Can You Sell the Omaze House If You Win? Rules & Options Explained
Winning a house through Omaze UK is an unusual experience — one that blends charity fundraising with a game of chance. While many people focus on the excitement of winning, some practical questions come soon after. What happens if you win? Can you sell the property, or rent it out? And are there taxes or costs involved?
This guide breaks down what really happens when someone wins a home in the UK’s Omaze draw. It explains the verified rules, outlines your options, and clarifies how selling, renting, or keeping the property may work in practice.
Whether you’re curious or considering entering, this aims to give you clear, factual information to help make sense of how the process works.
What Happens When You Win an Omaze House?
If you win an Omaze house in the UK, the company contacts you directly. Before anything else, you’ll need to verify your identity and eligibility — this ensures the prize goes to the correct person. Once confirmed, you’re formally notified as the winner and arrangements begin for you to take ownership of the property.
The prize includes the property itself and, where stated, its furnishings. Omaze covers the main legal costs, such as conveyancing and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), which may sometimes amount to tens of thousands of pounds. The house is then legally transferred into your name, and you receive the official title deeds.
Omaze doesn’t require you to live in the property. Once the transfer is complete, you can decide whether to move in, rent it out, or sell it. Each option carries its own legal and financial implications, which are worth considering before making a decision.
Can You Sell the Omaze House If You Win?
Yes, you can sell the house after you become the legal owner. Omaze’s official rules confirm that winners are free to “live in, rent out or sell” their prize once the title transfer is completed. The home becomes your property under UK law, meaning you have the same rights as any other homeowner.
You can sell the house through an estate agent or directly to a buyer. Once the sale completes, the proceeds are yours after deducting any selling costs. However, if the property has restrictions on its title — such as covenants or local planning limits — these still apply. Omaze provides the house “as is”, so standard property due diligence is part of the process.
Because Omaze prizes are based on random draws, the opportunity to win is entirely by chance. There’s no guaranteed outcome, and no payment or strategy that can influence who wins.
How Long Do You Have to Keep the Omaze House Before Selling?
There’s no rule that requires you to keep the Omaze house for a fixed period. Once ownership is legally transferred to you, you can sell it immediately if you wish. The transfer process itself typically takes several weeks, depending on legal checks and property registration.
However, before selling, ensure the ownership has been fully registered in your name. Only then can a sale legally proceed. Many winners choose to sell quickly, while others hold on to the property for a while — often to assess market conditions or personal circumstances before deciding.
Do You Have to Pay Tax If You Sell the Omaze House?
Winning an Omaze house in the UK is not considered taxable income, so you don’t pay tax when you first receive it. However, tax can apply later if you sell the property.
If you sell and the house is not your main home, you may owe Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any profit made. CGT is calculated on the gain between the property’s value when you received it and its sale price.
If you live in the house as your main residence before selling, you may qualify for Private Residence Relief, which MAY reduce or remove any CGT liability. Council tax, utilities and other regular homeowner costs apply while you own the property.
What Are the Costs of Owning an Omaze House Before You Sell?
Even though the house is won, ownership still comes with expenses. Understanding these can help you decide whether to keep, rent, or sell.
Maintenance and Running Costs
You’ll be responsible for:
- Council tax: Varies by local authority and property band.
- Utilities: Electricity, water, and gas bills depend on property size and usage.
- Insurance and upkeep: Buildings insurance is essential. Large homes often require higher upkeep costs for cleaning, gardening or repairs.
These expenses may be significant for high-value properties.
Legal and Estate Agent Fees
If you sell, you’ll likely face:
- Conveyancing fees: Typically £800 to £2,000, depending on the property.
- Estate agent fees: Commonly 1% to 3% of the sale price plus VAT.
These are paid only when the sale completes. Omaze covers your initial legal transfer costs, but any later sale or letting costs are your responsibility.
Can You Rent Out the Omaze House Instead of Selling?
You can choose to rent the property instead of selling it. Once you own it, it’s treated like any other home you might let to tenants. However, renting brings legal obligations — you become a landlord under UK law.
That means ensuring the property meets safety standards, such as gas and electrical checks, and that tenant deposits are held in an approved protection scheme. Rental income must be declared to HMRC as taxable income. Some winners use letting agents to manage the property, though this involves management fees, typically 10–15% of rental income.
If the house has any restrictions in its title deeds or from the local authority, those must be reviewed before letting it out.
What Happens If You Don’t Want the Omaze House at All?
If you don’t want to keep the property, you still need to complete the transfer to become the legal owner. Omaze can’t transfer the prize directly to another person on your behalf. After you own it, you can choose to sell, rent, gift, or donate it — following the standard UK property transfer process.
Selling soon after transfer is common among many winners who prefer a cash sum. You’ll need to instruct a solicitor and an estate agent as you would for any sale. Fees, taxes and market conditions will determine the final amount you receive.
Is Selling the Omaze House Worth It?
Whether selling is worthwhile depends on your circumstances. Large homes can have higher costs, and some may be in areas that don’t suit your lifestyle. If maintaining a high-value property isn’t practical, selling might be the most straightforward option.
If you sell, factor in agent fees, conveyancing costs and potential capital gains tax. Property values fluctuate, so your profit can vary. Others may prefer to rent for steady income or move in and enjoy the property — both are valid options once it’s yours.
Omaze is a prize draw, not an investment. Winning is purely by chance, and outcomes are never guaranteed. If you decide to take part, treat it as entertainment, not a financial plan.
Safer Play Reminder:
Prize draws and similar games are based on chance. It’s important to take part responsibly, knowing outcomes are unpredictable. Set a clear budget for any paid entries and don’t spend more than you can afford to lose.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.