With more than 1.03 million residential transactions recorded across the UK in the 2025/26 financial year to date, plenty of home movers in 2026 are asking the same question: how long does it really take to complete a sale? (1)
The honest answer is that it usually takes longer than people expect, and HMRC notes that completion data itself tends to reflect deals agreed two to four months earlier.
For most sellers, the key thing to understand is that agreeing to a sale is only one stage of the journey. Rightmove’s current guidance says the average time from sale agreed to completion is 167 days, or around 5.5 months, while its House Price Index shows it was taking 73 days on average nationally in February 2026 just to secure a buyer. (2,3)
That is why sellers should go into the process with realistic expectations, especially if they are part of a chain or relying on the funds from their sale for an onward purchase.
Conveyancing alone typically takes 12 to 16 weeks, and even a no-chain transaction can still take around 12 weeks on average, though the quickest cases can be completed in as little as four weeks.
Once you add in mortgage checks, searches, enquiries and the back-and-forth between solicitors, it is easy to see why the process can stretch out.
Selling a home can feel far more manageable with the right preparation. A great first step is to have the essentials ready early, such as your EPC, title documents, warranties and any certificates for work carried out. This helps keep things moving once a buyer is found.
Choosing the right estate agent and pricing your property correctly from the start can also make a big difference. A well-priced home is more likely to attract strong interest early on, helping you build momentum and reduce the chance of delays later in the process.
Presentation is just as important. Simple touches such as tidying, decluttering and making sure your home looks bright and welcoming can help create a strong first impression, both online and in person.
Finally, staying in regular contact with your estate agent and solicitor can help your sale progress as smoothly as possible. Quick replies, good organisation and a proactive approach can all help turn an agreed sale into a successful completion.
The good news is that the right approach can still make a real difference. In a market with plenty of choice for buyers, realistic pricing, strong marketing and proactive sales progression all help keep a sale moving.
Rightmove’s research shows that homes which need a price reduction during marketing can take over two months longer to find a buyer, which is why getting the launch price right matters so much. (4)
For sellers in the North West, the property market is highly buoyant compared to elsewhere in the UK, meaning that now is an excellent time to sell.
Rightmove’s March 2026 House Price Index shows the North West averaging 66 days to find a buyer, with annual asking-price growth of 2.6%.
That compares favourably with slower and softer southern markets such as London, where the average was 80 days, and annual asking prices were down 2.1%.
To help sales move forward as smoothly as possible, our team offers expert support at every stage of the process.
Edward Mellor clients are also assigned a dedicated sales progressor once an offer has been accepted. They will handle the required paperwork while coordinating with all parties to keep sales moving.
To find out more, simply contact our friendly and professional team to arrange a free property valuation using the link below.
Book a Free Property Valuation
For sellers who need greater speed and certainty, auction remains a very attractive option. With Edward Mellor property auctions, properties can go from entry into auction to sold with money in the bank in as little as seven weeks.
Auction is often the right route for vendors who want a defined timescale, added security and a faster route to releasing funds.
Sales at auction have almost no risk of falling through, as the buyer is contractually obliged to purchase the property once the virtual gavel has fallen.
This could be when selling at probate, responding to a house sale that has fallen through, or selling a home that is un-mortgageable.
Landlords also rely on auction for both finding their next investment or selling tenanted homes without disrupting those residing in the property.
Sellers have the reassurance of setting a reserve price before auction day, helping them stay in control of the minimum they are prepared to accept, which adds a further level of protection and certainty to auction sales.
If this sounds like the right solution for your property, simply contact our team using the link below to book a free appraisal.
Edward Mellor has helped people to buy and sell property across Tameside, Stockport, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester for over 40 years. Whatever your property query, our friendly, professional property teams are looking forward to hearing from you.
Sources
1 – UK monthly property transactions commentary
2 – What happens after your offer on a property is accepted?
3 – Rightmove House Price Index
4 – Rightmove House Price Index May 2025
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