Selling a house in the UK can be a complex process, and one of the most common questions sellers ask is, "How long will it take?". The truth is the time it takes to sell a house can vary significantly depending on several factors. Let's dive into how long it takes, what the process looks like and how to speed it up.

How long will it take to sell your home?

On average, selling a house in the UK takes on average 3 months from listing to completion. It's important to note that this duration includes not just finding a buyer, but also the legal processes involved in transferring ownership. According to data from Zoopla, the average seller receives an offer within 32 days.

It is interesting to note that some cities are reputable for having longer or shorter house selling time. As of last year, homes in Liverpool sold the quickest with sellers agreeing on offers within 17 days. The North East and North west are regions were houses sell quickly due to lower asking prices and therefore a more appealing market. These different timeframes can also vary greatly depending on market conditions, the property's location within a city or town, and many other factors. 

What can affect the selling time?

Several factors can influence how quickly you can sell your home:

• The property's location and local market conditions play a significant role, as do
• The condition and presentation of your home.
• Your pricing since an overpriced property will linger on the market, while a competitively priced one is more likely to sell quickly.
• Broader economic factors and interest rates can influence the overall property market.
• Whether your sale is chain-free, or part of a property chain can significantly affect timelines.
• The efficiency of your estate agent and solicitor can either expedite or delay the process.
• The time of year can also impact selling time, with seasonal fluctuations affecting buyer interest. 

When is it quickest to sell a house in the UK?

Generally speaking, Spring is the best time of year to get your property on the market. Summer also remains a good time to sell. The key factor is that many home buyers are families who need to be settled into their new place before school starts again in September. The market can go a bit quieter during fall and winter as a result.

Working with a supportive professional can speed up the house sale process

What are the steps of the selling process?

The house selling process in the UK typically begins with getting a property valuation and choosing an estate agent. Next, you'll need to prepare the property for sale, which often involves cleaning, decluttering, and making minor repairs. Once ready, your agent will start marketing the property and conducting viewings.

As offers come in, you'll negotiate with potential buyers. Upon accepting an offer, you'll instruct a solicitor to handle the legal aspects. The conveyancing process follows, involving legal work, surveys, and searches.

The second to last step is the exchange of contracts, and finally, the completion day happens when you move out and the sale is finalised. Each of these steps can take varying amounts of time, contributing to the overall duration of the sale.

How does selling a Shared Ownership home differ?

The main difference lies in ensuring that the buyer you find meets the eligibility criteria for Shared Ownership. Unless you own 100% of your home, selling means the next person is purchasing a share and will have to enter the same agreement that you did. The buyer must be in a household earning £90,000 or less (£80,000 or less outside of London), and have a sufficient deposit to buy the share you are looking to sell.

Another key difference is that you have to notify your housing association of your intention to sell. When you buy a Shared Ownership home with us, you also benefit from dedicated resale support. If you decide to sell a share of your property, we have 8 weeks to find you a buyer. This allows other first-time buyers to step onto the property ladder quickly. You will also benefit from an expert sales service at a competitive rate. After that period, you can chose to market your home with an estate agent instead of continuing to sell it with us.

What tips to speed up the process?

To help expedite the selling process, start by pricing your property realistically based on current market conditions. An overpriced property will deter potential buyers. Ensure your home is well presented and in good repair to make a strong first impression.

Be as flexible as possible with viewings and respond promptly to enquiries to maintain momentum. Choose a proactive and experienced estate agent who knows the local market well.

It's advisable to instruct a solicitor early in the process to get the legal work underway. Gather all necessary paperwork in advance to avoid delays later on.

If possible, consider prioritising chain-free buyers to reduce complications. Be prepared to negotiate on price or terms if necessary to keep the sale moving forward.

Finally, stay in regular communication with all parties involved in the sale to address any issues promptly. By following these tips and being well-prepared, you can potentially reduce the time it takes to sell your home and make the process smoother for all involved.

Selling a house in the UK takes time and effort. How long it takes will change from sale to sale. The key is to understand what affects the selling time and to be ready for each step. It helps to be patient and to go with the flow when things change. Every house sale is different, so focus on what works best for you rather than rushing. If you price your home right, make it look good, and work with good professionals, you can make the sale go more smoothly. Remember, selling your house is about moving forward. With the right approach, you can sell your home and be ready for your next step, whatever that may be.