How long does it take to move house?

Average time to move house

Moving house typically takes 3 to 6 months, but don’t be surprised if it’s quicker or takes a bit longer. Every move is unique, after all.

Once you’ve accepted an offer on your house sale, you’re looking at about 8 to 12 weeks to complete the process. Keep in mind, this doesn’t include the time you’ve spent house hunting or marketing your property.

Here’s the thing, those weeks can add up quickly. Before you know it, you might be looking at a year-long process. But don’t worry – that’s not unusual in the world of property moves.

The key to smoother move? Preparation. By planning, you’re setting yourself up for success. You can’t control everything, but being organised helps move things along.

Remember, moving is a mix of excitement and, let’s be honest, a bit of stress. It’s a big decision, and it’s natural to want things to move quickly once you’ve decided to take the plunge. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be in your new home before you know it.

Moving house timeline and process

Moving home involves juggling several things at once. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key stages and their typical timeframes:

• Instructing a conveyancer: Up to 1 week
• Arranging a mortgage: A few days to 6 weeks
• Selling your home: 3 to 10 weeks
• House hunting: 1 to 6 months
• Conveyancing process: 8 to 16 weeks
• Property survey: Around 1 week
• Exchanging contracts: 1 to 28 days
• Moving day: 1 day

Keep in mind, that these are just averages. Your journey might be shorter or longer.

Here’s a pro tip: many of these stages overlap. You’ll likely be house hunting while selling your current home, and the survey usually happens during the conveyancing process. This overlap can help speed things along.

What impacts how long it takes to move house?

Property chains: Being a part of a chain can add time. Multiple transactions need to line up, which can slow things down.

Market conditions: A bustling market might speed up sales but slow down purchases, or vice versa.

Property type: Freehold properties often move quicker than leasehold ones.

Financing: Cash buyers typically complete faster than those needing mortgages.

Conveyancing: The legal process usually takes 8 to 16 weeks but can vary based on complexity.

Survey results: Any issues found might lead to renegotiations or extra work, extending your timeline.

Arranging a mortgage: A few days to 6 weeks

Getting a mortgage approved can be quicker than you might think – sometimes just a few days. But if there’s a hiccup, it could stretch to a few weeks. Don’t worry, that’s not unusual.

Already have a mortgage? You might be able to port it to your new property. If you’re in your initial deal period, you could avoid early repayment charges, unless you’re borrowing less.

Here’s a choice you’ll need to make, secure your mortgage before or after house hunting. Getting pre-approved can be a smart move – it helps you understand your budget right from the start.

To secure your mortgage, you’ve got two options: go straight to a lender or use a mortgage broker. Either way, you’ll need to provide some paperwork about your finances, job, and personal situation. This helps them figure out what you can afford.

Check out our full mortgage guide here.

Remember, everyone’s financial situation is unique. What works for one person might not be the best for you.

Selling your home: 3 to 10 weeks

Once your property hits the market, it typically takes between 10 and 15 weeks to sell.

Make sure to clean up any rooms and spaces, trim the lawns (if applicable), and make any minor repairs, you want to have the best kerb and inside appeal possible.

Wondering about viewings? On average, it takes about 10 to 15 viewings to sell a home. But remember this isn’t set in stone. It can vary quite a bit based on things like how appealing your property is, how it’s marketed, current market conditions, and where it’s located.

Every sale is unique, so try not to get too hung up on averages. Your home might fly off the market in a week or might take a little longer. The key is to work closely with your estate agent and keep your property looking its best for those all-important viewings.

Here’s a complete guide to selling your home.

House hunting: 1 to 6 months

Viewing properties, exploring new areas, imagining your future life it’s all part of the adventure. Whether you’ve already started or you’re just gearing up, this is often the most enjoyable part of moving.

You’ve probably got a wish list for your new home. How long it takes to find ‘the one’ can depend on how flexible you are with those wants and needs. Your search could take anywhere from 1 to 6 months, sometimes even longer.

Don’t rush it. Sure, you might be focusing on things like garden size, number of bedrooms, or that coveted garage. But don’t forget to consider local amenities, crime rates, and if relevant, transport links and schools.

The more properties you view, the clearer your preferences will become. Keep an open mind and cast your net wide – if you’re too narrow in your search, you might miss out on a hidden gem that could be your perfect home.

How do I make an offer on a house?

Conveyancing process: 8 to 16 weeks

Let’s talk about conveyancing – a crucial step in your move that usually takes 8 to 16 weeks.

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to instruct a conveyancer. They’ll be with you for a good chunk of the process, so choosing the right one is key.

Your conveyancer will handle the legal side of things, including:

• ID and fund source checks
• Reviewing deeds and preparing contracts
• Conducting necessary searches
• Making property enquiries
• Advising on surveys and valuations
• Reviewing mortgage offer conditions
• Explaining contract terms
• Negotiating between parties if needed
• Answering your questions
• Setting dates for exchange and completion

What’s the conveyancing timeline and process?

In essence, conveyancing is about transferring property ownership. Although it sounds daunting, picking the right conveyancer can make your house moving journey a simple one.

Surveying the property: Around 1 week

A property survey is a key step in the home-buying journey.

While not legally required, a survey is a smart move. It’s like a health check for your potential new home and could save you from costly surprises down the line.

Your surveyor will take a deep dive into the property’s condition, spotting both minor and major structural issues that might not be obvious at first glance. Their report will give you a clear picture of everything from window glazing to wall types.

You’ve got three survey options, ranging from level 1 (least thorough) to level 3 (most comprehensive). The type of property you’re buying can help guide which survey is best suited.

Investing in a survey now could save you thousands in the long run. It’s all about making an informed decision and avoiding any nasty surprises after you’ve moved in.

Think of it as an insurance policy for your new home. It might seem like an extra expense now, but the peace of mind it brings is often worth every penny.

What type of survey should I choose?

Exchange of contracts: 1 to 28 days

This is when everything becomes legally binding.

You and the seller sign identical contracts, which your conveyancers then swap. This locks in the deal legally.

Here’s the important bit: if you pull out after this point, it gets costly. You could lose your deposit. If the seller backs out, they’d have to return it.

It’s a pivotal moment that turns your property dream into a soon-to-be reality. Once you’re exchanged, you’re committed. It’s an exciting step but make sure you’re 100% ready before you sign.

What is exchange of contracts?

Moving into your new home: 1 day

The big day has finally arrived - it's time to move in!

Whether your journey has been smooth sailing or a bit of an obstacle course, you've made it. Completion day usually falls 1 to 28 days after exchanging contracts, but there's no hard and fast rule. It's all about what works for you, your conveyancer, and others in your chain.

Here's a quick rundown of the day:

1. Your conveyancer sends funds to the seller's
2. The seller's conveyancer gives the all-clear to the estate agent
3. You get the keys (exciting moment!)
4. The seller moves out (usually by midday)
5. You can start moving in - congratulations!

How you approach moving day is up to you. Some folks like to get everything in on day one, while others take their time, especially if renovations are on the cards.

Whether you're lugging boxes or popping champagne, take a moment to celebrate. You've just become a homeowner!

What else do I need to know about completion day?

Frequently asked questions

How can I speed up the house moving process?

Stay organised with your documents. Having everything in order can smooth things out.

Be quick to respond to your conveyancer. The faster you get back to them, the less you are hit with delays.

Take charge of your timeline. Book surveys and removals promptly when the time is right – don’t wait to be asked.

Remember, while you can’t guarantee a speedy move, these steps can help prevent unnecessary holdups. It’s all about being proactive and keeping the ball rolling.

Keep in mind, that everyone’s move is different. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to stay on top of things and communicate clearly with all parties involved.

What’s the fastest possible to move house?

If you’re looking to move house fast, then the dream situation will look something like:

No chain, everyone’s prepared, and you could be in your new home in just 6 to 8 weeks from offer acceptance to completion.

Remember though, this is the best-case situation. Most moves take longer, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is to be prepared for either scenario.

Whether your move is speedy or takes a bit more time, stay focused on the end goal – your new home. Every step forward is progress, no matter how long the journey.

Is it faster to move if I’m a first-time buyer?

If you’re looking to move house fast, then the dream situation will look something like this:

No chain, everyone’s prepared, and you could be in your new home in just 6 to 8 weeks from offer acceptance to completion.

Remember though, this is the best-case situation. Most moves take longer, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is to be prepared for either scenario.

Whether your move is speedy or takes a bit more time, stay focused on the end goal – your new home. Every step forward is progress, no matter how long the journey.

How does the time to move differ for new build properties?

The new build timelines can often be quicker. This is because there is no upward chain to worry about. This means that you’re not going to be waiting for someone to move out before you move in.

Although you have this added benefit, you could still hit other delays or snags with construction.

It’s important to see “quicker” as a relative term in the world of property. Even with a new build, it's wise to stay flexible with your timeline where possible.

New build conveyancing: how is it different?