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One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How quickly can I sell my property?”
The reality is that selling a home in London doesn’t follow a strict timeline. The process depends on multiple moving parts: the current market conditions, your property’s presentation, the type of buyer you attract, and the efficiency of the professionals supporting your sale.
At ABC Gone, we understand that time is of the essence, especially when relocating, upsizing, or needing to release funds quickly. That’s why we’ve launched our exclusive £1,500 fixed-fee sales offer, designed to get your home sold with no hidden costs.
How Long Does It Take to Find a Buyer?
In today’s London market, the average time to secure an offer ranges from five to 14 weeks, depending on demand in your area.
- In Havering, properties are often under offer within six weeks.
- In Barking & Dagenham, the average is around seven weeks.
- In Redbridge, homes typically go under offer within eight weeks, especially in areas like Ilford and Wanstead.
- In Newham (Stratford, Forest Gate, Canning Town), the average is around nine weeks, though new-build apartments may take longer.
- In Tower Hamlets (Canary Wharf, Bethnal Green), the figure is closer to 10 weeks, with higher demand for well-connected flats.
- In Waltham Forest (Walthamstow, Chingford), family homes often sell in around seven to eight weeks.
- In Enfield, the average is closer to 11 weeks, although competitively priced homes can sell much quicker.
- In Hackney, popular areas like Dalston and Stoke Newington often see homes sold in around eight weeks due to strong buyer demand.
Pricing competitively and presenting your home well can significantly reduce this time, especially in high-demand areas like Romford, Ilford, and Stratford, where the right marketing strategy makes all the difference.
From Offer to Exchange
Once you’ve accepted an offer, the legal process begins. On average, this takes 65 days (just over two months). The pace will depend on:
- How proactive your solicitor is.
- Whether you’re part of a chain.
- The type of property (leasehold sales, for example, can take longer).
Exchange to Completion
Most sales are completed within two weeks of the exchange, although this timeframe can be shortened or extended depending on the buyer’s and seller’s needs.
What If There’s No Chain?
A chain-free sale is typically faster:
- First-time buyer with a mortgage: around 10 weeks.
- Cash buyer: as quick as four to eight weeks, sometimes even two weeks if everything aligns.
How to Speed Up Your Sale
- Select an experienced and proactive estate agent.
- Instruct a solicitor early.
- Get your EPC (and EICR if requested) in place.
- Accept strong, chain-free offers over higher-risk ones.
- Stay organised and in regular contact with your conveyancer.
What Could Cause Delays?
- Overpricing your home.
- Slow or overworked solicitors.
- Issues flagged during surveys.
- Buyers pulling out of a chain.
You can reduce risks by preparing paperwork in advance and working with the right team.
Does Timing Matter?
Yes. Spring and early summer are traditionally the fastest times to sell, followed by early autumn. Sales tend to slow in August and December due to holidays and Christmas.
Market Conditions in London Right Now
The time it takes to sell a home varies not just by property type but also by borough:
- Ilford: average selling time is 186 days, improving year on year.
- Redbridge: properties take around 169 days, slightly faster than in 2024.
- Barking & Dagenham: homes average 175 days on the market, with family houses in demand.
- Havering: properties typically sell in around 162 days, reflecting strong buyer interest in areas like Romford and Hornchurch.
- Newham: average time is 190 days, with Stratford apartments often taking longer than family homes.
- Tower Hamlets: around 200 days on average, though Canary Wharf flats can remain listed for longer.
- Waltham Forest: homes take about 178 days to sell, with Walthamstow family houses moving faster.
- Hackney: typically 185 days, with demand steady but pricing highly sensitive.
- Enfield: sales average 192 days, with quicker movement on competitively priced terraced homes.
📊 Property type also plays a significant role:
- Terraced houses: average 131 days to sell.
- Flats/apartments: average 204 days to sell.
Special Cases
- Leasehold sales often take around 12 weeks due to extra checks.
- Inherited homes can’t be sold until probate is granted, usually adding around 4 months.
Ready to Sell in London?
Selling your home doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. At ABC Gone, we combine local expertise with a streamlined sales process to help you move forward with confidence.
👉 Claim our limited-time £1,500 fixed-fee sales offer today and sell your property without the stress of unpredictable costs.
📞 Call us on 02085 530645 or book your free valuation.
