The idea of winning your dream home for the price of a raffle ticket can be an incredibly appealing one. For a relatively small entry fee, participants gain the chance to become homeowners overnight, free from the burden of a mortgage and legal fees such as stamp duty. It’s easy to see why competitions like ours, where entrants have the chance to win a house, have grown in popularity. Particularly as traditional property ownership feels increasingly out of reach for many people.
While some of these competitions are legitimate and professionally run, others rely on marketing gimmicks and offer minimal clarity on how they actually work. The difference between a positive experience and a costly mistake often comes down to whether customers pause to ask the right questions before they enter.
At Raffle House, we aim to make these competitions an accessible alternative to conventional lotteries, emphasising transparency and ensuring you know what to ask before you take part.
Here, we seek to give our consumers the information they need to make informed decisions. When you approach these competitions with curiosity rather than impulse, you can protect yourself while still enjoying the excitement of participation and the chance to win incredible prizes.

1. Is the Company Legitimate and Properly Registered?

The first and most important question smart players ask is who is actually running the competition. A legitimate “win a house” raffle should be operated by a properly registered business that can be verified through public records; this includes a registered company name and company number. A credible operator will also provide a real business address and clear contact details, rather than relying solely on online forms or social media messages.
This matters because legal registration establishes accountability. If a competition is delayed, cancelled, or disputed, participants need to know which entity is responsible and which legal system applies. A professional website alone is not proof of legitimacy. Smart players look beyond branding and confirm that the business exists in the real world.

2. Are These House Competitions a Raffle, Lottery, or Prize Draw?

Not all “win a house” competitions operate under the same legal framework, and understanding this distinction is crucial. Some are structured as raffles, others as prize draws, and some attempt to classify themselves as skill-based competitions. Each category is subject to different regulations, licensing requirements, and consumer protections. Reputable operators will explain clearly how their competition is classified and which laws govern it. This information is typically found in the terms and conditions. When this explanation is missing or intentionally vague it can indicate a red flag. Smart players recognise that legal clarity is a foundation of fairness and transparency.

3. Are the Terms and Conditions Clear and Accessible?

Before entering any competition, smart players read the terms and conditions. Just as importantly, they assess how easy those terms are to find and understand. High-quality operators make their rules available before checkout and present them in language that is reasonably clear rather than deliberately obscure. For example, we have a link to our terms in our footer which is visible on every page.
The terms should explain how winners are chosen, what happens if ticket sales targets are not met, and whether the operator reserves the right to change key aspects of the competition. If the rules are difficult to locate or written in a way that overwhelmingly favours the organiser, that is worth paying attention to. Transparency in the rules is a strong indicator of overall integrity.

4. What Is the Closing Date, and Can It Change?

Every legitimate competition should state a clear entry deadline, but smart players go one step further and ask whether that deadline is fixed. Some property raffles allow extensions if a minimum number of tickets are not sold, while others operate on a rolling basis until sales targets are reached.
There is nothing necessarily wrong with flexible deadlines, provided they are disclosed upfront. Problems arise when deadlines shift without explanation or when players are not informed of the conditions under which extensions apply. Knowing exactly when a competition ends helps participants manage expectations and avoid frustration.

5. Can You Enter Multiple Times, and Is There a Limit?

Most “win a house” competitions allow multiple entries, but the details matter. Smart players want to understand whether there is a maximum number of entries per person and how the operator ensures fairness across participants. Unlimited entries can dramatically affect the odds and change the nature of the competition.
Some competitions, such as ours, also offer a free entry option, such as postal entries, to comply with regulatory requirements. The instructions for a postal entry method should be clearly explained and genuinely accessible. Transparency around entry limits and methods helps maintain trust in the competition’s fairness.

6. How Are Winners Chosen, and Is the Draw Verifiable?

The method used to select a winner is central to the credibility of any raffle. Trustworthy competitions explain in detail whether the winner is chosen through a random number generator, a live draw, or another transparent process. They may also involve independent auditors or third-party verification services.
Smart players look for evidence that the draw can be verified after the fact. Recorded or livestreamed draws, public announcements of winners, and clear documentation of the process all contribute to confidence. When the selection method is vague or unverifiable, participants have little reason to trust the outcome.

7. What Exactly Do You Win, and Is the Property Mortgage-Free?

The phrase “win a house” can mask important details about the prize itself. Before entering, you should confirm whether the property is freehold or leasehold and whether it is genuinely mortgage-free at the point of transfer and if you also win all the furnishings. It's also a good idea for you to check for any restrictions on selling, renting, or occupying the property.
A reputable operator clearly outlines what ownership means in practice. While a house may be fully paid for, it can still come with legal or contractual obligations. Understanding these details in advance prevents unpleasant surprises after the draw.
Some competitions also give you the chance to win smaller prizes, for example dream car giveaways, however it should be made clear to you before you enter which prize draw you're entering.

8. What Hidden Costs Might You Face If You Win?

One of the most critical questions that you should consider when choosing a house raffle competition to enter is are there any costs that come after winning. Even when the property itself is free, winners may still be responsible for expenses such as stamp duty or transfer taxes, legal and conveyancing fees, insurance, utilities, and ongoing maintenance. In some cases, service charges or management fees may also apply.
Responsible operators are upfront about if there are any further financial obligations, recognising that a prize should not become a burden. And, if there are hidden costs, you should factor these into your decision before entering.
Transparency around post-win costs is a key marker of consumer-friendly, elite competitions.

9. How Quickly Do You Have to Decide After Winning?

Winning a home is a major life event and while the majority of entrants will jump at the chance to win a stunning house, competition organisers should give players a reasonable time to either choose to accept the home, or if there are prize options, choose which they want.
Some competitions impose strict acceptance deadlines, while others allow winners a cooling-off period to seek legal or financial advice.
High-pressure timelines can be a red flag, particularly if declining the prize comes with penalties or forfeits. Reputable operators understand that informed acceptance is in everyone’s best interest and avoid rushing winners into irreversible decisions.

10. Is There a Cash Alternative, and How Is It Valued?

At Raffle House, we understand that our idea of a dream home, even if our chosen pick comes fully furnished with lots of natural light, isn't necessarily everyone's idea of a dream home, particularly for those where location is an essential factor. For example, some might dream of settling in a coastal town with views of the sea and lots of land, while others might want the perfect family home to raise their children on the outskirts of a major city like London.
Due to these differences in what a dream property can look like, many “win a house” competitions, including ours, offer a cash alternative in place of the property. In fact, many house raffle competitions don't actually end with a house being won. Research shows that of the competitions run since 2020, only 89 have resulted in the winner taking the home the house as the prize.
When this option exists, you should examine how the money offered is calculated and whether it reflects the genuine market value of the home. You should also consider how and when the cash would be paid.
Cash alternatives can be appealing, but they may carry different tax implications. Operators who provide a clear explanation of this option demonstrates transparency, and allow winners to choose what best suits their circumstances.

11. How Is Your Personal and Payment Data Handled?

Entering a competition requires sharing personal information and payment details, making data protection an important consideration. Legitimate operators explain how data is stored, if it is stored on a secure platform, and whether it complies with relevant data protection laws. They also disclose which payment processors they use and how marketing consent is handled.
You would be smart to be cautious if privacy policies are unclear or if marketing permissions are automatically enabled. Responsible handling of data is not just a legal requirement; it is a signal of overall professionalism and trustworthiness.

12. What Do Independent Reviews and Past Winners Reveal?

Finally, as a smart player, you should look beyond a company’s own marketing. Independent reviews, verified winner stories, and third-party coverage can provide valuable insight into how a competition operates in practice. A genuine operator will usually have a visible track record that extends beyond their own website.
Warning signs include testimonials without verification, stock images presented as winners, or an absence of independent feedback. Real experiences leave real evidence, and smart players take the time to look for it.
When we publish our winner information, we provide photos where the winners in question are happy to put their face to their prize, as well as publishing the winning ticket numbers.

Frequently asked questions about our house raffle competitions

Can I choose the charity to donate to?
Yes, we have a wide range of featured charity partners. This means that you have the opportunity to donate a portion of your ticket funds to a charity that best aligns with what you value.
Do you offer new competitions throughout the year?
If you've just missed the opportunity to purchase tickets, don't worry! We launch new competitions throughout the year, for everything from dream homes and their cash alternatives to prize cars and incredible experiences.
Take a look at some of our previous prizes on our winners page.
Do postal entries have the same chance of winning as online entries?
Absolutely! Even if you choose the free postal entry, you have just as much chance to win big as our online players.