If you’re planning to sell your home this year, patience might be your newest housemate. Fresh research from property data experts TwentyEA reveals that the average time it takes to sell a UK home has crossed the 200-day thresholdfor the first time ever – clocking in at 205 days from instruction to completion.
That’s almost seven months to go from deciding to sell to handing over the keys.
What’s Causing the Delay?
Breaking it down, the 205-day average consists of:
- 80 days from instructing an estate agent to securing a sale agreed (Sold Subject to Contract or SSTC).
- 125 days from SSTC to completion.
In comparison to the same period last year (January–May 2024), that’s a 10-day increase – a figure that may seem small on paper but makes a big difference if you’ve got a deadline in mind.
Which Regions Are Slowest – and Fastest?
The delays are not equal across the UK. Homes in Inner London and the South-East are taking the longest to sell, averaging 222 days. Outer London is close behind at 221 days. This likely reflects higher property prices, slower buyer decisions, and lengthier legal processes.
On the other end of the spectrum, Scotland leads the way with the shortest average selling time of just 145 days. Meanwhile, the North-East stands out as the best-performing region in England and Wales, averaging 177 days.
“Forget the Christmas Move” – A Reality Check for Sellers
David Adams, Managing Director of Cavendish Estate Agents – the company that commissioned the study – put it bluntly:
“Based on an average time of 205 days, most people hoping to give themselves a present of a new home by Christmas will probably have to think again.”
It’s a sobering thought for anyone who imagined a fresh start by the end of the year. If you’re looking to move before a specific date (like a school term, job relocation, or the festive season), the current timelines mean that traditional sales routes may fall short.
Auction: The Speedy Alternative?
For those who can’t afford to wait seven months, property auctions are gaining traction as a faster, more streamlined alternative. Clients of Robinson and Hall Auctions, for example, saw an average sale timeline of just 52 days from instruction to exchange in 2025.
That’s less than a quarter of the time it currently takes via the open market.
Of course, auctions aren’t for everyone. Properties that are unique, need refurbishment, or appeal to cash buyers are typically better suited to this route. However, if speed is a priority, it’s an option worth considering – and often overlooked by the average seller.
What Can Sellers Do?
If you’re set on using an estate agent, there are a few things you can do to help speed up your sale:
- Get your paperwork in order early. Delays often occur post-SSTC, when solicitors begin their searches and checks.
- Choose your estate agent carefully. Opt for agents with a solid reputation for efficiency, communication, and proactive sales progression.
- Consider chain-free buyers or first-time buyers who are more flexible.
- Keep the property well-presented and realistically priced. Overpricing can result in an extended time on the market and subsequent price reductions.
Final Thoughts
With the UK housing market moving more slowly than ever, sellers need to plan better. Whether that means adjusting your timeline, exploring alternative sales methods like auctions, or simply managing your expectations, knowing the facts helps you stay in control.
If you’re hoping to move in 2025, it’s time to think ahead – because the clock is ticking a little slower this year.
Our team are always on hand to offer advice and guide you through the auction process.
📧 auctions@robinsonandhall.co.uk
