One of the first questions every seller asks

Once you’ve decided it’s time to move, one question usually follows almost immediately.

“How long is this actually going to take?”

It’s an important question, especially if you’ve already found your next home, need to move before the new school term, or you’re relying on a chain of buyers and sellers all progressing together.

While every move is different, there are realistic timescales you can plan around. Understanding what happens at each stage can help reduce stress and avoid disappointment later.

Selling a home happens in two distinct stages

Many people think of selling as one process, but it’s really two.

The first is finding a buyer.

The second is getting from an agreed sale to completion, when ownership changes hands and the keys are finally handed over.

Both stages take time, and they’re influenced by different factors.

According to Rightmove’s June 2026 House Price Index, the average property takes 62 days to find a buyer. Once an offer has been accepted, the legal process commonly takes another two to three months, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the length of the chain.

For most homeowners, moving is measured in months rather than weeks.

That’s perfectly normal.

Finding the right buyer

This is the part of the process where sellers can have the greatest influence.

Some homes attract strong interest almost immediately, while others take longer to find the right buyer.

In our experience, three factors consistently make the biggest difference.

Accurate pricing from day one

Pricing is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

A property launched at the right price tends to generate the greatest interest while it’s fresh to the market.

Overpricing often has the opposite effect. Buyers overlook it, viewing numbers slow down and, after several weeks, a price reduction is often needed anyway.

Ironically, homes that start too high frequently sell for less than those priced realistically from the outset.

Presentation matters

Buyers make decisions long before they step through the front door.

Professional photography, well-written property descriptions, presenter-led video, floorplans and a tidy, well-presented home all help create a stronger first impression.

It’s not about making a property look perfect.

It’s about helping buyers imagine themselves living there.

Effective marketing reaches more buyers

Today’s buyers don’t all search in the same place.

Some are actively browsing the major property portals. Others discover homes through social media, email alerts or local recommendations.

The wider and more targeted the marketing, the greater the opportunity to attract serious buyers quickly.

What happens after you’ve accepted an offer?

Many sellers assume the difficult part is over once an offer has been agreed.

In reality, the legal process is only just beginning.

Solicitors begin preparing contracts.

Searches are ordered.

Mortgage lenders carry out valuations.

Enquiries are raised and answered.

If there’s a chain, every linked transaction needs to move forward together.

Although much of this work happens behind the scenes, it’s essential in ensuring everyone can move with confidence.

What causes delays?

Most delays are surprisingly familiar.

Common examples include:

• Missing guarantees or planning documents.
• Leasehold information taking longer than expected.
• Mortgage valuation issues.
• Survey findings that require further investigation.
• Slow responses to legal enquiries.
• Long or complicated property chains.

None of these are unusual, but being aware of them allows sellers to prepare wherever possible.

Four ways to help your move stay on track

While no one can control every part of the process, there are several things sellers can do to improve the chances of a smoother transaction.

1. Start with a realistic asking price

The strongest launch is usually your best opportunity to attract buyers.

Pricing correctly from the beginning helps maximise interest while your property is new to the market.

2. Get organised early

Don’t wait until a buyer has been found.

Locate guarantees, warranties, planning approvals and any paperwork relating to improvements you’ve made.

If possible, instruct your solicitor as soon as your property goes on the market so they’re ready to act when an offer is agreed.

3. Keep the momentum going

Property transactions often lose time waiting for responses.

Replying promptly to enquiries and providing requested documents quickly helps keep everyone moving forward.

4. Choose experience over promises

The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value.

A proactive estate agent and an efficient solicitor can quietly save weeks by anticipating problems, communicating well and keeping all parties informed throughout the transaction.

Every move is different

No two property sales follow exactly the same path.

Some complete remarkably quickly.

Others encounter unexpected delays despite everyone’s best efforts.

The important thing is to have realistic expectations from the beginning and work with professionals who communicate honestly throughout the process.

At Location Location East, we’d always rather give straightforward advice than unrealistic promises. We believe sellers deserve a clear understanding of the journey ahead, allowing them to make informed decisions with confidence.

If you’re considering a move in Thetford, Brandon or the surrounding Breckland villages, we’d be delighted to talk through your plans and provide a realistic assessment of both your home’s value and the likely timescales involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to sell a house in Thetford?

While every property is different, Rightmove’s June 2026 House Price Index reports an average of 62 days to find a buyer nationally. Once a sale is agreed, conveyancing and the legal process typically take a further two to three months, so most moves take several months from marketing to completion.

Can I speed up the process of selling my home?

Yes. Pricing your property realistically, presenting it well, preparing your legal paperwork early and responding quickly to enquiries can all help reduce unnecessary delays.

Does the time of year make much difference?

Seasonal trends do exist, but they’re usually less important than pricing, presentation and marketing. Well-prepared homes continue to sell throughout the year because motivated buyers are always in the market.

What is the biggest cause of delays after accepting an offer?

The most common causes include slow legal responses, missing paperwork, lengthy property chains and issues identified during surveys or mortgage valuations. Preparing documentation before marketing can help minimise many of these delays.

Should I instruct a solicitor before I find a buyer?

In many cases, yes. Having a solicitor ready from the outset means paperwork can begin as soon as an offer is accepted, helping the transaction progress more efficiently.

Sources

• Rightmove House Price Index, June 2026 (published 15 June 2026): Average time to find a buyer, 62 days.

About the Ethical Agent Network

At Location Location East, we’re proud to be founding members of the Ethical Agent Network. The network brings together independent estate agents who have demonstrated a commitment to honesty, transparency and putting clients first. Membership isn’t something that can simply be bought. It has to be earned through independent assessment against strict professional standards. We believe those values help create better moving experiences for everyone involved.

Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East