Can I sell appliances separately?
Can I sell appliances separately and still sell my house fast? Yes — here’s exactly how to do it without losing buyers or closing delays.
Quick Answer
Yes. Appliances are usually movable property (chattels), not fixtures. You can sell them separately — but you must be clear in your listing and in the purchase agreement. Do this wrong and you create confusion, slow the sale, or lose bargaining power.
What buyers expect
- Listings usually say “appliances included” or list items that are excluded.
- Buyers assume basic kitchen appliances stay unless the listing says otherwise.
- Clear, early communication prevents inspection-time fights.
Smart, step-by-step plan to sell appliances separately
- Decide which appliances you want to sell (fridge, washer, dryer, microwave, etc.).
- Price them fairly. Check Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and local classifieds. As a rule:
- Near-new: 40–60% of replacement cost
- 3–7 years: 20–40%
- Older or worn: sell for parts or list at a low fixed price
- Update your MLS/online listing: mark excluded appliances and add a line: “Seller may sell [item] separately prior to closing.”
- Offer a short window: sell before listing or in the first 7–14 days of marketing.
- If a buyer wants them, add a bill of sale or an addendum to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale that lists the exact make/model and price.
- Remove appliances before closing or coordinate removal with the buyer. Always leave the home broom-clean.
- Transfer manuals/warranties and provide receipts if available.
Exact MLS and contract language (copy-paste)
- MLS: “Fridge/stove/dryer excluded from sale. Seller reserves right to sell separately prior to closing.”
- Addendum: “The Seller agrees to sell the following chattels to the Buyer for $____: [list make/model]. Removal to occur by [date].”
Common legal and practical traps to avoid
- Not specifying items in writing. Verbal promises don’t hold in closing documents.
- Leaving built-ins unclear. Built-in appliances (like wall ovens) can be considered fixtures — clarify in writing.
- Removing an appliance without notice before possession. Coordinate with buyer and agent.
Pricing and staging tips that work
- Show the house with the appliance in place while marketing but mark it “for sale separately.” Buyers can picture the home but you still get offers to buy the appliance.
- Bundle items (washer + dryer) for faster sale.
- Offer local pick-up only and state removal date clearly.
Final takeaway
You can sell appliances separately and keep control of your move cash-flow. Do it with clear listing language, fair pricing, and contract addendums. Do it sloppy and you risk delays or disputes.
Tony Sousa is a local real estate expert who handles these details every day in Toronto. Want it done right? Contact Tony at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for a quick checklist and contract sample.
