For many homeowners across the UK, selling a property has become a daunting challenge. For Aily and Nathan Chalmers, it reached the point where the couple felt their only option was to raffle their £600,000 home for just £2 a ticket.
h will allow them to move closer to family in Forest Way, Hampshire.
The Market Challenges Behind the Raffle
The Chalmers’ four-bedroom detached house in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire, initially went on the market with the hope of a traditional sale. But the couple quickly ran into hurdles.
Estate agents warned that the price might need to be cut and predicted an 18-month wait to sell due to the current state of the property market.
Aily, 32, explained that she had to withdraw the listing because “everything has halted.”
She also voiced concerns over Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ proposals to tax houses over £500,000, which critics say could further discourage homeowners from selling and weaken the already struggling market.
Turning to a House Raffle
Faced with limited options, the Chalmers decided to raffle their home online, selling 450,000 tickets at £2 each.
The winner will receive the house free of stamp duty and conveyancing fees, effectively making the home available for just the ticket price.
“It sounds mad, but it’s our best chance to move closer to family,” Aily said.
The couple are motivated by their three children, aged seven, five, and one, and want the support of extended family nearby.
Life in Buckinghamshire and the Motivation to Move
Aily, a website designer from Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, shared their reasoning: “We never thought we’d be doing something like this, but we want to move closer to family. All you can do is try.”
She highlighted the challenges faced by property owners today, citing rising mortgage rates and legislation that she feels penalizes homeowners. “A lot more people are renting now.
We couldn’t afford to keep this mortgage when our rates doubled a couple of years ago.
It’s tough—I don’t know how some people are surviving,” she added.
Preparing the Raffle
The Chalmers moved into the home seven years ago as a new build.
When their third child was born, they began exploring options to relocate closer to family.
After discussing a traditional sale and being told by estate agents in February 2025 that the market was “awful,” they turned to the idea of a house raffle.
Once Nathan suggested the plan, Aily was on board.
The couple coordinated with the hosting company, held numerous Zoom calls to handle legalities, and launched the raffle with £600,000 value plus £20,000 extra spending money to cover additional costs.
Early Success and Hope for the Future
The raffle has already sold one percent of tickets in just a few days, raising £6,000.
The home features three bathrooms, a study, a snug, and an open-plan dining and lounge area, making it highly appealing.
“We’re just looking for something similar,” Aily said. “Our house is perfect for us, the only downside is the distance to family.
It sounds mad, but we’re really hoping we can pull it off.”
