New figures reveal it now takes an average of 205 days to sell a property in the UK, marking the first time the 200-day mark has been exceeded.
The data, compiled by property market analysts TwentyEA for estate and lettings agent Cavendish, shows a 10-day increase in the average selling time when comparing the period from January to May 2025 with the same months in 2024.
David Adams, managing director of Cavendish, said: “In pretty much every region of the UK, the time to sell your home has gone up with the UK average increasing from 195 days in 2024 to 205 days in 2025.
“This data demonstrates more than ever the importance of being as prepared as possible before you launch your property on to the market.
“Based on an average time of 205 days, most people hoping to give themselves a present of a new home by Christmas will probably have to think again.”
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The 205-day average breaks down into two key stages: 80 days from instructing an agent to reaching ‘sold subject to contract’ (SSTC), and a further 125 days from SSTC to completion.
The slowest sales are in inner London and the South East, where it takes an average of 222 days.
This is closely followed by outer London at 221 days.
The North East is the fastest region in England and Wales at 177 days, while Scotland records the shortest average at just 145 days.
Mr Adams said sellers can take steps to improve their chances.
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He said: “There are lots of ways in which home sellers can put themselves in pole position to beat the national average, but they need to put the hard yards in well before listing.
“You need to treat selling your home like a military operation. Speed to market does not equal speed to sale.
“Far better delaying for a couple of weeks to get everything in order rather than rushing to get online within hours of you instructing your estate agent.”
Cavendish recommends getting legally prepared early, instructing a solicitor and organising documents before listing, including the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and fixtures and fittings form.
Presentation also matters.
The agent advises taking time to refresh paintwork, tidy the garden and declutter before viewings.
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Staging the home with flowers and fresh towels can help, while some sellers use professional home stagers who supply furniture and décor.
Checking the reliability of your estate agent is also important.
Only 52.7 per cent of properties actually sell, so a dedicated in-house sales progression team can help speed up the process.
Finally, sellers should consider their own purchase and how secure the chain is to avoid delays.
With the selling process now stretching over six months, preparation remains key to moving successfully.