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.

How long does moving house take?

A new home journey typically takes around six months, but we'll guide you through each milestone to make your move smoother.

Last updated 24 Dec 2025

An illustration of a family home that has boxes inside to represent the moving process.

Key takeaways

Moving house typically takes 3 to 6 months, but timelines can vary depending on individual circumstances

Factors like property chains, market conditions, and survey results can impact how long your house move takes

Preparation and organisation are key to a smoother move – staying on top of paperwork and responding promptly to queries can help speed things up

Moving is a mix of excitement and stress - taking it one step at a time and staying focused on your end goal can make the journey more manageable

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.

How long does moving house take?

A new home journey typically takes around six months, but we'll guide you through each milestone to make your move smoother.

Average time to move house

Moving house timeline and process

What impacts how long it takes to move house?

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