Selling a house on the open market can sometimes take a long time.
So, it’s helpful to be prepared for how long it’ll take at the start of the process.
This blog explains the average time it takes to sell a house in the UK.
Average time to sell a house in England
According to Zoopla, selling a house in the UK takes 175 days on average.
But how does this figure vary across the different towns in England?
Over the past year in Manchester, properties have been listed on the market for 206 days on average.
Meanwhile, the waiting time in Bristol drops below the average, at 133 days.
In Brighton, it takes around 157 days to get your house off the market, while in Norwich, the average is 158 days.
Average time to sell a house in Wales
In Cardiff, a house is listed on the market for approximately 190 days before a sale is completed.
In Swansea, this figure is 173 days; in Newport, it is 169 days.
In northern Wales, a property has been listed on the market in Wrexham for roughly 168 days.
This number rises even higher in Llandudno to 229 days.
Average time to sell a house in Scotland
Over the past year in Edinburgh, a property has been listed on the market for 138 days before it has found a buyer.
Buyers in Glasgow have been moving even faster, with an average of 112 days on the market.
The typical time to find a buyer in Stirling is 105 days, while in Aberdeen, properties have been slow to sell, at 420 days on average.
Average time to sell a house in Northern Ireland
If you sell a property in Belfast, it will typically be listed on the market for 182 days before you find a buyer.
In Derry, this number increases slightly to 245 days.
A house will take around 152 days to find a buyer in Coleraine, while in Newry, the average is 155 days.
Tips to make your house sell faster
Choose your professionals well
Choose the professionals supporting you carefully.
Some estate agents and solicitors are far more efficient than others.
If you want the deal completed smoothly, check their reviews. And ask for recommendations from friends.
Communicate clearly
You must also navigate all the other buyers in your property chain.
Communicating with them can prevent delays. It ensures that everyone is always well-informed.
Set your house price right
Your house price will make a big difference, too.
It is advisable that you get several independent valuations on your property.
If you set the number too high, it will scare away potential buyers.
Market your house well
More minor details matter, too. For example, the photos and wording you use on your listings.
Keep your house in excellent condition for viewings. This applies to how it’s staged and its curb appeal.
When is the best time of year to sell a house?
Generally speaking, there are some times of the year when properties sell faster in the UK.
Spring is often regarded as the best time to sell your property. This is because the market tends to become more active during this season.
People are keen to get everything sorted by Summer.
By contrast, the summer holidays (particularly August) tend to be quieter because families are away on holiday.
The same applies to Winter. Homeowners are keen to get sold before Christmas. After all, they are reluctant to move during their valuable ‘family time’.
Does it longer to sell a house in 2025?
No. Most experts think that the number of buyers on the market in 2025 will increase.
This is because interest rates will continue decreasing, making mortgages more affordable. Inflation has steadied in recent years, too.
Should I sell to a cash house buyer?
Cash house buyers can be useful if a fast sale if your priority.
They can complete the transaction within 7 days. This is because they use their own funds to do so.
The offer you receive will be around 10-20% below market value. The open market is better if an excellent selling price is important.
But a cash buyer could be great if your house is in poor condition. This may be because it’s dilapidated or has broken doors and windows.
A short lease or poor EPC rating are other examples.
You should check the reviews of a cash house buyer. And ask for references before deciding to sell to them.
Do different types of property take longer or shorter to sell?
Different types of houses sell at different speeds.
For example, smaller properties tend to sell faster in the UK. This is because more potential buyers can afford them.
By contrast, larger houses (e.g. detached properties with 4+ bedrooms) take the longest to sell.
Data from Zoopla supports this. It states that two-bedroom terraces sell in the quickest time of all property types.
Your location within the UK will also make a difference. In the countryside, where fewer people live, selling can take longer.
