Winning a house through the Omaze Million Pound House Draw is not the same as a typical property purchase. If you’re wondering what happens if your name is announced, you’re in good company. Plenty of people want to know who can enter, what happens next, and whether you can sell the property rather than move in.
It is more than collecting the keys. A prize of this size comes with a set of rules and practical steps, some set by the promoter and others shaped by UK law. If you’ve ever considered entering, or you’re simply curious about how it all works, then read along to learn more.
What Happens After You Win an Omaze House?
An Omaze house win usually begins with a call or an email letting you know you’ve been selected. The draw is independently overseen to make sure it is conducted fairly.
Before anything else, your identity will need to be confirmed. That means providing photo ID and proof of address so the promoter can meet its legal checks.
Once verified, you move on to the transfer. The property is put into your name through a standard conveyancing process, similar to buying any other home. Stamp duty and the usual legal fees connected with awarding the prize are covered as part of the win.
From that point, choices open up. Some winners move straight in, others take advice on the financial and practical side first. Council tax and household bills become your responsibility once you own the home, and it might be sensible to read the prize terms in full so you know exactly what is included and what is not.
If you decide to try your hand at the Omaze draw, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Can You Sell the Omaze House If You Win?
Yes. If the property is legally transferred, you become the owner with the same rights as any other homeowner. There are no ongoing obligations to the promoter once completion takes place.
You can choose to sell, keep the house, or rent it out. There is no requirement to live in the property or hold it for a minimum period. Some winners put it on the market soon after completion, while others take time to decide.
Prize details can vary from draw to draw, so it could be worth checking the specific terms. As advertised for these promotions, homes are transferred mortgage free and the upfront costs of stamp duty and legal work linked to the award are taken care of. From there, regular outgoings such as council tax and utilities are yours to manage.
If selling is on your mind, the transaction follows normal UK property law and the usual steps for a residential sale. Independent advice from a solicitor or tax professional could be helpful, particularly for higher value homes.
How Soon Can You Sell the Omaze Property?
Once the transfer is complete and the deeds are in your name, the house is yours to sell. There is no standard waiting period in the prize terms that forces you to hold on to it.
The conveyancing stage itself can take a few weeks, depending on how quickly documents are processed. When your ownership is recorded with the Land Registry, you are free to instruct an estate agent or explore other routes to market if that is your preference.
Some winners list immediately, others pause to weigh up options. The key point is that timing is your choice once the legalities are finished.
Are There Any Restrictions on Selling the Omaze Home?
There are no unique restrictions from the promoter on how or when you can sell once you become the legal owner. Your rights are the same as any UK homeowner.
The homes are typically transferred without mortgages or third‑party charges attached to the prize, so you are not tied to unusual agreements. As with any property, you should still be aware of local factors that apply to the house itself, such as planning conditions, listed status, covenants, or leasehold terms. These are standard considerations in any sale, not specific to prize wins.
A solicitor will handle the transfer and can flag anything out of the ordinary. If you are unsure about a clause in the title or a local restriction, professional advice could be a handy way to get clarity.
What Costs Should You Expect Before Selling?
Property Taxes and Legal Fees
If you plan to sell after winning, a few costs could be worth planning for. While stamp duty and most legal fees tied to receiving the prize are covered, new expenses begin once you own the home.
Council tax becomes payable from the day the property is in your name. The exact amount depends on location and valuation. If you sell through an agent, expect a commission that is usually between 1% and 3% of the sale price, plus VAT.
You will also need a conveyancing solicitor for the sale. Typical fees range from about £500 to £1,500, depending on the firm and the complexity of the title. Most sellers also pay for standard disbursements, such as Land Registry copies. If you want a clear view of your position, factoring in the cost of independent tax or financial advice could be worthwhile. When marketing the property, an up‑to‑date Energy Performance Certificate may also be required.
Maintenance and Insurance Considerations
While the property is in your name, everyday upkeep sits with you. That can include gardening, cleaning, routine maintenance, and dealing with wear and tear. If the house is empty, insurers often require regular checks, so it might help to plan for that.
Utilities such as gas, electricity, and water will also be in your name while you own the property, even if it is not lived in. These are the same responsibilities faced by any seller in the UK.
Do You Have to Pay Tax When You Sell an Omaze House?
You might have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if you sell, depending on how you use the property and your wider tax position. If you sell without having used the house as your only or main home, CGT can apply to the gain made from the date it was transferred to you.
CGT is only due on gains above your annual allowance. For the 2024/25 tax year, the tax‑free amount is £3,000 for individuals. Gains above that are taxed at 18% for amounts within the basic rate band and 24% for amounts above it for residential property. If the property has been your only or main home throughout ownership, Private Residence Relief may reduce or remove the CGT due.
There are reporting deadlines to consider as well. In many cases, UK residents must report and pay any CGT on the sale of a residential property within 60 days of completion, unless no CGT is due. HMRC provides guidance and calculators online, and a qualified tax adviser can help you work out what could potentially apply in your situation.
What Are Your Options If You Don’t Want to Live in the Omaze House?
If moving in is not on the cards, you still have several routes to choose from once the property is in your name.
Selling is straightforward and gives you access to the home’s value in one go. Many winners take this route to fund other plans.
Letting the property is another option. Becoming a landlord brings responsibilities, such as tenancy agreements, safety checks, deposit protection, and reporting rental income to HMRC. Short‑term lets can be subject to extra local rules in some areas, so it might be worth checking what applies where the house is located.
You could also keep the home as a second residence. In that case, remember that ongoing bills, council tax, insurance, and maintenance sit with you.
Should You Rent or Sell Your Omaze Home?
The choice between renting or selling depends on what you want from the potential property, as well as your tolerance for ongoing obligations.
Renting can provide regular income, particularly in areas with strong demand. It does mean taking on management, maintenance and compliance tasks, or paying a letting agent to handle them. Average monthly rents across the UK sit at roughly £1,200, but the figure varies widely by region and property type.
Selling releases the full value at once, which can offer flexibility for other goals. You will face estate agent and legal fees, and CGT may apply if the property has not been your main residence.
There is no single right answer, only the route that best fits your finances and lifestyle. Take time to understand the practicalities, get independent advice if you need it, and choose the path that leaves you comfortable with both the responsibilities and the outcome. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*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.