. Even newly refurbished homes can benefit from a professional check, which can surface issues to address before marketing and make negotiations more straightforward.
List With An Estate Agent And Market The Home
An estate agent manages the listing, arranges viewings, and negotiates offers. Good photography, a clear description, and sensible pricing help reach serious buyers. Agents typically market online and through their own networks, which can accelerate interest.
Settle Any Mortgages Or Liens Before Sale
The buyer’s solicitor will expect the property to be transferred with a clear title. If the current owner has taken out a mortgage or if there are secured claims against the property, these are usually settled from the sale proceeds on completion so the buyer receives the home free of those debts.
Can Omaze Impose Restrictions Or Conditions On Selling?
Conditions can exist, and they are set out in the draw’s terms. These might include completing certain documents, cooperating with reasonable publicity, or observing a short waiting period before selling. Long-term restrictions are uncommon, but the terms explain any requirements that do apply.
If something in the paperwork is unclear, asking the organiser or seeking legal advice early can prevent misunderstandings and help a future sale run smoothly.
Costs To Expect When Selling A Prize Home
Selling a home involves several predictable costs. Estate agent fees are often charged as a percentage of the sale price, usually plus VAT. Legal fees for the seller’s solicitor or conveyancer also apply.
Other expenses can include:
- An Energy Performance Certificate, which is required to market the property
- Survey and valuation fees
- Optional marketing extras such as premium listings or professional staging
- Removals, cleaning, and minor repairs to prepare the property for viewings
If the property has risen in value since it was awarded and it is not covered by main residence relief, Capital Gains Tax may be due. Factoring these items into your planning helps avoid surprises later.
How Long Will It Take To Sell The Prize Home?
Timeframes vary. Market conditions, location, presentation, and pricing all influence how quickly a buyer is found. Because prize homes are often chain-free, sales can progress faster than average, although the legal process still takes time.
From listing to completion, a few months is common. Surveys, mortgage approvals on the buyer’s side, and legal checks can add to the timeline. Working with responsive agents and solicitors, and providing documents promptly, tends to keep things moving.
Who Handles Outstanding Mortgages Or Liens?
Prize homes are typically transferred to the winner free of existing mortgages or liens, so the new owner does not inherit someone else’s secured debts. If the owner later takes out a mortgage or if a new charge is registered against the property, it will usually be cleared from the sale proceeds during completion so the title passes cleanly to the buyer.
If you choose to enter paid prize draws, set sensible limits and seek support from organisations such as GamCare or GambleAware if you need help.
Handled with clear information and the right professional support, deciding whether to keep, sell, or let a prize home becomes a practical choice guided by your circumstances.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.