A Unique Approach to Selling a Home
Jennifer Bailey, 43, and her husband John are selling their two-bedroom apartment in Rhoscolyn, Anglesey, for just £5. This unconventional decision is driven by their desire to embrace adventure and do things differently. The property, located on the top floor, features an open-plan kitchen, a dining/living room, a small balcony, shared garden, and a private garage. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the beach and has a popular pub called The White Eagle nearby.
The couple initially bought the apartment as a holiday home in 2017 and have lived there for the past two and a half years after moving from Stockport. Jennifer runs a home décor business, while John works in packaging design. They currently don’t have a mortgage and have already purchased a bungalow down the road, which they plan to move into once the sale is complete.
A New Way of Selling Property
Selling the apartment through traditional means proved challenging, so the couple turned to Raffall’s platform. This method allows members of the public to buy a ticket for £5 and enter a draw to win the apartment if they answer a question correctly. The process ensures that all payments are handled securely, reducing the risk of scams.
Despite this, the family is finding it difficult to gain traction with the public. “The challenge is getting it out there and also getting people to trust us that it’s not a scam,” Jennifer explains. While £5 isn’t a large sum, building trust remains a key hurdle.
This unique approach to property sales has gained popularity thanks to platforms like Omaze, which have successfully sold multi-million-pound homes. However, the current state of the property market has led some Brits to explore this method for quick sales.
Financial Considerations and Risks
The Baileys set a target of 150,000 tickets, which would generate £750,000 in total revenue. Their apartment is valued at £325,000, meaning they could make a significant profit if all tickets are sold. However, several costs come into play, including legal fees, stamp duty, and Raffall’s 10% commission.
Affiliates, such as social media influencers or local businesses, can also earn a share of the £5 per ticket. For example, the nearby pub has signed up for a QR code that earns them 75p per ticket sold. This money is planned to be donated to charity.
Marketing efforts have also taken a significant portion of the budget. The couple has invested in magazine ads, posters, flyers, and professional photography. Despite these expenses, they are still working to break even.
The Draw and Future Plans
The draw is scheduled for 1 January 2026. As of two weeks into the campaign, the couple had sold 4,298 tickets, generating £21,490. While the process is rewarding, Jennifer admits it has been stressful and outside her comfort zone.
If the target is met, the winner will receive half the proceeds, while Raffall takes 10%. The couple will then receive 40% of the remaining funds. However, if the target is not reached, they still stand to make some money, albeit less than expected.
Legal and Practical Challenges
Selling property through raffles comes with its own set of challenges. Robin Edwards, a partner at property consultancy firm Curetons, highlights that these sales must be structured carefully to avoid falling into the grey area of gambling laws. Most successful raffles involve skill-based questions to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Vidyadhar Garapati, CEO of Movers.com, notes that this method tends to work best for visually striking or emotionally appealing properties. Standard homes or those needing repairs may struggle to attract enough interest.
Final Thoughts
Despite the risks and challenges, Jennifer believes the experience has been worthwhile. She encourages others to consider this method but emphasizes the need for resilience and dedication. “It’s stressful. This is all I’ve done this week,” she says, highlighting the time and effort required to make it work.