House moves take 216 days in UK: Here's what you need to know

If you’re thinking about moving house in Britain, you’d better be patient. According to new data from Rightmove, the average home move now takes a staggering 216 days – more than seven months from start to finish. This is the longest time on record, and it’s important to understand why and what it means for your plans.

The timeline breaks down into two main stages. First, sellers spend an average of 62 days finding a buyer for their home. Then, once an offer is accepted, it takes another 154 days to complete the purchase and move into your new property. That’s nearly five months just waiting after you’ve agreed the sale price.

But where you live makes a huge difference. If you’re selling in London, prepare for the longest wait: 244 days total, or eight months. The East of England and South East follow closely behind at 237 days each. On the brighter side, Scotland is significantly faster at just 127 days, while the North East of England is the quickest region in Britain at 194 days overall.

The type of property you’re selling matters too. Flats are slowest to complete at 169 days, while terraced and semi-detached houses move faster at around 149 days.

So what’s causing these delays? Rightmove points to several culprits. Property searches can throw up unexpected issues, chains can break if someone else in your transaction delays, and crucially, solicitors and conveyancers are overwhelmed. These legal professionals are juggling huge caseloads, and the home-moving process remains frustratingly manual and fragmented.

For anyone planning a house move, the message is clear: start early, be realistic about timelines when budgeting and making plans, and consider instructing a conveyancer sooner rather than later. If you’re in a chain, stay in close contact with all parties involved.

The good news? If you’re in Scotland or the North East, your move should be considerably quicker than the national average. Either way, patience – and good communication with your solicitor – will be your best friend.