The home buying process typically takes 3-6 months from starting your search to getting the keys, though this can vary based on several factors.
The process begins with getting your finances in order and ends with completion day when you legally own the property. Each step has its own timeframe and potential delays to be aware of.
Preparation Stage (1-2 months)
Before you start viewing properties, you need to prepare:
- Check your credit score and address any issues
- Save for your deposit (typically 5-20% of the property value)
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle
- Calculate additional costs like stamp duty, legal fees, and survey costs
- Research areas and property types that match your budget
This preparation phase typically takes 1-2 months, depending on your financial situation and how quickly you can save your deposit.
Key point: Having a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing properties will strengthen your position as a buyer, and potentially speed up the process.
Property Search (2 weeks-3 months)
The time spent searching for a property varies greatly depending on your requirements and local market conditions:
| Activity | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Viewing properties | 2-12 weeks |
| Making offers | 1-3 days per property |
| Negotiation | 1-7 days |
| Offer acceptance | Usually 24-48 hours |
Most buyers view 8-10 properties before making an offer. In competitive markets, you might need to act quickly when you find a suitable property.
Conveyancing Process (8-12 weeks)
Once your offer is accepted, the legal process begins:
| Stage | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Instruct solicitor | 1-3 days | Choose a conveyancer and provide initial details |
| Mortgage application | 2-4 weeks | Full application and valuation by the lender |
| Property surveys | 1-3 weeks | Booking, inspection, and report preparation |
| Searches | 2-4 weeks | Legal checks on the property and surrounding area |
| Draft contract | 1-2 weeks | Your solicitor reviews the draft contract |
| Enquiries | 2-4 weeks | Questions about the property and supporting documents |
| Exchange of contracts | 1 day | Legally binding agreement to purchase |
| Completion | 1-4 weeks after exchange | Final payments and key handover |
Key point: Surveys identify potential issues early in the process. Addressing these promptly can prevent delays later in the conveyancing process.
Common Delays and How to Manage Them
Several factors can extend the timeline:
- Property chains (where multiple transactions depend on each other)
- Survey findings requiring further investigation or renegotiation
- Mortgage approval issues
- Missing documentation from the seller
- Local authority search delays
To keep things moving:
- Choose responsive professionals (solicitors, surveyors, mortgage brokers)
- Respond quickly to requests for information or decisions
- Keep regular contact with all parties
- Have contingency funds available for unexpected issues
After Completion
Your journey doesn’t end at completion:
| Timeframe | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Day of completion | Receive keys, move in, take meter readings |
| First week | Update address details, arrange insurance |
| First month | Register with local services, meet neighbours |
| First year | Address any issues covered by new build warranties or seller declarations |
