How Long Does it Actually Take to Sell a House in 2026?
The Average Timeline: 4 to 6 Months
Many sellers are shocked to learn that finding a buyer is actually the fastest part of the process. The legal conveyancing and mortgage approvals take significantly longer.
The Property Sale Timeline
| Phase | Average Time | How to Speed It Up |
|---|---|---|
| Finding a Buyer | 2 to 6 weeks | Price accurately from day one; use great photos. |
| Drafting Contracts | 2 to 3 weeks | Instruct a solicitor before you list; complete TA6 form early. |
| Enquiries & Searches | 4 to 8 weeks | Apply for local authority searches immediately. |
| Exchange to Completion | 1 to 2 weeks | Agree on a firm moving date early with all chain members. |
Your solicitor has to apply for "searches" from the local council to check for planning issues, contaminated land, or upcoming roadworks. Some local councils return these in 3 days; others take 6 weeks.
Pro Tip
To speed up the process, you can sometimes purchase Personal or Regulated searches through a private firm rather than waiting for the Official Local Authority search, depending on the buyer's mortgage lender.