Key Takeaways

  • A part exchange means trading in your existing home as part payment for a new one, with its value deducted from your new home’s price.
  • Part exchange is often offered by new-build developers and sometimes via estate agents working with private sellers.
  • The process includes getting your current home independently valued, accepting an offer, then completing surveys, legal checks and setting a move-in date.
  • Benefits include a guaranteed sale (you don’t need to find a buyer), avoiding property chains, and typically a smoother, faster transaction.
  • Drawbacks can include getting a price slightly lower than open-market value, limited choice of properties (usually only new builds), and certain eligibility conditions for your existing home.

What is a part exchange home?

A part exchange home is a property purchase deal where you trade in your existing home as part of the payment for a new one. Instead of selling your house on the open market, the developer or property seller buys it directly from you at an agreed price. The value of your old home is then deducted from the price of your new home, and you only need to cover the remaining balance.

Part exchange is commonly offered by new-build developers, but some estate agents also facilitate these deals with private sellers.

How does part exchange work?

The process of part exchange is straightforward:

  • Property valuation: The developer or estate agent arranges for an independent valuation of your current home. They will then offer a price based on market value and demand.
  • Offer acceptance: If you accept the offer, you can move forward with purchasing your new home without the stress of finding a buyer.
  • Survey & legal checks: The necessary surveys and legal paperwork are completed, ensuring everything is in order.
  • Move-in date set: Once the legal process is completed, you can move into your new home without delays.

This method eliminates the uncertainty of traditional selling, where delays, broken chains, and failed sales can be frustrating.

What are the benefits of part exchange?

  • Guaranteed sale: You don’t have to worry about your home sitting on the market for months or deals falling through at the last minute.
  • No property chains: A major advantage is that you won’t be stuck waiting for your buyer to sell their home before you can move.
  • Faster & smoother process: Because the buyer is usually a developer or a company, the transaction tends to be much quicker.

Are there any disadvantages?

While part exchange can be a great solution, it’s not for everyone. Some potential downsides include:

  • Lower offer price: Developers often offer slightly less than market value to account for their own selling costs.
  • Limited property choice: Most part exchange deals are tied to specific new-build developments, meaning you may have fewer options.
  • Eligibility criteria: Not all properties qualify. Your home needs to meet certain conditions, such as location, value, and marketability.

Is part exchange right for you?

If you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free move, part exchange can be an excellent choice. It works particularly well for those wanting to avoid delays, reduce stress, and move into a new home without the usual complications. However, if you’re hoping to achieve the absolute top market price for your current home, selling traditionally might be a better option.

Part exchange homes for sale in Scotland

Thinking about part exchange? Check out our full range of part exchange homes for sale in Scotland, and a few of our top regional picks below:

Part exchange homes for sale in Edinburgh

Part exchange home for sale

1 bed flat for sale in Bellevue

  • 101/5 Bellevue Road, Bellevue, Edinburgh, EH7 4DG
  • Fixed Price £240,000
  • Energy rating: C
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

2 bed flat for sale in West End

  • Flat 104/1 Donaldson Drive, West End, EH12 5FS
  • Offers Over £450,000
  • Energy rating: B
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

3 bed semi-detached house for sale in South Gyle

  • 19 Barnyard Park Loan, South Gyle, EH12 9LP
  • Offers Over £350,000
  • Energy rating: B
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange homes for sale in East Lothian

Part exchange home for sale

2 bed flat for sale in Musselburgh

  • 67A High Street, Musselburgh, EH21 7BZ
  • Offers Over £190,000
  • Energy rating: D
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

2 bed cottage for sale in Dunbar

  • 10 Woodhall Farm Cottages, Innerwick, EH42 1SH
  • Offers Over £180,000
  • Energy rating: F
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

3 bed terraced house for sale in Prestonpans

  • 33 Blink O'Forth, , Prestonpans, EH32 9GA
  • Offers Over £225,000
  • Energy rating: C
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange homes for sale in Fife

Part exchange home for sale

4 bed detached house for sale in Dunfermline

  • 10 South Larch Way, Dunfermline, KY11 8YA
  • Offers Over £305,000
  • Energy rating: B
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

6 bed terraced house for sale in Auchtermuchty

  • 26-28 High Street, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, KY14 7AP
  • Offers over £439,995
  • Energy rating: D
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

5 bed detached house for sale in Keltybridge

  • 29 Main Street, Keltybridge, KY4 0JH
  • Offers Over £590,000
  • Energy rating: B
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange homes for sale in Midlothian

Part exchange home for sale

5 bed detached house for sale in Roslin

  • 17 Kilburn Wood Drive, , Roslin, EH25 9AA
  • Offers Over £540,000
  • Energy rating: B
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

5 bed detached house for sale in Dalkeith

  • 7 David Mushet Gardens, , Dalkeith, EH22 1LH
  • Offers Over £500,000
  • Energy rating: B
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

2 bed first floor flat for sale in Bonnyrigg

  • 7 Midfield House, , Lasswade, EH18 1ED
  • Offers Over £280,000
  • Energy rating: C
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange homes for sale in West Lothian

Part exchange home for sale

4 bed detached house for sale in East Calder

  • 11 Abercromby Crescent, East Calder, EH53 0GX
  • Offers Over £350,000
  • Energy rating: F
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

4 bed detached house for sale in Broxburn

  • 30 Badger Walk, Broxburn, EH52 5TW
  • Offers Over £320,000
  • Energy rating: C
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

Part exchange home for sale

4 bed detached house for sale in Blackridge

  • Windy Willows 33 Westcraigs Road, , EH48 3AQ
  • Offers Over £310,000
  • Energy rating: M
  • Selling agent: McEwan Fraser Legal (ESPC Chartered Firm)

VIEW ALL PART EXCHANGE HOMES FOR SALE IN SCOTLAND

Find out more

With a wealth of local property knowledge, ESPC solicitor estate agents make the home buying and selling processes as easy as possible. If you’re looking to buy or sell a house or flat, find an ESPC solicitor agent today.