How Long Does It Really Take to Move Home?
Selling a property is not a quick process. From the day a home first comes onto the market to the day the keys are finally handed over, the average UK property sale takes several months.
Terraced homes currently complete the journey fastest, averaging 147 days from listing to completion. Semi-detached homes are only slightly behind at 149 days, while detached properties take an average of 161 days. Flats take the longest, at 175 days. That is almost a full month longer than the average terraced home.
There are several reasons for these differences. Terraced and semi-detached properties often appeal to a broad pool of buyers, including first-time buyers, young families and investors. This can help them attract interest and secure a buyer more quickly.
Detached homes are typically more expensive, which naturally reduces the number of people able to purchase them. They can also sit within longer and more complex chains.
Flats often involve additional legal work surrounding leases, service charges, management companies & building information. Mortgage requirements can also be more detailed, particularly where cladding, short leases or high service charges are involved.
Of course, these figures cover the entire journey, not simply the time it takes to agree a sale. Marketing, negotiations, surveys, mortgages, searches, legal work and the property chain all play their part.
The lesson for Ashford sellers is simple. Moving home takes planning, and choosing the right estate agent is only the beginning. Sensible pricing, strong presentation, a committed buyer and proactive sales progression can make the difference between a smooth move and months of avoidable delay.
Selling a property is not a quick process. From the day a home first comes onto the market to the day the keys are finally handed over, the average UK property sale takes several months.
Terraced homes currently complete the journey fastest, averaging 147 days from listing to completion. Semi-detached homes are only slightly behind at 149 days, while detached properties take an average of 161 days. Flats take the longest, at 175 days. That is almost a full month longer than the average terraced home.
There are several reasons for these differences. Terraced and semi-detached properties often appeal to a broad pool of buyers, including first-time buyers, young families and investors. This can help them attract interest and secure a buyer more quickly.
Detached homes are typically more expensive, which naturally reduces the number of people able to purchase them. They can also sit within longer and more complex chains.
Flats often involve additional legal work surrounding leases, service charges, management companies & building information. Mortgage requirements can also be more detailed, particularly where cladding, short leases or high service charges are involved.
Of course, these figures cover the entire journey, not simply the time it takes to agree a sale. Marketing, negotiations, surveys, mortgages, searches, legal work and the property chain all play their part.
The lesson for Ashford sellers is simple. Moving home takes planning, and choosing the right estate agent is only the beginning. Sensible pricing, strong presentation, a committed buyer and proactive sales progression can make the difference between a smooth move and months of avoidable delay.