Moving house can be an exciting journey, but it can often feel lengthy. To help you have an idea of what to expect, we have written an overview of the key stages involved and an estimated timeline for each.
Please note: The timelines below are just estimates, and things may move faster or slower depending on your individual situation.
An overview of the home moving process
When you move, you’re usually both buying and selling property, and each part of the process can take a different amount of time. If you're a first-time buyer, things might go a bit faster since you're not involved in a property chain. Here’s a rough idea of how long each step might take:
- Mortgage approval: 5 days to 8 weeks
- Selling your home: 4 to 10 weeks
- Finding a new home: 1 to 10 weeks
- Making an offer: 1 to 2 weeks
- Conveyancing (legal work): 12 to 16 weeks
- Property survey: 1 to 3 weeks
- Moving in: 1 day to 2 weeks
Some steps can overlap. For example, you might be looking for a new home while selling your current one.
Key stages in detail
Mortgage approval (5 days to 8 weeks)
This can take anywhere from a few days to up to 8 weeks, depending on your financial situation and how fast the lender works. If you get pre-approved, it can speed things up. Having all your documents (like pay slips, bank statements, and ID) ready will also help. A mortgage broker can assist in finding the right deal for you.
Selling your home (4 to 10 weeks)
Selling a property can take time, especially if you’re in a property chain. It typically takes around 25 weeks from listing to finalising the sale, but the exact time depends on market conditions and how appealing your property is to buyers.
Finding a new home (1 to 10 weeks)
How long it takes to find your new home depends on your preferences and what’s available. Being flexible may help speed up the search, but don’t rush – take your time to research the area and local amenities (like schools, parks, or transport links) if needed.
Making an offer (1 to 2 weeks)
Once you’ve found a home you like, it could take 1 to 2 weeks for your offer to be accepted. Sellers often consider multiple offers, so it might not be instant. Be sure to make your offer subject to a property survey to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Conveyancing (12 to 16 weeks)
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of the property. It can take 12 to 16 weeks and involves steps like local authority searches, reviewing contracts, and transferring deposits. Hiring a good solicitor can help make this part smoother and easier to manage.
Property survey (1 to 3 weeks)
A property survey checks the condition of the house and flags any potential issues, like structural damage. Getting this done early can prevent delays, and it usually takes about 1 to 3 weeks for the survey results to come back.
Moving in (1 day to 2 weeks)
Moving in can be as quick as a day or take a couple of weeks, depending on how much you have to pack and how settled you want to feel. Using a professional removals company can make things easier, but be sure to book early, as they can get busy, especially during peak moving times.
Common delays to watch out for
Unfortunately, delays do happen, and they can be caused by:
- Slow responses or legal issues during conveyancing
- Problems in the property chain, where a delay with another buyer or seller impacts your move Complications with mortgage approval
- Survey results revealing unexpected problems with the property
- Availability of removals companies, especially during busy seasons Legal or financial issues, such as problems with the title deeds
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.
