Selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. One of the most common questions sellers ask is: how long does it take to sell a house in the UK?
The honest answer is that every sale is different. However, by understanding the average time to sell a house, the process of selling a house, and what can speed things up or slow them down, you can plan your move with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.
This guide breaks down the typical time to sell a house, explains each stage of the process, and shares practical tips to help you sell your home fast, where possible.
What Is the Average Time to Sell a House?
According to recent UK property data, the average time to sell a house in the UK is around 185 days, which is just under six months.
This timeline measures the full journey, from the moment your property is listed on the market to the day you complete and hand over the keys. Many sellers underestimate this by only counting from when an offer is accepted, but in reality, there can be weeks or months before the right buyer is found.
Most sellers should realistically prepare for a timescale of four to six months, although this can be shorter or longer depending on market conditions, property type, and how prepared you are.
Typical Time to Sell a House: A Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
Understanding the process of selling a house helps explain why sales can take longer than expected. Below is a realistic breakdown of each stage.
1. Getting Your House on the Market (1–2 weeks)
Before your home can be listed, you’ll need to:
- Choose an estate agent.
- Agree on pricing and marketing strategy.
- Ensure you have a valid EPC.
- Arrange professional photos and a floorplan.
This stage usually takes one to two weeks, depending on how quickly decisions are made.
2. From Listing to Receiving an Offer (3–14 weeks)
This is one of the most variable stages of the buy and sale UK process.
How quickly you receive an offer depends on:
- Buyer demand in your area.
- How competitively your home is priced.
- Presentation and marketing quality.
- Wider market conditions.
In high-demand areas, sellers may accept an offer within weeks. In slower markets, this stage can take several months.
3. From Offer Accepted to Exchange of Contracts (10–20 weeks)
Once an offer is accepted, the legal work begins. This stage often takes the longest and includes:
- Conveyancing.
- Property searches.
- Mortgage applications.
- Survey reports.
- Legal enquiries.
If your buyer experiences mortgage issues, survey problems, or delays with their conveyancer, this stage can be extended significantly.
4. From Exchange to Completion (1–28 days)
The final stage is usually the shortest. On average, completion takes place around seven days after exchange, but this can be negotiated.
In some situations, such as a chain-free sale or a cash buyer, exchange and completion can happen on the same day. In longer chains, sellers may agree to a longer gap here, the Solicitors for selling a house will ease the process for you.
What Can Delay a House Sale?
Even with the best intentions, delays are common. The most frequent causes include:
Property Chains
If someone further down the chain pulls out, your sale could be delayed or fall through entirely.
Survey Issues
Problems uncovered during surveys, such as damp or structural concerns, can lead to renegotiations or requests for repairs.
Mortgage Problems
If a lender down-values the property or rejects a mortgage application, buyers may need to reapply, causing delays.
Conveyancing Delays
Slow responses, missing paperwork, or leasehold complications can all slow progress.
How to Sell Your Home Fast: Practical Ways to Speed Up the Process
While no sale can be guaranteed to move quickly, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of a quick house sale.
Prepare Your Home for Sale
Decluttering, neutral décor, and small repairs can make a big difference to buyer interest.
Use High-Quality Photography
Most buyers start their search online. Strong images help your property stand out and attract more viewings.
Be Proactive and Responsive
Replying quickly to enquiries and staying engaged throughout conveyancing helps prevent avoidable delays.
Have Your Paperwork Ready
Missing documents are a common cause of hold-ups. Having certificates ready, such as EPC, gas safety records, and planning permissions, can significantly speed things up.
Choose the Right Professionals
An experienced estate agent and conveyancer can spot issues early and keep your sale moving.
Can You Reduce the Average Time to Sell a House?
While market conditions are out of your control, preparation is key. Sellers who get legally organised before finding a buyer are often able to move more quickly once an offer is accepted.
By understanding the average time to sell a house, planning ahead, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can reduce stress and improve your chances of a smooth, efficient sale.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?
So, what is the average time to sell a house?
For most sellers, the answer is four to six months, from listing to completion.
Knowing the typical time to sell a house, understanding the stages involved, and preparing early can make a significant difference, not just to how long your sale takes, but to how smooth the entire experience feels. We have a complete guide for selling a property in the UK, with step-by-step help for sellers to understand every stage of selling a property.
If you’re thinking about selling, getting informed early is one of the smartest moves you can make.
