House Selling Timeline: What to Expect Each Week

Selling a house in the UK typically has a timeline of 3 to 7 months from listing to completion. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of what to expect:

Weeks 1–2: Prepare your property. Choose an estate agent, get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and set a realistic asking price.
Weeks 3–6: Market your home. Create an online listing with professional photos and arrange viewings. Gather buyer feedback and negotiate offers.
Weeks 7–12: Accept an offer. Begin the legal process (conveyancing), complete buyer checks, and respond to any queries promptly.
Weeks 13–16: Exchange contracts and complete the sale. Finalise all legal and financial details, hand over the keys, and officially transfer ownership.

Delays can occur due to buyer chains, mortgage approvals, or legal complications. Being organised, responsive, and working with experienced professionals helps keep the process on track.

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in the UK: Insights and Tips

Week 1-2: Getting Your Property Ready

The first two weeks are all about laying a solid foundation for your property sale. This includes selecting the right estate agent, obtaining your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and setting a realistic asking price. These steps help avoid unnecessary delays later.

Choosing an Estate Agent

Picking the right estate agent is a crucial part of selling your home. With around 24,500 estate agents operating across the UK – a figure that’s grown by 10.6% in recent years – you’ve got plenty of choices, but not all agents are equal.

Start by looking for agents with a strong local presence. A quick way to gauge this is by checking out ‘For Sale’ signs in your area. Recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who’ve recently sold their properties can also be invaluable.

When narrowing down your options, compare at least three agents. Invite them to value your home and assess their approach. A good agent will show enthusiasm, ask detailed questions about your circumstances, and present a clear marketing strategy. Pay close attention to their online listings – are the photos high quality, and do the descriptions make the properties stand out?

Estate agent fees typically range from 0.9% to 3.6% (including VAT) of the final selling price, with the average fee sitting at 1.42%. For a sole agency contract, aim to negotiate around 1.2% including VAT.

Make sure your chosen agent is a member of professional organisations like NAEA Propertymark or RICS, and that they’re part of a redress scheme. Online reviews on platforms like Google Reviews or TrustPilot can also give you a sense of their reputation. A well-chosen agent ensures smoother legal and marketing processes down the line.

Getting an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Before you can list your property, you’ll need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Since 2008, it’s been a legal requirement for all properties being sold or let. The EPC rates your home’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). If your property doesn’t already have a valid certificate, you’ll need to get one.

Only accredited assessors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland – or approved organisations in Scotland – can issue a valid EPC. The certificate is valid for 10 years and typically costs between £35 and £120. You can find an assessor through the GOV.UK website, or your estate agent might arrange this for you.

Deciding on Your Asking Price

Setting the right asking price is a balancing act between ambition and market realities. Properties priced too high can linger on the market, while those reduced by 5% or more often take longer to sell.

Work with your estate agent to review recent sales of similar homes in your area. Focus on properties sold in the last three to six months that are comparable in size, condition, and location. Your agent should provide a detailed market analysis to help you position your property competitively.

Timing and buyer demand also play a role. Spring is traditionally seen as a prime time for selling, but local factors may influence the best time to list. Your personal circumstances matter too – if you’re in no rush, you might test the market with a slightly higher price. On the other hand, if a quick sale is your goal, a more competitive price could attract more interest.

With these preparations in place, you’ll be ready to move on to marketing your property and engaging potential buyers in the weeks ahead.

Week 3-6: Marketing Your Property and Showing Buyers

With your property prepped and ready, the next step is all about drawing in buyers and managing viewings. This stage, which typically takes three to six weeks, plays a key role in sparking interest and securing offers.

Creating Your Online Property Listing

In the UK, most buyers begin their search online. While your estate agent will list your property on platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla, understanding what makes a listing stand out is essential.

High-quality photography is a must. Professional photos, costing between £100 and £300, can significantly increase interest and lead to more offers. Schedule photos during daylight hours, ensuring your home is clean, clutter-free, and showcases its best features – both inside and out.

Your property description needs to be accurate and comply with Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. Include critical details like the EPC rating, council tax band, and tenure. Highlight recent upgrades, as well as proximity to schools, transport links, and other local amenities. Use square metres for room measurements, as this is the UK standard.

Adding a virtual tour can be a great way to attract more attention. These typically cost between £150 and £500, depending on the complexity. Virtual tours have become increasingly popular, offering buyers a chance to explore properties remotely, which can save time for both parties. Buyers now expect listings to include floor plans, video tours, and high-resolution images.

Organising Property Viewings

Once your online listing is live, the focus shifts to viewings. To maximise attendance, schedule viewings during evenings and weekends. It’s standard practice in the UK for estate agents to verify the identity of potential buyers before arranging visits.

Before each viewing, make sure your property is spotless and well-ventilated. Remove personal documents and secure valuables to ensure privacy and safety. If possible, have your estate agent present during viewings. For unaccompanied viewings, consider asking a friend or family member to join you.

Small touches can make a big difference. Offering shoe covers, for instance, can create a welcoming impression. Good lighting is also key – open curtains and turn on lights to make rooms feel brighter and more inviting, even during the day.

For virtual viewings, ensure your internet connection is reliable and test the technology ahead of time. Both in-person and virtual viewings are now common and cater to different buyer preferences.

Dealing with Feedback and First Offers

After each viewing, gather detailed feedback from your estate agent. Use this input to make adjustments – such as improving lighting if viewers consistently mention dark rooms. Small changes can enhance your property’s appeal and may help speed up the sale.

In the UK, properties typically receive their first offer within three to six weeks of being listed, though this timeframe can vary depending on factors like location, price, and market trends. When offers start coming in, evaluate them with your estate agent. Consider not just the price but also the buyer’s situation. For example, a chain-free buyer with mortgage approval in principle might be a more reliable choice than a higher offer from someone in a lengthy chain. Negotiation is part of the process, and counteroffers are common in the UK market.

Throughout negotiations, maintain a professional and courteous tone. Be ready to justify your asking price with data on recent comparable sales. While waiting for competing offers can sometimes work in your favour, there’s a risk of losing a serious buyer if negotiations drag on.

Quick responses and thoughtful adjustments at this stage set the tone for successful negotiations and pave the way for the legal phase. With feedback addressed and offers on the table, you’re one step closer to finalising the sale.

Week 7-12: Accepting an Offer and Starting Legal Work

Once you’ve accepted an offer, the legal gears start turning behind the scenes. This stage often takes several months, with multiple tasks happening at the same time. Let’s break down what happens as the legal process unfolds.

Accepting an Offer and Issuing a Memorandum of Sale

After formally accepting an offer, your estate agent will issue a Memorandum of Sale to everyone involved. This document outlines the agreed terms, including the sale price, completion date, and any conditions tied to the offer. It’s shared with you, the buyer, both solicitors, and any mortgage lenders, officially kicking off the conveyancing process.

At this stage, either party can still walk away from the deal without legal penalties, so it’s crucial to keep communication open. Typically, the estate agent will stop marketing the property, though they may label it as “sold subject to contract” to reduce the risk of gazumping.

Conveyancing Process: Main Steps

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from you to the buyer. It usually takes about 12 to 16 weeks to complete. During this time, your solicitor will handle most of the legal work.

The first step is for your solicitor to carry out Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, which are required by law. You’ll need to provide proof of identity and address, as estate agents, solicitors, and mortgage lenders all need to confirm who you are to comply with regulations.

Next comes the paperwork. You’ll fill out forms like the Fittings, Fixtures and Contents Form (TA10) and the Property Information Form (TA6). To avoid delays, it’s a good idea to gather any relevant documents early, such as paperwork from when you bought the property. While the exact documents needed depend on your property and transaction, providing everything upfront can save time.

Meanwhile, your solicitor will prepare the contract pack. This includes the draft contract, property title documents, and responses to standard queries. On the buyer’s side, their solicitor will conduct property searches, checking local authority records, environmental risks, and flood data.

Respond to your solicitor quickly and return any required documents as soon as possible. Staying in touch with your solicitor and estate agent can also help resolve issues promptly. Delays are common and can arise from search results, mortgage processing, or other legal complications. If your property is part of the 15% of UK land not registered with HM Land Registry, this may add extra complexity to the process.

Buyer’s Mortgage and Survey

While your solicitor handles the legal side, the buyer will be securing their mortgage and arranging a property survey. A mortgage application typically takes about a month to process, while surveys usually take two to three weeks to complete.

Survey results can impact your sale significantly. If issues like structural problems, damp, or outdated wiring are flagged, the buyer might ask for a price reduction, request repairs, or even pull out of the deal. Assuming no major issues arise, completion usually happens around six weeks after the survey.

To avoid delays during the buyer’s due diligence, make sure all necessary property information is readily available. This might include boiler service records, guarantees for recent work, or documentation for any modifications to the property. Once property searches are done, it typically takes about three weeks to move to the exchange of contracts. During this time, both solicitors address any outstanding queries, negotiate contract terms, and prepare for the next steps.

This phase often tests your patience, as much of the progress depends on third parties like mortgage lenders, surveyors, and local authorities. Staying proactive by providing documents promptly and maintaining clear communication with everyone involved can help keep things moving smoothly towards the exchange of contracts.

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Week 13-16: Exchanging Contracts and Completing the Sale

The final stretch of selling your home is where things become legally binding, and money officially changes hands.

Exchanging Contracts

The exchange of contracts is the moment your sale becomes legally enforceable. As the law explains:

“When you buy or sell property, the contract only becomes legally binding once it has been exchanged with the other party. This is the point at which the date for completion is set and no-one can pull out without breaching the contract”.

During this process, solicitors for both parties confirm key details – such as the sale price, completion date, and any special conditions – over the phone. Once everything is agreed upon, the contracts are exchanged, and the buyer pays a deposit, usually 10% of the property’s purchase price.

From this point onwards, pulling out of the deal comes with serious financial consequences. The buyer risks losing their deposit, while you, as the seller, could be liable for additional costs if you’re forced to sell at a lower price later.

The timing of the exchange typically ranges from 7 to 28 days before completion, but this can vary depending on your personal circumstances and the property chain. Your solicitor will coordinate with all parties to ensure everyone is ready to move forward.

With the contracts exchanged, the focus shifts to final checks to ensure a smooth path to completion.

Final Checks Before Completion

Once contracts are exchanged, your solicitor will handle the remaining administrative tasks to finalise the sale. This includes preparing a completion statement, which outlines how much money you’ll receive after deducting your mortgage balance, estate agent fees, legal costs, and any other charges.

To avoid delays, respond quickly to any queries from your solicitor and ensure all necessary documents are ready. Common issues like search problems or chain delays can often be resolved efficiently if addressed promptly.

“To give yourself the best possible chance of avoiding delays, you should use a conveyancing solicitor with the experience to manage issues quickly and efficiently. Most problems can be resolved and having an expert conveyancer on your side will ensure that difficulties are anticipated wherever possible and dealt with as soon as they arise”.

Stay in close contact with your estate agent to monitor the progress of the property chain and communicate regularly with your solicitor regarding completion arrangements. This is your last opportunity to address any potential obstacles before the sale is finalised.

During this time, make sure your moving plans are in place. Confirm your moving date, arrange for final meter readings, and notify utility providers of your departure.

Completion Day

Completion day is when ownership of your property officially transfers to the buyer. Early in the day, the buyer’s solicitor will send the remaining funds to your solicitor.

Once the funds are received, your solicitor will pay off your mortgage, deduct any fees and commissions, and transfer the remaining proceeds to you. At this point, you’ll need to hand over the property keys, including any spares, garage remotes, and alarm codes.

Your solicitor will authorise the release of the keys, usually through the estate agent. By this time, you must have vacated the property entirely.

The buyer’s solicitor will then register the new ownership with HM Land Registry, although this administrative step happens after completion and doesn’t impact the transfer of ownership itself.

Completion typically takes place by early afternoon, depending on how quickly the funds are processed. Once everything is confirmed, your solicitor will provide a final statement detailing all costs and the net amount you’ve received. With this, your house selling journey officially comes to an end.

What Can Affect Your Sale Timeline

Even with a clear week-by-week plan, external factors can influence how quickly your property sells. While the sale process follows a general structure, various elements can either speed things up or cause delays. Being aware of these can help you plan more effectively.

Market Conditions and Buyer Demand

The property market in 2025 presents a mixed picture. On the positive side, favourable mortgage rates are encouraging more buyers to enter the market. However, economic uncertainty is making some hesitant to commit.

There’s been a 14% increase in the number of properties listed compared to last year, which has slowed price inflation to 2.1% as of June 2025. Regional trends also play a role: homes priced under £200,000 have seen a 2.7% higher rise, while pricier areas are experiencing slower growth or even declines.

Interestingly, 22% of homes currently listed have been on the market for over six months. Yet, sales agreed in the past month are up by 6% compared to the same period last year. Richard Donnell, Executive Director of Research at Zoopla, offers insight into this dynamic:

“We’re seeing a clear link between the rise in supply and the slowdown in house price growth”.

He advises sellers to adjust their expectations:

“The key message for sellers is the need to be realistic on pricing if you want to move home in 2025”.

Property Type and Condition

The type and condition of your property are also crucial factors. Homes in good condition typically sell within 8–12 weeks, while those needing repairs or renovations can take 4–6 months. Properties requiring major work often sell for 20–40% less than their potential value if they were well-maintained.

Specific problems can significantly impact both the timeline and sale price. For example, issues like damp or mould can reduce the value by 10–15%, subsidence by up to 20%, and even an overgrown garden can knock off 8.2%. Additionally, unique or high-value homes may take longer to sell due to a smaller pool of buyers.

The statistics are striking: only 53% of homes listed for sale in the UK actually sell, with Inner London performing even worse at just 36%. This underscores the importance of presenting your property in the best condition possible. Cash buyers, who account for 32.8% of transactions, often complete sales within weeks. In contrast, buyers relying on mortgages usually need several months.

How Your Conveyancer and Lender Affect Speed

The efficiency of your conveyancer and the buyer’s lender can also have a big impact on your sale timeline. Conveyancing typically takes 12–16 weeks, but this can vary depending on how responsive your solicitor and the buyer’s lender are. Conveyancers using online case management systems can help speed up the process, while delays in gathering necessary documents can slow everything down.

The buyer’s mortgage lender is another key player. On average, it takes about a month from the mortgage application to receiving an offer. However, complex financial situations or stricter lending criteria can extend this timeframe. Mortgage approvals dropped by 22% in 2024, meaning fewer buyers are qualifying for loans, which increases the risk of chain collapses.

Every year, around 115,000 home moves are delayed, and 20,000 are cancelled due to funding issues. These delays can add significant time to the process, so it’s essential to act quickly. Instruct your conveyancer as soon as possible and follow up with them and your estate agent weekly.

Planning for a Smooth House Sale

Selling your house can feel like a daunting process, but with careful preparation, clear communication, and the right team of professionals, it becomes much more manageable. The typical 12–16 week timeline from receiving an offer to completion can run smoothly if you stay organised and take a systematic approach.

Preparation is key before your home even goes on the market. Start by decluttering and tackling minor repairs to make your property more appealing to buyers. Don’t forget to obtain your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) early – this small step can save you from unnecessary delays later. When setting your asking price, rely on current market data to ensure it’s realistic. A well-priced property attracts serious buyers and avoids sitting on the market for too long. Once your home is ready, it’s time to focus on assembling a reliable team of professionals.

Choose experienced professionals who can guide you through the sale efficiently. Your estate agent and conveyancer play critical roles in navigating the legal and administrative steps. Their ability to communicate clearly and work promptly can significantly impact the overall timeline of your sale.

Communication is a cornerstone of a smooth house sale. Quick responses to requests from solicitors or other professionals help keep things moving. Schedule weekly updates with your estate agent and conveyancer during the active stages of your sale. This regular contact helps identify and address any issues early, preventing them from turning into major setbacks. Alongside good communication, staying organised is equally important.

Organisation is your best ally. Keep essential documents like title deeds, your EPC, warranties, and correspondence in one easily accessible place – whether that’s a physical folder or a digital system. Use checklists to track important milestones and set reminders for key dates, such as viewings or contract exchanges. This proactive approach can help you avoid delays, especially during the conveyancing process, where missing paperwork is a common stumbling block.

Understand what’s beyond your control. Factors like market conditions or delays within a property chain are often unpredictable. While you can’t eliminate these risks, you can reduce their impact by staying flexible with timelines, prioritising chain-free buyers when possible, and keeping an eye on local market trends.

Ultimately, how smoothly your house sale progresses depends on your preparation and organisation. By responding promptly to requests, staying on top of your documentation, and working with dependable professionals, you’ll be in a strong position to navigate each stage efficiently. A structured approach not only saves time but also reduces stress, helping you achieve a successful sale.

FAQs

How do I choose the right estate agent to sell my house in the UK?

Selecting the right estate agent can make a big difference when it comes to selling your home smoothly and successfully. Start by looking into agents who specialise in selling properties like yours and have a proven history of securing asking prices. It’s also worth reaching out to friends, family, or neighbours for recommendations – they might have valuable insights based on their own experiences.

Arrange for at least three estate agents to provide a valuation of your property. Use this as an opportunity to ask about their marketing plans, fees, and how they’ll keep you updated throughout the process. Once you’ve gathered their proposals, compare them carefully. Decide whether a sole agency or multiple agency agreement suits your situation better. Taking the time to pick the right agent can significantly boost your chances of a successful sale.

How can I avoid delays during the conveyancing process?

To avoid hold-ups during the conveyancing process, make sure you have all necessary documents ready from the outset. This includes proof of identity, property details, and financial records. Double-checking their accuracy before submission can help sidestep unnecessary obstacles.

Equally important is maintaining open communication with your solicitor. Respond quickly to any queries or requests for information they might have. Staying organised and proactive throughout the process can go a long way in keeping things running smoothly and minimising potential delays.

How do market conditions and buyer demand impact how long it takes to sell my house?

Market conditions and buyer interest heavily influence how quickly homes sell in the UK. When the market is active and demand is high, properties often sell within 8 to 12 weeks – especially if there’s no property chain or the buyer is paying in cash. On the other hand, in quieter markets or areas with lower demand, the process can stretch out much longer, sometimes taking 5 to 9 months or even more.

In periods of low demand, buyers tend to take their time making decisions, leaving sellers waiting for the right offer to come along. Understanding these dynamics can help you manage your expectations and plan your selling timeline more effectively.

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House Selling Timeline: What to Expect Each Week – UK