How Long to Sell a House in the UK

If you’re preparing to move, one of the biggest questions you’ll ask is: how long does it take to sell a house in the UK? The short answer, annoyingly, is: it depends. 

From the moment you list to the day you hand over the keys, the timeline can vary hugely based on location, demand, your agent, and even your paperwork.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average timescales, what can speed things up (or slow them down), and how you can take more control of the process. Whether you’re in a hurry or just want a stress-free move, here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the average time to sell a house in the UK

On average, selling a home in the UK takes around 25 weeks (about six months) from listing to completion, but it can be faster or slower depending on where you live and your specific circumstances.

According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, the national median time to secure a buyer across the UK is 67 days But, of course, this timeline varies hugely by region. Scotland leads with just 33 days on average. London and the South East take longer, averaging around 70–71 days and Wales and the South West also trend higher at around 72–74 days.

Once you’ve accepted an offer, it typically takes another 8–16 weeks to complete the sale.

Knowing what to expect in terms of timelines can help you plan your next steps. If you’re preparing to list, our tips on how to sell your house can help you start strong and avoid unnecessary delays.

Stages in the home-selling process

Every home sale has a rhythm. Here are the key stages and how long each one typically takes:

Preparing your home for sale

• First things first, know what your house is worth. You can book your free house valuation online in minutes

• Decluttering, cleaning, and staging: 1–2 weeks

• Professional photography and floorplans: 2–3 days

• Getting your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): 1 week

Listing and receiving offers

• Listing on portals: same day once marketing is ready

• First viewings: within 1 week of going live

• Offers: average time to ‘under offer’ is 66 days

From offer to exchange

• Accepting an offer: immediate once agreed

• Conveyancing/legal work: 8–12 weeks

• Mortgage approval (for buyer): 2–3 weeks

• Survey and renegotiations: 1–3 weeks

From exchange to completion

• Typical gap: 1–2 weeks (can be longer if part of a chain)

Factors that can speed up or delay your sale

Some delays are out of your hands (like mortgage approval or slow local searches). But others are totally avoidable. Here’s what can help or hinder the pace of your move.

Home valuation

• Pricing your home right from day one makes a huge difference

• Overpricing can lead to weeks of silence on the market

• Underpricing might attract offers fast, but leave money on the table

• A free and instant house valuation with Purplebricks can help you set a competitive, confident asking price

Buyer chains

• A buyer without a chain will usually complete faster

• If you’re in a long chain, delays are more likely

• Flexibility with completion dates can help avoid fall-throughs

The legal stuff

• Instructing a solicitor early keeps things moving

• Having all your paperwork ready (ID, title deeds, lease agreements etc.) speeds up conveyancing

Sell your home faster and stress-free with Purplebricks

While there are averages, how long it takes to sell a house in the UK often comes down to preparation and support. From setting the right price to staying on top of paperwork, every stage plays a part.

With Purplebricks, you get the best of both worlds: expert local agents and smart tech to move things along faster. Whether you’re weighing up a private house sale vs selling through an agent, or you’re ready to go, we’re here to help.

Want to speed things up? Sell your house quickly or contact Purplebricks for more info or to get started today.