Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions most people make, it’s helpful to know what the process looks like and how long each step takes. While the time frame can vary, the average time to buy a house in the UK is typically between 2 and 6 months. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect, along with a rough timeline for each stage of the process when buying a house.
Step 1: Preparing Your Finances (2–6 Weeks)
Before you start looking at properties, it’s essential to get your finances in order. This includes saving for a deposit, assessing your budget, and understanding the costs involved in buying a house (legal fees, stamp duty, etc.).
- Check your credit score and pay down any debts if needed.
- Save for a deposit (typically 5–20% of the property value).
- Secure a mortgage in principle from a lender to show how much you can borrow.
You’ll want to shop around for the best mortgage deals or consider consulting a mortgage broker who can compare offers for you.
Step 2: Finding a Property (2–8 Weeks)
Once your finances are ready, the exciting part begins—house hunting. Depending on your preferences, this step can vary widely in terms of time.
- Use property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, and estate agents to search for homes.
- Attend viewings and explore different areas to see what suits your needs.
You could find your dream home in a week or it might take months if the market is competitive or you have specific criteria.
Step 3: Making an Offer (1–2 Weeks)
Once you’ve found the property you love, it’s time to make an offer. In the UK, this is done through the estate agent.
- Submit your offer—bear in mind that most sellers expect some negotiation.
- Wait for the seller’s response—they may accept, reject, or make a counteroffer.
This stage usually takes about a week or two. If your offer is accepted, the process moves forward.
Step 4: Conveyancing (8–12 Weeks)
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of the property from the seller to you. You’ll need to hire a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle this.
- Draft and exchange contracts between the buyer’s and seller’s solicitors.
- Searches: Your solicitor will conduct local authority searches, environmental checks, and confirm details like title deeds and property boundaries.
- Survey and Valuation: The mortgage lender will require a valuation, and you may choose to get a survey done for peace of mind (this can take up to 2–3 weeks).
This part of the process can take 8 to 12 weeks on average, but delays can happen if complications arise, such as problems uncovered in searches or surveys.
Step 5: Mortgage Offer Finalised (3–6 Weeks)
During the conveyancing process, your mortgage lender will conduct their final checks and issue a formal mortgage offer. This may include additional checks on your financial situation, especially if you’ve changed jobs or taken out loans during the process.
- Your lender will arrange for a valuation of the property to ensure it’s worth the amount being loaned.
- Once the offer is made, you’ll review and sign the mortgage documents.
This step usually runs concurrently with conveyancing, but it can still take 3–6 weeks.
Step 6: Exchanging Contracts (1–2 Weeks)
Once the conveyancer has completed their searches, and the mortgage offer is secured, you’re ready to exchange contracts with the seller.
- Both parties sign contracts and exchange them via solicitors.
- At this point, you’ll pay your deposit (typically 10% of the property price).
Once contracts are exchanged, the sale is legally binding, and neither party can pull out without significant financial penalties. This step can take around a week or two.
Step 7: Completion Day (1–4 Weeks After Exchange)
Completion day is when you officially take ownership of the property. This typically happens 1 to 4 weeks after exchanging contracts, depending on the agreement with the seller.
- Your solicitor transfers the remaining balance of the purchase price to the seller.
- You receive the keys to your new home.
Congratulations! You’re now a homeowner.
Step 8: Moving In (1–2 Weeks)
After completion, it’s time to move in. Plan your move in advance—book removals, pack your belongings, and take care of any final details like redirecting your post or transferring utilities.
Moving in usually happens shortly after completion, within a week or two, depending on your schedule.
In Summary: A Typical Timeline for Buying a House in the UK
- Preparing Finances: 2–6 weeks
- Finding a Property: 2–8 weeks
- Making an Offer: 1–2 weeks
- Conveyancing: 8–12 weeks
- Finalising Mortgage Offer: 3–6 weeks
- Exchanging Contracts: 1–2 weeks
- Completion Day: 1–4 weeks
- Moving In: 1–2 weeks
Key Factors That Can Affect the Timeline
- Market conditions: A competitive housing market might mean longer searches or bidding wars.
- Mortgage approval delays: If there are issues with your financial history, getting approved could take longer.
- Property chain: If you’re buying or selling as part of a chain, any delays within the chain can push the completion date back.
By understanding the key steps and being prepared for possible delays, you can navigate the process of buying a house with confidence.
