How long does a house sale take?

As previously mentioned, the length of time that your house will be on the property market depends upon which part of the UK you’re located in. If your home has been on the market for significantly longer than the average time for your area it’s worth considering which factors could be negatively impacting the speed of your house sale. We’ve broken down some of the most common ones here.

What can delay the sale of my house?

A number of factors can delay the sale of your property. Here are five of the most common ones:

• • • Asking price: if your property has been languishing on the market without much interest it’s possible that you’ve set the asking price too high. Speak with your estate agent and discuss whether the price is reasonable, review comparable properties that have sold in your area, and be prepared to reconsider the asking price you’ve set for your home.
    • Marketing: people are increasingly looking to the internet to initiate their property search. It’s important that you make sure your property’s online presence is up to scratch. Make sure that pictures are high quality and captioned, the description is clear, features are highlighted and floor plans and energy performance certificates (EPCs) are provided.
    • Property Market Conditions: the state of the property market will impact the speed of your house sale. When the property market is booming it is easier to sell a house fast. When things are slower it can take much longer, and you may have to take a hit on the asking price or perhaps renovate or do home improvements to make your property stand out from the rest of the market.
    • Quality of Estate Agent: all agents are not created equal. If your estate agent is not being proactive and following up with prospective buyers quickly you may lose a potential sale. Stay on top of your estate agent to ensure that they’re doing what they should be to sell your house.
    • Property Presentation: if your house is marketed well online then it will likely strum up some interest and potential buyers will want to come and view the property. When they do you need to make sure that the property is presented well so that they can see it in its best light. This means decluttering, tidying, and boosting the curb appeal of your property to attract an offer.

How can I speed up the sale of my house?

As you’d expect, speeding up the sale of your house means addressing any of the issues outlined above:

• • • Set a fair price: estate agents often overvalue properties to win business over their competition. This can lead to delays with your house sale. Go with an agent and price that seems realistic in comparison to the current market. Taking the time to set a fair initial price is critical, as reducing the price at a later date won’t have the same effect as listing it with a fair price in the first place.
    • Market the property effectively: it can be a pain to get your listing marketed well, from taking great pictures to thinking through the key selling points. This is time well spent however, since this is the first look that prospective buyers will have at your property. Ensure that your listing presents your property in the best possible way to attract buyers.
    • Choose the right agent: go with a reputable agent that has a track record of selling properties quickly. Look online for reviews and recommendations and consult friends and family members in your search. Investing the time up front to select the right agent can save you the pain of switching agents further down the line.
    • Time the property market: list your property at a time that the market is flying. It’s hard to time this against the economic climate, but certain times of the year are always better to sell a property. Properties sell fast in the Spring, whereas the Christmas period is notoriously slow.
    • Present the property well: make sure the property is clean and clear of clutter for viewings and be on hand to answer any questions that the buyer may have if you’re conducting viewings yourself. Rightmove have written a great article on how to prepare your property for a viewing. If an agent is conducting viewings on your behalf then ensure that they’re aware of all of the key property features and selling points. This will equip them to sell the house fast.

Taking the time to address each of these points puts you in the best position to sell your house fast.

Can I sell my house in 7 days?

How long will my house be on the market?

Yes! If you’re struggling with the stress and pain of selling your house on the open market then SmoothSale can help.

Our cash house buyers service is designed for vendors looking for a guaranteed sale of their property in as little as 7 days. Alternatively, we offer an ‘Investor Marketing’ route to market for vendors who want to sell their property to our network of trusted investors in under 30 days. Get a cash offer today! Alternatively, get in contact on 0800 368 8952.

FAQs About House Selling Timeline

How can I speed up the house selling process?

To expedite the process, focus on enhancing your property’s appearance, pricing competitively, and collaborating closely with your real estate agent.

What if I receive multiple offers?

Receiving multiple offers can be a positive sign. Work with your agent to carefully review each offer’s terms and choose the one that aligns with your goals.

Can I sell my house during the winter months?

Yes, houses can be sold during any season. While spring and summer tend to be more active, motivated buyers are often present year-round.

Is staging my home necessary?

Staging can significantly impact buyers’ perception of your property. A well-staged home can help potential buyers visualise living there, potentially leading to faster offers.

How can a real estate agent help in the process?

A skilled real estate agent brings expertise in pricing, marketing, negotiation, and contracts. Their guidance can streamline the process and improve your chances of a successful sale.

What happens if my house doesn’t sell within the expected time frame?

If your house isn’t selling, it’s essential to reassess your pricing, marketing strategy, and property condition. You may need to make adjustments to attract more buyers.