Multiple stages are involved in the sale process, each with varying timelines. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages and typical timeframes.
How long does it take to sell a home on average?
The timeline for selling a home begins from the initial listing date and ends at the completion date, when ownership is fully transferred. This period, however, doesn’t include the time taken to secure an offer, which is simply when negotiations and paperwork commence.
Under offer: On average, homes in the UK go under offer within 32 days, though this varies by property type and location. For example, two-bedroom terraced homes typically go under offer in 27 days, while four-bedroom detached houses take about 40 days (Zoopla, September 2024).
Total time to completion: From listing to final sale, the average home sale process takes approximately 185 days, or around 25 weeks (just under six months). Multiple stages are involved in the sale process, each with varying timelines.
Stages of the selling process and typical timelines
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages and typical timeframes:
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Listing the property: 1–3 days
- Receiving an offer: 5–14 weeks
- Conveyancing and mortgage: 12–16 weeks
- Exchange to completion: 1–28 days
- Total time to complete sale: 17–34 weeks
Stage breakdown
Listing the Property (1–3 days): After selecting an estate agent and setting a fee, the agent will list your property, ensuring an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is in place and capturing photos. Preparation Tip: Preparing your home for viewings—such as decluttering, painting, or tidying the garden—can attract more buyers.
Receiving an Offer (5–14 weeks): The time between listing and receiving an offer depends on local market conditions. In a "hot" market, properties may attract offers within a month, while in a "cold" market, it can take up to 14 weeks.
Conveyancing and Mortgage Application: (12–16 weeks) Conveyancing—the legal transfer of ownership—begins once an offer is accepted and is often the lengthiest part of the sale process.
Exchange to Completion (1–28 days): After contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding. Completion, when the buyer officially owns the property, usually follows within seven to 28 days, although same-day exchange and completion are possible but challenging.
Common delays when selling
Several issues can slow down a house sale, such as:
Broken chains: If a buyer pulls out, it can delay or even collapse the sale chain. Your agent can help find a replacement buyer quickly.
Solicitor or conveyancer delays: Choosing a responsive solicitor can help ensure efficient communication and quicker resolution of queries.
Search delays: Local authority searches, while usually completed in 2–3 weeks, can sometimes take up to 13 weeks. Buyers should stay in close contact with their solicitors to keep things on track.
Survey issues: A survey may reveal property issues that the buyer may ask you to address or use to negotiate a price reduction. Mortgage Delays: If a buyer’s mortgage agreement expires, they may need to reapply, which could extend the process by up to four weeks.
Selling without a chain
A chain-free sale, where there’s no dependence on other property transactions, can speed up conveyancing significantly, often reducing the timeline from 12 weeks to just four.
The best way to avoid delays is to stay in regular contact with your solicitor, estate agent, and other professionals you will be working with throughout your move. At Winkworth, we focus on clear, proactive communication with our clients, helping to make your move as smooth as possible. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your local Winkworth office if you have any queries.
