How to Sell a House When One Partner Refuses

Last updated: July 16, 2025

A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Selling a house is rarely a simple process, but when co-owners don’t agree on whether or not to sell, it becomes significantly more complicated. If you own a property with a partner who is unwilling to sell, understanding your rights and the legal pathways available to you can make all the difference. Whether you're navigating a divorce, the dissolution of a business partnership, or co-ownership between friends or family members, this guide provides a comprehensive look into your options including how to navigate the process efficiently through platforms like OfferMarket, an off-market investment property marketplace.

Understanding the Challenge

When you own a house with someone else, both owners usually need to agree to sell it. If one partner refuses, it can feel like you’re stuck. The reasons for refusal vary: emotional attachment, financial concerns, or simply not wanting to deal with the hassle of selling. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to approach the situation carefully to find a solution that works for both of you—or at least moves the process forward.

This article will cover:

• Why one partner might refuse to sell
• Steps to resolve the disagreement
• Legal options if you can’t agree
• How to sell off-market to make things easier
• Using OfferMarket to sell your property quickly and fairly

Let’s start by looking at why your partner might be saying no.

Why Does One Partner Refuse to Sell?

Understanding why your partner doesn’t want to sell is the first step to finding a solution. Here are some common reasons:

1. Emotional Attachment: The house might hold special memories, like being the family home or a place tied to important life events. Your partner might feel that selling means losing those memories.
2. Financial Worries: They might think the house will increase in value later, or they’re worried about not getting a good price now. They could also be concerned about splitting the proceeds fairly.
3. Rental Income: If the house is a rental property, your partner might value the steady income it provides and not want to give that up.
4. Hassle of Selling: Selling a house can be a lot of work staging, showings, repairs, and dealing with buyers. Your partner might not want to deal with the stress.
5. Personal Conflicts: Sometimes, the refusal isn’t about the house at all. It could be about unresolved issues between you and your partner, like a divorce or business dispute.
6. Lack of Trust: Your partner might not trust that the sale process will be fair or that you’ll handle it in their best interest.

Once you understand their reasons, you can start working toward a solution. The key is to stay calm, listen, and approach the situation with a plan.

Step 1: Communicate Openly

The first thing to do is talk to your partner. This might sound obvious, but a good conversation can solve a lot of problems. Here’s how to approach it:

• Choose the Right Time: Don’t bring it up when emotions are high, like during an argument. Pick a calm moment when you can both focus.
• Listen to Their Concerns: Let your partner explain why they don’t want to sell. Ask questions to understand their point of view. For example, if they’re worried about money, ask what price they’d be comfortable with.
• Explain Your Reasons: Share why you want to sell. Be honest and clear. For example, you might say, “I think selling now will help us avoid future repairs and get a good price.”
• Find Common Ground: Look for areas where you agree. Maybe you both want to make money but disagree on timing. Use that as a starting point.

For example, if your partner is worried about losing rental income, you could suggest selling to an investor who will keep the tenants in place. This way, they might feel more comfortable knowing the property will continue to generate income for someone else.

Step 2: Explore Compromise Options

If your partner still isn’t convinced, try to find a middle ground. Here are some compromise ideas:

• Delay the Sale: Agree to wait a certain amount of time, like six months, before selling. This gives your partner time to adjust to the idea while you research the market.
• Buy Out Their Share: If you have the funds, offer to buy your partner’s share of the property. This lets you take full ownership and sell whenever you want. You’ll need to agree on a fair price, possibly with the help of an appraiser.
• Keep the Property as a Rental: If your partner loves the rental income, propose keeping the house as a rental for now but agree to revisit the sale later.
• Split the Proceeds Differently: If your partner is worried about how the money will be divided, suggest a split that feels fair to both of you. For example, if one of you put more money into the property, you could adjust the split to reflect that.

Compromises work best when both partners feel heard and respected. Be open to creative solutions, like selling to an investor who offers flexible terms.

Step 3: Get Professional Help

If talking and compromising don’t work, it’s time to bring in professionals. Here are some people who can help:

• Mediator: A mediator is a neutral person who helps you and your partner talk through the disagreement. They don’t make decisions for you but guide you toward a solution. Mediation is often cheaper and less stressful than going to court.
• Real Estate Agent: An agent who specializes in off-market sales can explain the benefits of selling quietly, like avoiding showings or repairs. They can also give you a market analysis to show your partner what the house is worth.
• Appraiser: An appraiser can give you an unbiased estimate of the property’s value. This can help if your partner thinks you’re selling for too little.
• Lawyer: A real estate lawyer can explain your legal rights and options. They can also draft agreements, like a buyout contract, to make sure everything is fair.

Professionals can provide clarity and reduce tension. For example, an appraiser’s report might convince your partner that now is a good time to sell because the market is strong.

Step 4: Understand Your Legal Options

If your partner still refuses to sell, you may need to explore legal options. This should be a last resort because it can be expensive and time-consuming. Here’s what you need to know:

• Check the Ownership Structure: How you own the property affects your options. There are two common types of co-ownership:
  • Joint Tenancy: Both owners have equal shares, and if one dies, their share goes to the other owner. Selling usually requires both partners’ consent.
  • Tenancy in Common: Each owner has a specific share (like 50/50 or 70/30). You can often sell your share without the other’s permission, but it’s tricky to find a buyer for just a partial share.
• Partition Action: If you can’t agree, you can file a partition action in court. This asks a judge to either:
  • Divide the property (rare for a single house).
  • Force the sale of the property and split the proceeds. This is more common. Partition actions can take months and cost thousands in legal fees, so try to avoid this if possible.
• Review Any Agreements: If you and your partner signed a contract (like a partnership agreement), check it for rules about selling. Some agreements say one partner can force a sale under certain conditions.

Before going to court, talk to a lawyer to understand the costs and chances of success. Courts usually prefer solutions that are fair to both parties.

Step 5: Consider Selling Off-Market

If you and your partner agree to sell, or if you’re able to move forward legally, selling off-market can be a great option. Off-market sales mean selling the house without listing it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or public websites like Zillow. Here’s why this might work for you:

• Less Hassle: Off-market sales skip the need for staging, open houses, or repairs. This can appeal to a partner who doesn’t want the stress of a traditional sale.
• Faster Process: Off-market deals often close quickly, sometimes in as little as 7–14 days, because buyers are usually investors or cash buyers who are ready to move.
• Privacy: If your partner is worried about neighbors or tenants knowing the house is for sale, an off-market sale keeps things discreet.
• Flexible Terms: Investors who buy off-market properties often offer creative solutions, like taking over a tenant’s lease or paying closing costs.

To sell off-market, you can:

• Contact local real estate investors directly.
• Work with an agent who has a network of off-market buyers.
• Use an online platform like OfferMarket to connect with buyers.

Off-market sales are especially good for rental properties, as you can sell to another investor who will keep the tenants in place, avoiding costly “void periods” when the property is empty.

Step 6: Using OfferMarket to Sell Your Property

If you’re looking for a fast, simple, and fair way to sell your house, OfferMarket is an excellent tool. OfferMarket is an online investment property marketplace that connects sellers with serious buyers, including real estate investors and cash buyers. Here’s how OfferMarket can help you sell your house, even if one partner is hesitant:

What Is OfferMarket?

OfferMarket is a platform designed for buying and selling off-market properties. It’s free to join, and it’s built for investors, landlords, and homeowners who want to sell quickly and discreetly. Unlike traditional real estate websites, OfferMarket focuses on investment properties, making it perfect for rental property owners.

How OfferMarket Can Help

1. Fast Sales Process: OfferMarket connects you with buyers who are ready to make offers. Many buyers on the platform pay cash, which means you can close the deal in days or weeks, not months. This is great if your partner wants to avoid a long, drawn-out sale.
2. Multiple Offers: Properties listed on OfferMarket often get multiple cash offers, with an average of 10 offers per listing. This competition can help you get a fair price, which might convince a reluctant partner that selling is a good idea.
3. No Repairs Needed: OfferMarket buyers often purchase properties “as-is,” meaning you don’t have to spend money fixing up the house. This can ease your partner’s worries about costs or effort.
4. Discreet Transactions: OfferMarket specializes in off-market deals, so your sale stays private. This is ideal if your partner doesn’t want the public to know the house is for sale.
5. Flexible Deal Structures: Buyers on OfferMarket are often open to creative terms, like seller financing or assuming existing leases. This can help you and your partner find a deal that works for both of you.
6. Free to Use: There’s no cost to list your property on OfferMarket, so you can test the market without committing to a sale. If your partner is unsure, you can show them offers without any obligation.

How to Use OfferMarket

Using OfferMarket is simple, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Here’s how it works:

1. Sign Up: Create a free account on OfferMarket’s website It takes just a few minutes.
2. List Your Property: Provide details about your house, like its location, condition, and whether it has tenants. You can include photos or videos to attract buyers, but you don’t need professional staging.
3. Receive Offers: OfferMarket will share your listing with its network of investors and buyers. You’ll start getting cash offers, often within days.
4. Choose the Best Offer: Review the offers with your partner. You can compare prices and terms to find one that feels fair.
5. Close the Deal: Once you accept an offer, OfferMarket will connect you with the buyer directly after their proof of funds verification, and you can close with the buyer directly.

Why OfferMarket Is Great for Reluctant Partners

If your partner is hesitant to sell, OfferMarket’s benefits can address their concerns:

• No Pressure: You can list the property and see what offers come in without committing to sell. This lets your partner feel in control.
• Transparency: OfferMarket provides clear information about offers, so your partner can see exactly what the house is worth.
• Speed and Ease: The quick process and lack of repairs or showings reduce the stress of selling, which might make your partner more open to the idea.
• Fair Prices: The competitive offers on OfferMarket can show your partner that you’re not “giving away” the house for less than it’s worth.

By using OfferMarket, you can test the waters and show your partner real offers from serious buyers. This might help them see that selling is a smart move.

Step 7: Prepare for the Sale

Once you and your partner agree to sell (or you’ve resolved the disagreement legally), it’s time to prepare. Here’s how to get ready for an off-market sale:

1. Gather Documents: You’ll need paperwork like the deed, lease agreements (if it’s a rental), and recent profit-and-loss statements. OfferMarket can guide you on what’s needed.
2. Set a Fair Price: Work with an appraiser or use OfferMarket’s tools to estimate your property’s value. This ensures you and your partner agree on a target price.
3. Decide on Terms: Talk with your partner about what terms matter most. For example, do you want a cash buyer? Are you okay with tenants staying? OfferMarket buyers often offer flexible terms, so you have options.
4. Communicate Clearly: Keep your partner updated throughout the process. Share offers and updates from OfferMarket to avoid surprises.

If you’re selling a rental property, let the tenants know about the sale (if required by law). Off-market sales are great because tenants often don’t need to move out until the sale is complete, and some buyers will keep them in place.

Step 8: Avoid Common Mistakes

Selling a house when one partner refuses can be emotional, so it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Pushing Too Hard: Pressuring your partner can make them dig in their heels. Be patient and focus on their concerns.
• Ignoring Legal Advice: If you’re considering a partition action or buyout, talk to a lawyer first. Mistakes in legal steps can cost you time and money.
• Undervaluing the Property: Make sure you know the house’s true value. OfferMarket’s competitive offers can help you avoid selling for too little.
• Not Communicating: Keep your partner in the loop, even if they’re reluctant. Transparency builds trust.
• Rushing the Process: While off-market sales are fast, don’t rush into a bad deal. Review all offers carefully with your partner.

Step 9: Plan for the Proceeds

Once the house is sold, you and your partner will need to split the proceeds. To avoid conflict:

• Agree on the split beforehand, preferably in writing.
• Account for any debts, like a mortgage, that need to be paid off.
• Consider taxes or fees that might reduce the proceeds.
• Work with a lawyer or accountant to make sure everything is fair.

If your partner is worried about how the money will be divided, OfferMarket’s transparent process can help. You’ll see all offers clearly, and you can work with their team to ensure a smooth closing.

Why Off-Market Sales Are Ideal for Disagreements

Off-market sales, especially through platforms like OfferMarket, are perfect for situations where one partner refuses to sell. Here’s why:

• Less Publicity: The private nature of off-market sales can make your partner feel more comfortable, especially if they value privacy.
• Lower Costs: You save on staging, repairs, and sometimes even agent fees, which can ease financial concerns.
• Speed: A quick sale can reduce tension and help you both move on.
• Control: You and your partner can choose the buyer and terms that work best for you.

OfferMarket takes this a step further by connecting you with serious buyers who understand investment properties. This means you’re more likely to get fair offers and flexible terms that satisfy both partners.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you and your business partner own a rental house. You want to sell because the market is hot, but your partner loves the rental income and doesn’t want to deal with showings. You try talking, but they’re still hesitant. You suggest listing the property on OfferMarket to see what offers come in. You sign up, list the house, and within a week, you get five cash offers from investors who are happy to keep the tenants. One offer is close to your target price and includes flexible closing terms. You show the offers to your partner, who sees that selling won’t disrupt the tenants and will bring in good money. They agree to accept the best offer, and you close the deal in 10 days with OfferMarket’s help. The process is smooth, private, and fair, and you both walk away satisfied.

Conclusion

Selling a house when one partner refuses is challenging, but it’s not impossible. By communicating openly, exploring compromises, and using tools like OfferMarket, you can find a solution that works for both of you. Off-market sales are especially helpful because they’re fast, private, and flexible, which can ease your partner’s concerns. OfferMarket’s investment property marketplace takes the stress out of selling by connecting you with serious buyers and guiding you through the process.

If you’re ready to sell, start by talking to your partner and understanding their reasons for refusing. Then, consider listing your property on OfferMarket to see what offers you get. It’s free, easy, and could be the key to moving forward. Visit OfferMarket to create your account and get started today.

Good luck, and here’s to a successful sale!