Expert Insights: Understanding the Timeline to Sell Your House in England

One of the most common questions on everyone's mind when they start thinking about moving home is: "How long does it take to sell a house in England?" While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, we'll provide a range of timings both national and in our local experience in Lancashire. We will also shed light on the key factors influencing the timeline and equip you with the knowledge to set realistic expectations and get planning early if you have a timeframe you’re looking to achieve.

According to Zoopla on average it takes 25 weeks to sell a home from the moment it is first presented online to the market. It is also worth noting here that the 25 weeks doesn’t factor in any preparation you undertake before presenting your property to market so that number could well be over the 26 week or half yearly mark.

You might think this is an awfully long time, but when you break it down there is a lot involved and it isn’t as simple as listing a property on the market and accepting an offer. You have to consider the following elements of a sale:

• Waiting to receive an acceptable offer- Average 5-14 weeks. This element can be massively influenced by a number of factors including the estate agent you choose to market your home and a number of other factors listed below.
• The conveyancing and mortgage application process- Average 12-16 weeks. At MovingWorks we have methods we use to influence this because most people want this through in 4-6 weeks not 12-16, whilst that takes more preparation and effort it can be done.
• Exchange to completion- Zoopla claim an average of 1-28 days. In Preston and Lancashire in our experience this is much more like one day to a week. It should be at least a week ideally to allow everyone the certainty to confirm removals, but often after a long process timeframes can get quite tight hence as little as one day being more common in 2023.

If you want to influence those timescales you need to be prepared and consider the following factors:

1. Know Your Local Market:

The first step in understanding the selling timeline is to be aware of your local market conditions to establish how active the property market is in your area. Our property market varies from region to region, and even within different suburbs of a city. Some areas might experience a high demand for properties, resulting in a quicker sale, while others may require a bit more patience. As your trusted estate agent, we keep a close eye on local trends, ensuring you have up-to-date information on the market dynamics in Preston and Lancashire. We regularly provide market updates on social media and via e mail newsletters to our clients, get in touch if you would like to know more.

2. Pricing It Right:

Setting the right price is paramount to attracting potential buyers and expediting the selling process. If you want to be at the lower end of the 5-14 weeks or below the 5 weeks even setting the right price is key. Overpricing a property can lead to prolonged market exposure and end up costing you thousands or even tens of thousands in the long run, the longer a property is on the market the less a buyer will expect to pay for it. That's why our team of experts will collaborate with you to determine a fair and competitive asking price that aligns with current market values. Through a comprehensive market analysis, we'll evaluate similar properties in your area, empowering you to make an informed decision that captivates buyers' interest and help you receive not only the best price, but also receive an offer in a timescale that fits with your plans.

3. Presentation Is Key:

First impressions matter when it comes to selling a house. To maximize its appeal, we'll guide you through the process of presenting your property in the best light possible. Our team will provide valuable tips on decluttering, deep cleaning, and staging your home to highlight its unique features. A fresh coat of paint, minor repairs, and enhancing curb appeal can work wonders. Additionally, we have professional photographers at our disposal to ensure your online listings stand out from the crowd.

4. Unleash the Power of Marketing:

In today's digital age, a comprehensive marketing strategy is crucial for a swift house sale, marketing a home without a comprehensive strategy doesn’t make sense to us at MovingWorks. Our team will leverage online platforms, social media channels, and our extensive professional network to give your property maximum exposure. From targeted advertising to high-quality listings, we'll ensure that your house reaches the right audience. We can even create virtual tours and videos to showcase the beauty of your home, captivating potential buyers and generating more interest. When you are choosing your estate agent you should study the marketing of their existing properties and decide which agent presents their properties in the best and most comprehensive way.

5. Navigating Financing and Potential Hurdles:

While we strive to streamline the selling process, certain factors can impact the timeline that are beyond our control. Buyer financing is a critical aspect that can cause delays and in 2023 it has never been more important to determine buyers financing plans and work with our professional partners. If it does go wrong our experienced agents including qualified solicitors and financial advisors will work closely with all parties involved, ensuring clear communication and guiding the process forward. Additionally, we understand the potential setbacks that can arise from chain breaks, and we're here to provide expert advice and help you navigate through any unexpected challenges.

6. Mastering the Conveyancing Process:

Once you receive an offer, the conveyancing process begins. It involves legal procedures, surveys, property searches, and the exchange of contracts. Our dedicated team will be by your side, coordinating with solicitors, ensuring efficient communication, and guiding you through each step. While the average conveyancing period ranges from 12-16 weeks, we'll do everything possible to expedite the process and keep you informed along the way. Contact us to ask how we can influence this process before you go onto the market.

Conclusion:

Selling your house in England is a unique journey, and as your trusted estate agent, we're here to guide you every step of the way. While it's challenging to pinpoint an exact timeframe, understanding some averages and the key factors that influence the selling process will help you set realistic expectations. With our expertise in local market trends, pricing strategies, property presentation, effective marketing, and seamless navigation of potential hurdles we are on hand to ensure the process fits within the timescales you are aiming for.