19/03/2026
Nationally, the average time to sell a property in England and Wales currently stands at 40 days. However, this headline figure masks considerable regional variation driven largely by price levels and local market dynamics. In the highest-value markets, the process takes meaningfully longer. Greater London records an average selling time of 44 days, while the South East, which is another high-price region, averages 41 days. This slower pace in premium markets reflects the increasing price sensitivity among buyers who, faced with stretched budgets and a wider pool of available properties, are taking more time to commit.
By contrast, more affordable regions are seeing considerably faster transaction speeds. Scotland stands out as the quickest market in Britain, with properties selling in an average of just 23 days, which is roughly half the time it takes in London. The North East of England follows as the second-fastest market, with homes selling in an average of 31 days. These figures point to a market where buyer demand and relative affordability are working in sellers' favour, which enables swift decisions and faster completions.
The regional disparity in selling speeds underlines a broader trend that is becoming increasingly evident across the UK property market, as price sensitivity is a defining factor in how quickly a sale is achieved. As buyer choice continues to grow and affordability pressures persist, particularly in the south, setting a realistic asking price from the outset is emerging as one of the most critical decisions a seller can make. Properties that are priced in line with genuine market value are far more likely to attract timely offers, while those priced aspirationally risk extended market exposure and ultimately a lower final sale price. Understanding local dynamics, rather than relying solely on national averages, is therefore essential for anyone planning to sell in the months ahead.
