How long should each stage of a sale actually take
One of the most common sources of anxiety during a sale is simply not knowing whether the pace feels normal. Here are some general benchmarks worth having in mind, whoever you are selling with.
Time to first viewing
Once live, a well-priced, well-presented property in a reasonably active area would typically expect its first viewing within the first week or two.
Time to an accepted offer
This varies by area, price point and prevailing conditions, so there is no single fixed benchmark that applies everywhere. As a general guide, many sellers can expect to secure a buyer within a couple of months of a well-prepared, realistically priced launch, though your local associate can give you a more precise sense of current pace for your area.
Mortgage offer and survey
Once an offer is accepted, a buyer's mortgage valuation and, if they choose one, a fuller survey typically take two to four weeks to arrange and complete.
Searches and legal enquiries
This is usually the longest stretch, often six to ten weeks, sometimes longer depending on the local authority and the complexity of the chain.
Exchange to completion
Once contracts are ready to exchange, completion is typically agreed for one to four weeks later.
Why local authorities vary so much
Search turnaround times differ significantly between local authorities, and this is genuinely outside any agent's control. It is worth asking your solicitor early on what the current turnaround looks like in your specific area, so your expectations are set from the outset rather than adjusted partway through.
What this means for you
Taken together, a straightforward sale often takes somewhere in the region of four to six months from instruction to completion. Knowing these rough benchmarks can help you judge whether your own sale is progressing at a reasonable pace.