Selling your home in the UK is taking longer than ever before. New figures reveal that the average time to sell a property has reached 205 days — the first time this milestone has been crossed.
Key Stats at a Glance
- National average time to sell: 205 days
- 80 days from instruction to Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC)
- 125 days from SSTC to completion
- Increase from 2024: +10 days (up from 195 days)
- Longest time to sell:
- Inner London & South-East – 222 days
- Outer London – 221 days
- Quickest regions:
- North East England – 177 days
- Scotland – 145 days
Why Is It Taking Longer to Sell?
The data shows that time to sell has increased in nearly every UK region, with buyers taking longer to commit and conveyancing times also adding delays.
This reinforces the importance of being thoroughly prepared before putting your home on the market. Rushing can often lead to wasted time and missed opportunities.
Tips to Sell Faster Than the Average
If you’re hoping to move by Christmas, 205 days from now would land you in January 2026. Here’s how to give yourself a better chance:
1. Get Fully Prepared Before Listing
Sort your documents, photography, and presentation early.
2. Approach the Sale Strategically
Treat your home sale like a campaign — every choice matters, from pricing to staging.
3. Ask Your Agent the Right Questions
Find out:
- How quickly they sell homes on average
- What percentage go for the asking price or more
- What sets them apart from others
Remember:
“Speed to market does not equal speed to sale.”
It’s better to delay slightly and launch strong than to rush and sit unsold.
Final Thoughts
In a slower market, success comes from planning. Take time to prepare, choose a skilled estate agent, and understand the timeline.
With the right steps, you can still beat the average and move forward with confidence.
