Home Buying & Selling Process: How to Speed Up Your Move

On average, a property transaction in the UK takes four to six months to complete. However, various factors can influence this timeline, from market conditions to legal requirements. At Farrell Heyworth, we aim to make the process as smooth as possible for our clients, ensuring they move confidently and efficiently.

How Long Does It Take to Buy or Sell a Home?

Every home transaction is different, but typically:

• Selling a home: Takes between 8 to 16 weeks, from listing to completion.
• Buying a home: Can take between 10 to 24 weeks, from searching for a property to getting the keys.

While some moves are quick and straightforward, others face delays due to mortgage approvals, survey issues, or complications in the property chain. Fortunately, there are steps that buyers and sellers can take to keep things moving smoothly.

What Can Influence the Buying & Selling Process?

1. The Property Chain

The property chain refers to the sequence of buyers and sellers whose purchases rely on each other. The longer the chain, the more potential there is for delays. If one transaction in the chain encounters an issue, it can hold up the entire process.

How to speed it up:

• Sellers: Consider selling to a chain-free buyer, such as a first-time buyer or cash buyer.
• Buyers: If possible, look for chain-free properties, such as new-build homes.

At Farrell Heyworth, we manage property chains efficiently, ensuring all parties stay informed and transactions remain on track.

2. Market Conditions & Demand

The property market significantly affects how quickly a home sells. In a seller's market (where demand is high), properties sell faster, often within weeks. In a buyer's market (where there are more properties than buyers), selling can take longer.

How to speed it up:

• Sellers: Price your property competitively and ensure it is well-presented.
• Buyers: Be prepared to act quickly if you find a home you love.

3. Mortgage Approval Process

For buyers, securing a mortgage is one of the most time-consuming steps. Lenders require financial documents, credit checks, and property valuations before approving a mortgage, which can take several weeks.

How to speed it up:

• Buyers: Get a mortgage agreement in principle before making an offer.
• Sellers: Ensure your buyer has proof of funds before accepting an offer.

4. Conveyancing & Legal Work

The legal conveyancing process involves property searches, contracts, and title transfers. The process can take much longer if delays occur due to missing documents or slow solicitor responses.

How to speed it up:

• Sellers: Instruct a solicitor as soon as you list your property for sale.
• Buyers: Choose an experienced solicitor who can handle the legal work efficiently.

5. Property Surveys & Valuations

Before a mortgage is approved, lenders require a property valuation, and buyers often choose to conduct a home survey. If significant issues are found, renegotiations or repairs may delay the process.

How to speed it up:

• Sellers: Consider a pre-sale survey to identify and fix potential issues early.
• Buyers: Book a survey as soon as an offer is accepted.

How to Ensure a Smooth Property Transaction

While delays can happen, there are several steps buyers and sellers can take to speed up the process:

• Be financially prepared – Buyers should have their deposit and mortgage agreement in principle ready.
• Choose a proactive estate agent – A good agent keeps things moving and handles negotiations efficiently.
• Instruct a solicitor early – This avoids unnecessary delays in the legal process.
• Respond quickly to requests – Whether it's providing documents or answering questions, fast responses help prevent hold-ups.
• Keep communication open – Regular updates with your estate agent, solicitor, and buyer/seller ensure a smooth transaction.

Why Choose Farrell Heyworth?

At Farrell Heyworth, we understand that buying or selling a home can be stressful. That's why our expert team is dedicated to making the process as efficient, straightforward, and hassle-free as possible.

We offer:

• Expert guidance from listing to completion.
• Strong marketing strategies to attract buyers quickly.
• Experienced negotiators to ensure a smooth transaction.
• Local knowledge of the property market across the North West.
• A dedicated team to help keep your sale or purchase moving forward.