An Omaze house is a multi-million-pound luxury property awarded to a single grand prize winner through a fundraising sweepstakes known as the Omaze Million Pound House Draw. Participants enter by purchasing entries online or via a free postal route, with a significant portion of the proceeds donated to various high-profile charities such as Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross, and NSPCC. Since its UK launch in 2020, the platform has transformed the traditional raffle model into a high-stakes, philanthropic phenomenon that offers participants the chance to win life-changing real estate, tax-free and mortgage-free.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the intricate mechanics of how these draws operate, the locations of the most iconic Omaze properties, and the financial reality of winning such a substantial prize. We will explore the entry process, the odds of winning, and the massive impact these draws have had on the UK charity sector. Whether you are curious about the current house on offer or want to understand the legalities of the “no purchase necessary” entry route, this deep dive provides everything you need to know about the world’s most famous house giveaway.
Evolution of Omaze UK
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw launched in the UK in 2020, following massive success with a similar model in the United States. It transitioned from offering celebrity experiences to focusing on high-end British real estate, filling a gap in the market for aspirational prize draws.
By partnering with major charitable organizations, Omaze created a win-win scenario where luxury lifestyle marketing drives massive donations. The brand has since become a household name, synonymous with modern “Cotswold manor” or “Cornish coastal” aesthetics.
How Omaze Houses Work
The Omaze model operates as a prize draw rather than a lottery, which allows it to operate under specific UK gambling regulations. A grand prize winner is selected at random from all eligible entries to receive the deed to a multi-million-pound home.
Winners receive the property entirely mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered by Omaze. Most draws also include a large cash sum, often ranging from £100,000 to £250,000, to help the winner settle into their new lifestyle or cover initial running costs.
Current House Locations
Omaze carefully selects properties in the UK’s most desirable “lifestyle” locations, including Cornwall, the Lake District, the Cotswolds, and London. These homes are chosen for their architectural uniqueness, high market value, and potential for holiday rental income.
Specific regions like North Wales and Devon have also featured prominently, showcasing modern glass-fronted mansions and renovated historic farmhouses. Each location is marketed with a focus on local scenery, luxury amenities, and proximity to nature.
Entry Costs and Packages
Participants can enter the draw online by purchasing entry bundles, which typically start at £10 for 15 entries. Higher tiers offer better value, such as £25 for 40 entries, £50 for 85 entries, or £150 for 320 entries, often including bonus “early bird” draws for cars or cash.
For those who prefer a recurring chance to win, Omaze offers a monthly subscription service that provides a set number of entries into every draw automatically. This “Omaze Subscription” often comes with exclusive perks and additional entries compared to one-off purchases.
The Free Entry Route
In compliance with UK law regarding prize draws, Omaze provides a free entry route via 1st or 2nd class post. To enter for free, participants must send their name, address, and the specific draw they wish to enter on a postcard or within an envelope to the Omaze headquarters.
Each postal entry is treated with the same winning probability as a single paid entry. While this method requires the cost of a stamp and stationery, it ensures the draw remains accessible to everyone regardless of their financial status.
Odds of Winning
Omaze does not publicly disclose the exact number of entries for each draw, meaning the precise odds of winning a house are unknown. However, given the massive scale of their national television and social media advertising, the pool of entries likely runs into the millions.
While the odds are statistically low, they are often perceived as more favorable than the National Lottery jackpot due to the finite number of tickets sold during a specific window. Every draw is guaranteed to produce a winner, audited by third-party observers to ensure fairness.
Impact on Charities
A core component of the Omaze house draw is its “charity minimum,” which guarantees a significant donation to the partner organization regardless of ticket sales. Typically, 17% of the total entry fees go directly to the charity, with a guaranteed minimum of £1,000,000 often established.
To date, Omaze has raised over £30 million for UK charities, supporting causes like teenage cancer trust, heart health, and mental health services. These funds allow charities to complete large-scale projects that would otherwise take years of traditional fundraising to achieve.
Winning and Taxes
One of the biggest draws of the Omaze house is that the prize is 100% tax-free in the UK. Under current HMRC rules, gambling winnings and prize draw rewards are not subject to Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax at the point of transfer.
However, once the winner takes ownership, they are responsible for ongoing costs such as Council Tax, utility bills, and maintenance. If the winner later decides to sell the property, any increase in value from the date they won it may be subject to Capital Gains Tax.
Renting vs. Selling
Many Omaze winners face the dilemma of whether to live in the house, sell it, or use it as a high-end rental property. Given that these houses are often worth £2,000,000 to £5,000,000, selling the property is the most common choice for instant financial independence.
For those choosing to rent, these properties can command significant weekly rates as luxury holiday lets, often earning between £5,000 and £15,000 per month depending on the season. This provides a substantial passive income stream for winners who want to keep the asset.
What is Omaze House
Omaze House refers to the luxury property raffles run by Omaze, a for-profit company that partners with charities to fundraise through prize draws. Launched in the UK in 2020 with a £1 million Cheshire home for Teenage Cancer Trust, these draws let entrants win mortgage-free houses valued up to £6 million. Each draw guarantees a winner, with proceeds split: a portion to charity, costs covered, and the rest funding prizes.
Winners receive the house freehold, £250,000 cash for settling in, and coverage of stamp duty and legal fees. Unlike lotteries, Omaze focuses on standalone house competitions, having completed 40 by 2025 across scenic UK locations like Norfolk coasts and London warehouses. Germany joined in 2025 with €500k charity guarantees per draw.
Omaze History and Evolution
Omaze started in the US in 2012 as celebrity experience draws before shifting to UK house raffles in 2020 amid housing market booms. Founders Matthew Pohlson and Ryan Cummins pivoted after raising initial funds, relocating headquarters to London by 2023 and pausing US operations. By July 2025, they’d donated over $250 million globally, with UK draws dominating.
The model evolved from £1 million starters to mega-prizes like a £5 million Hackney conversion in 2024. Germany expansions in 2025 targeted fjord views and lake districts, ensuring minimum charity payouts. This growth reflects demand for affordable dream-home shots amid rising property prices.
How Omaze Draws Work
Entrants buy tickets online from £10, with automatic free postal entries available—no purchase needed. Draws close on set dates, verified by independent auditors, and winners get surprise doorstep reveals filmed for publicity. Charities receive 17-30% of sales after costs, with Omaze covering house purchase and renovations.
Entries scale: £100 buys 25 tickets, £500 gets 250 plus bonuses like early bird prizes. Draws run every few months, announced via email and social media. Unclaimed prizes roll to charity, ensuring every pound supports causes.
Past Omaze House Winners
The first winner, in 2021, took a £1 million Cheshire property, raising £250k for charity. A 2024 Norfolk coastal £6 million house went to a family who sold it for cash, while a Yorkshire winner called their prize “immediately home.” Hackney’s £5 million warehouse in August 2024 stunned its owner with its garage size alone.
Over 40 winners by 2025 include diverse stories: some rent out properties for income, others relocate permanently. Average house value hit £2.9 million, with all getting £250k cash. Videos capture emotional reveals, boosting future entries.
Notable Winner Stories
Eliza Yahioglu’s Yorkshire win featured grand history, making her feel like royalty. A London loft recipient praised its character beyond photos. These tales highlight life changes, from debt-free living to investment opportunities.
Current and Upcoming Draws
As of February 2026, check omaze.co.uk for live UK draws—recent ones included Cotswolds stone cottages with no mortgage worries. Germany offers fjord-edge homes guaranteeing €500k to charities. Prizes evolve: expect £3-6 million values in prime spots like Cornwall or Scotland.
Sign up for alerts; draws launch quarterly with countdowns. Past patterns show seaside and urban mixes, always renovated to luxury specs. Enter early for bonus tickets.
House Features and Locations
Omaze houses span UK hotspots: Norfolk beaches, Cheshire countryside, Hackney urban vibes, Cotswolds charm. Features include 4-6 bedrooms, pools, cinemas, garages bigger than average homes. Renovations add smart tech, eco-features, and guest suites.
German prizes hit Mecklenburg lakes and Flensburg fjords, blending modern luxury with nature. Values average £2.9 million, fully furnished. Locations prioritize views, accessibility, and rental potential.
Inside a Typical Omaze House
Expect open-plan kitchens, home offices post-pandemic, and gardens for entertaining. High-end touches like underfloor heating and wine cellars come standard. Winners customize post-move, but initial setups suit families or investors.
Odds of Winning Explained
Odds depend on total entries: a £10 million sales draw might see 1 in 500,000 chances per ticket. Buying bundles improves them—£500 entry boosts to 1 in 20,000 relatively. Better than national lotteries for houses, with guaranteed winners.
No skill involved; random draws ensure fairness. Historical data shows quick closes on popular prizes, tightening odds late. Free entries keep it accessible.
Charity Impact and Partners
Omaze raised £250 million+ by 2025, partnering with Teenage Cancer Trust, homelessness groups, and RNLI. Each draw earmarks fixed percentages post-costs, like £250k from the first event. Transparency reports detail breakdowns.
Winners feel dual joy: personal windfall plus charity boost. Germany’s €500k minimums aid local causes. Funds build hospitals, support research—real change from fun entries.
Entry Strategies to Maximize Chances
Bundle buys offer best value: £100 gets 25 tickets, £1,000 yields 500 plus exclusives. Enter multiple draws; free postals add up. Track via app for bonuses like runner-up cash. Avoid last-minute rushes when odds shrink. Set budgets—many winners spent under £200. Share referrals for free tickets.
What Winners Receive
Every house comes mortgage-free, with freehold title, £250,000 cash, stamp duty paid, and legal fees covered. Furnishings, renovations, and warranties included. Options: live in, rent (£100k+ yearly potential), or sell immediately. No restrictions on flipping; some net millions post-sale. Cash helps with moves, customizations, or investments. All tax-free in the UK.
Tax and Legal Details
Prizes are tax-free for UK residents—no income, capital gains on receipt. Selling later incurs standard CGT if profiting. Omaze handles conveyancing; winners consult solicitors. German winners face similar rules, with charity guarantees intact. Always verify residency status. No hidden fees post-win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the winner chosen?
The winner is selected at random using a secure, third-party electronic random number generator. This process is overseen by independent adjudicators to ensure the draw is fair, transparent, and compliant with UK prize draw regulations.
Can I sell the house immediately?
Yes, once the legal title is transferred to your name, you are the full owner and can sell the property immediately. In fact, many winners choose to do this to realize the cash value of the prize and achieve instant financial independence.
Does the Omaze house draw a lottery?
Technically, no. It is classified as a “prize draw” because it offers a free postal entry route. This distinction is crucial as it allows Omaze to operate under different regulatory requirements than the National Lottery.
Do I have to pay the mortgage?
No, every Omaze house is awarded entirely mortgage-free. Omaze ensures that any existing debt on the property is cleared and all legal fees and stamp duty are paid before the keys are handed over.
What is the “no purchase necessary” route?
This is the free entry method required by UK law. You can enter any house draw for free by sending a postcard with your details to the Omaze office; these entries have the same statistical chance of winning as a paid entry.
Are the houses newly built?
The properties vary. Some are bespoke, brand-new architectural marvels, while others are extensive, high-spec renovations of historic buildings. All are professionally staged and finished to a luxury standard.
What happens if I don’t want the house?
While you cannot trade the house for a cash alternative directly through Omaze, you are free to sell it on the open market. Omaze also provides a significant cash prize (usually £100,000–£250,000) alongside the house to help with immediate needs.
Final Thoughts
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw has fundamentally changed how the public engages with both high-end property and charitable giving. By lowering the barrier to entry for multi-million-pound mansions to the price of a coffee, it has created a unique “participatory philanthropy” model. While the odds of winning are statistically slim, the dual promise of a life-changing windfall and guaranteed support for vital UK charities continues to drive record-breaking participation.
As the platform evolves into 2026, it remains a fascinating case study in modern fundraising, blending the glamour of the “Instagram home” with the practical impact of multi-million-pound donations. Whether a winner chooses to move into their glass-fronted coastal retreat, sell for instant millionaire status, or rent the property for passive income, the “Omaze Effect” ensures that both the individual and the charity come out on top.
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