Buying a house can be one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. If you’re looking to buy a home, understanding the timeline can help you navigate the process more smoothly.

Rightmove’s latest data reveals that York, Cornwall and Manchester are some of the most popular places in the top ten most searched for locations to buy a house in the UK.

In this blog, we’ll explore the various stages involved in purchasing a house, from initial search to moving in, and provide tips to help you manage everything effectively.

Listing your property (1-2 Weeks)

The journey begins with listing your property. This involves:

• Choosing an Estate Agent: Finding a reputable estate agent can take a few days to a week. It’s essential to compare different agents, their fees, and their marketing strategies.
• Property Valuation: Your chosen agent will conduct a valuation to set a competitive price.
• Preparing Your Home: Taking professional photos can take another week. Ensuring your home is presentable can significantly impact buyer interest.

Marketing and viewings (4-8 Weeks)

Once listed, your property will be marketed across various platforms, including online property portals, social media, and in some cases, local newspapers. During this period:

• Viewings: Prospective buyers will schedule viewings. The number of viewings can vary widely, and on average, it may take about 4-8 weeks to receive an offer.
• Open Houses: Hosting open houses can also attract potential buyers and accelerate the process.

Receiving and accepting an offer (1-2 Weeks)

After receiving offers, it’s time to negotiate. This stage involves:

• Offer Consideration: Reviewing offers, negotiating terms, and possibly dealing with counteroffers. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Accepting an Offer: Once you accept an offer, the buyer may need to arrange a survey and mortgage approval, which also influences the timeline.

Conveyancing process

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. The steps involved include:

• Solicitor Searches: Your solicitor will perform various searches to check for any issues with the property.
• Draft Contracts: Both parties’ solicitors will draft and agree on the contract terms.
• Surveys and Inspections: The buyer’s lender may require a survey, which can add time if any issues are discovered.
• Exchange of Contracts: Once everything is in order, contracts are exchanged, making the sale legally binding.

Completion (1-2 Weeks)

Completion is when the property officially changes hands. Exchange of contracts and completion can take place on the same day and whilst we prefer to have at least a week between exchange of contracts and completion, it can be less.

Total time from listing to completion

Combining all stages, selling a house in England and Wales typically takes between 14 and 24 weeks, roughly 3 to 6 months. This timeline can vary based on market conditions, the property’s location, and other factors.

Several factors can impact how long it takes to buy a house:

• Market conditions: A competitive market with high demand can speed up the process, while a slower market may prolong it.
• Mortgage approval: Delays in mortgage approval can extend the timeline. Ensure you have all necessary documents ready.
• Property chain: Being in a property chain, where each sale depends on another, can cause delays.
• Survey results: If the survey reveals issues that need addressing, it can add time to the process.
• Legal complications: Any legal issues or disputes can significantly delay the purchase.

To help streamline your house-buying journey, consider these tips:

• Get organised: Have all your financial documents ready and get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start house hunting.
• Choose a reliable solicitor: A good solicitor can make a big difference in handling the legal aspects efficiently.
• Stay in communication: Keep in regular contact with your estate agent, solicitor, and mortgage provider to address any issues promptly.
• Be flexible: Be prepared to act quickly when necessary, especially in a competitive market.
• Conduct thorough research: Understanding the process and potential pitfalls can help you navigate the journey more smoothly.

Buying a house in England and Wales is a multi-stage process that typically takes between 3 and 7 months from initial search to moving in. You can get ahead just by understanding each stage and making sure you have everything organised.

If you have any questions or need personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert property team who can guide you through the process.

Happy house hunting!