How Long to Sell a House After Offer Is Accepted

Once an offer is accepted on a house in the UK, the sale process begins in earnest. However, accepting an offer does not make the sale legally binding, and there are still several stages to complete before contracts are exchanged and the transaction is finalised. The length of time it takes to complete the sale can vary depending on the circumstances, but on average, it takes between 8 and 16 weeks from offer acceptance to completion.

There are many factors that influence the timescale, including the property chain, the speed of legal and financial checks, and how quickly both parties provide the necessary information. Understanding the stages that follow an accepted offer can help you manage expectations and avoid unnecessary delays.

The Key Stages After Offer Acceptance

Once a seller agrees to an offer, the estate agent notifies both parties’ solicitors and the legal process begins. The buyer will now apply for their mortgage if required, instruct a solicitor or conveyancer, and begin the property searches and surveys. The seller, in turn, must complete property information forms and provide title deeds and supporting documents to their solicitor.

At this stage, the sale is still subject to contract. Either party can walk away without legal penalty until contracts are exchanged, although doing so can result in wasted time and costs.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. On average, conveyancing takes between 8 and 12 weeks but can be longer if the property is leasehold, the title is complex or if the chain is long.

The buyer’s solicitor will review the contract pack, raise pre-contract enquiries and carry out searches with the local authority, drainage and environmental bodies. They will also review the results of the property survey and confirm that there are no legal issues or restrictions affecting the purchase.

The seller’s solicitor responds to these enquiries and works to clear up any questions about the property title or boundaries. Prompt and accurate responses from both sides can speed up the process considerably.

The Impact of a Property Chain

One of the biggest variables in sale timescales is the presence of a chain. A property chain is when multiple transactions are linked together because each buyer or seller needs to complete another sale or purchase. If one party in the chain experiences a delay, it can affect everyone involved.

In a short chain, or if there is no chain at all, sales often complete faster. First-time buyers, cash buyers or vacant properties tend to move through more quickly. By contrast, long or complex chains with dependent transactions may cause sales to take longer than 16 weeks.

Surveys, Mortgages and Searches

The buyer will usually commission a survey after the offer is accepted, which takes about 1 to 2 weeks. If the survey highlights issues, the buyer may renegotiate the price or request repairs. This can introduce delays, particularly if further specialist surveys are needed.

Mortgage approval also plays a role. Even with a mortgage in principle, the formal mortgage offer can take 2 to 4 weeks depending on the lender’s processes and valuation timelines.

Local authority searches typically take between 1 and 3 weeks, although some councils are slower than others. Any issues raised in the search results may trigger further enquiries and add more time.

Exchange and Completion

Once all searches are complete, enquiries are resolved, mortgage offers are in place and both parties are ready, contracts are exchanged. This is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding. A completion date is then agreed.

The gap between exchange and completion is typically 1 to 2 weeks but can be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the chain. In some cases, exchange and completion can happen on the same day, especially in cash sales.

How to Speed Up the Process

To sell a house as quickly as possible after an offer is accepted, it helps to be well prepared. Sellers should gather all necessary documents, respond to solicitor queries promptly and agree on realistic timescales. Buyers should instruct their solicitor early, apply for their mortgage without delay and be proactive about surveys and paperwork.

Good communication between solicitors, estate agents and both parties can make a significant difference. Choosing experienced professionals who handle their part efficiently can also reduce unnecessary hold-ups.

Conclusion

On average, selling a house after an offer is accepted takes between 8 and 16 weeks in the UK, depending on factors such as the chain, legal process, and speed of communication. While some sales complete more quickly, others can drag on due to unforeseen issues. Being prepared, responsive and well-advised throughout the process is the best way to keep the sale on track and ensure a smooth transition from accepted offer to completion.