Why UK property sales take around five months and how Wandsworth sellers can move faster
Selling a home in the UK takes around five months on average from first listing to completion. The HomeOwners Alliance estimates approximately eight weeks to agree a sale, followed by 10 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance to exchange and up to 28 days between exchange and completion. Failed transactions also remain common. A June 2026 government announcement cited one in three sales falling through, while Rightmove reported that more than one in five transactions initially fail.
For Wandsworth sellers, the most effective ways to reduce avoidable delays are to instruct a conveyancer early, prepare the legal paperwork before accepting an offer and set a realistic asking price. Zoopla reported that homes took an average of 38 days to go under offer in 2025, compared with 35 days in 2024. Our guide to why properties in Wandsworth sell faster than the London average explains the local factors that can influence demand.
Where the months disappear
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Preparing and launching the property | 10 to 21 days |
| Listing to offer accepted | Around eight weeks |
| Offer accepted to exchange | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Exchange to completion | One to 28 days |
| Total from listing to completion | Around five months |
The period after an offer is accepted is usually the longest because the buyer’s mortgage, survey, searches, title investigation and legal enquiries must all be completed. Many of these tasks can run at the same time, so the transaction does not necessarily stop while searches are outstanding.
Wandsworth Council aims to complete CON29 searches within 10 working days. Local land charge information is held through HM Land Registry’s digital register, but further enquiries can still take time if additional information is required.
Chains, mortgage issues, survey findings and slow responses from any party can also extend the timetable. Buyers who are chain-free or already have a mortgage agreement in principle may be more proceedable, although the entire offer should still be assessed. Our comparison of Wandsworth, Putney and Wimbledon for buyers provides further local context.
What sellers can control
Instruct a conveyancer when the property is listed rather than waiting for an offer. Complete the TA6 property information form and TA10 fittings and contents form promptly, and gather title documents, planning permissions, building regulation approvals, guarantees, FENSA certificates and warranties.
Check whether the property already has a valid Energy Performance Certificate. If it does not, an EPC must be commissioned before marketing begins. The seller and agent must then use reasonable efforts to obtain it within seven days, with a further 21 days available where necessary.
For a leasehold flat, request the management information pack early. The managing agent or freeholder may charge for it, and delays in supplying information about service charges, insurance, planned works or the lease can hold up the buyer’s conveyancer.
Accurate pricing is equally important. An unrealistic asking price can reduce early interest and lead to a later reduction, while a well-supported launch price can attract stronger, better-prepared buyers.
If you are a landlord selling
Since 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has applied to most private tenancies in England. Section 21 has been abolished, and landlords generally need a valid statutory possession ground, including the revised ground for selling. Our guide to what the Renters' Rights Act means for Wandsworth landlords explains the relevant process.
Before deciding to sell, review rental yields in Wandsworth and the area’s position as a long-term investment market. Landlords keeping their properties should also plan for the proposed EPC C requirements for private rented homes by 2030, while recognising that detailed implementation rules are still developing.
You can review current properties for sale in Wandsworth and learn how our buyer service supports onward purchases. We also market commercial premises for sale and commercial property to let.
Five months is an average, not a fixed deadline. Early legal preparation, realistic pricing, responsive communication and a proceedable buyer can all improve the chances of reaching exchange sooner. Speak to Lets Find A Home for a practical valuation and a sales plan built around your property and timetable.
Click here to schedule an appointment with Matt, founder of Lets Find A Home