The average UK house takes 1.4 weeks. Or does it?

23/07/2023

average uk house sale takes

Selling a house in the UK is a big deal, and it usually happens quicker than people think. On average, it takes 1 to 4 weeks from when you agree to sell, but this can change based on different reasons. Knowing what can slow down or speed up the process can help you make smart choices. Here's a closer look at what affects how long it takes to sell a house and how to sell it as quickly as you can.

What Factors Influence the Speed of a House Sale?

While it’s true that the average UK house sale takes about 1 to 4 weeks, the timeline can vary due to several key factors.

1. The Type of Property

The kind of house you're selling is a big deal when it comes to how fast it sells. Houses that a lot of people want to live in, especially in good spots, usually sell faster. But, if you have something special or it's not in a popular place, it might take longer. If you want to sell quickly, knowing the ins and outs of different types of houses can guide you in making smart choices. Check out more about the different kinds of houses and how they affect how long it takes to sell.

2. The State of the Market

The current housing market plays a significant role in determining how quickly a house sells. If it’s a seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, homes can sell faster. However, in a buyer’s market, where there are more properties than buyers, the sale process may take longer. Stay updated on the latest housing market trends to understand how market conditions can affect your sales.

3. Legal Checks and Paperwork

After you've agreed to buy something, the person selling it will send over all the legal stuff like checking the property and going over the contracts. Sometimes, things can get stuck here because of missing papers, legal problems, or stuff found when checking out the property. It's key to have all your documents sorted out to prevent any hold-ups. If you don't know much about the legal side of selling a house, going over the steps before you start can make sure everything goes smoothly.

4. Chain Involvement

If you're selling your house because you're moving up the property ladder (like selling your place to get a bigger one), it might take more time. Any hold-ups in the chain can slow things down for everyone. To get a good grasp on how property chains work and how they can mess things up, check out this guide on property chains.

5. Mortgage Approval

On the other hand, if the buyer requires a mortgage to purchase your property, delays in mortgage approval can slow down the entire sale. The buyer’s lender must carry out various checks and assessments, and if the process is delayed, it can have a knock-on effect. It’s important to keep this in mind when selling a house, as the approval process can sometimes take longer than expected.

Tips to Speed Up the UK House Sale Process

While some factors are beyond your control, there are several proactive steps you can take to speed up the sale of your home:

1. Prepare Your Property for Sale

The condition of your property plays a major role in attracting serious buyers. Before listing your house, take the time to clean, declutter, and make any necessary repairs. A well-presented home will catch the eye of potential buyers and increase your chances of a quick sale. Additionally, consider investing in professional home staging, which can make your property stand out from the competition.

2. Work with an Experienced Estate Agent

Working with a skilled estate agent can make selling your home easier. They're experts in marketing, pricing, and handling offers, which can speed up the sale. Look for an agent with a good reputation in your area for the best results.

3. Get Your Paperwork Ready

One of the main causes of delays in property sales is waiting for the necessary documents. Ensure that you have your title deeds, energy performance certificates (EPC), planning permissions, and other paperwork ready before listing your property. This will save time and make the process go smoother once you accept an offer. Learn more about the required documents for selling your home.

4. Consider Using a Removal Company Early

Once your sale has gone through and you’ve agreed on a moving date, it’s essential to plan ahead for your move. Professional house removals can assist in making your move smooth and efficient. At Gago Movers, we offer a range of packing moving services, ideal for both short and long-distance relocations, to help reduce last-minute stress and keep everything on track.

5. Be Flexible with Viewings

Having more people interested in your home can speed up the sale. Being open to different viewing times can attract more buyers, helping you sell faster. Learn how to make your home more appealing by offering flexible viewing options.

6. Be Ready to Negotiate

Negotiations can sometimes delay the sale process, but if you're willing to be flexible with the price (within reason), you’re more likely to reach an agreement quickly. Learn how to negotiate effectively to close the deal faster.

The Process After an Offer is Accepted

Once you’ve accepted an offer on your property, the sale process enters a few key stages:

  1. Legal Checks – Solicitors will verify ownership, check for any legal issues, and ensure everything is in order.
  2. Exchange of Contracts – Once the checks are complete, both parties exchange contracts, making the sale legally binding.
  3. Completion – The final stage, when money is transferred, and the buyer takes possession of the property. This typically happens a few weeks after the exchange.

 

The usual time to sell a house in the UK is 1 to 4 weeks, but this can change due to different reasons. To speed up the process, make sure your house looks good, hire a good estate agent, and get your documents ready early. Also, if you're moving after selling, using a professional moving company like Gago Movers can make it easier. Call us now to find out more about our trustworthy moving services and let us help you have a smooth move.

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