So, you’ve found your dream home and your offer has been accepted. Congratulations! Now, the countdown to moving day begins. But how long will it actually take to move house in the UK in 2023?
The average time to move house in the UK is 11 weeks. However, there are a number of factors that can affect this timeline, such as:
- The type of property you’re buying. For example, a leasehold property will typically take longer to move into than a freehold property.
- The location of the property. Properties in popular areas or those that are part of a chain can take longer to move into.
- The complexity of the conveyancing process. If there are any legal issues with the property, this can add to the time it takes to move.
In general, you can expect the following timeline for moving house in the UK in 2023:
- Weeks 1-4: Your solicitor will carry out searches on the property and your mortgage lender will assess your application.
- Weeks 5-8: You’ll exchange contracts with the seller and your solicitor will order the title deeds.
- Weeks 9-12: You’ll complete on the purchase and move into your new home.
Of course, this is just a rough guide and the actual time it takes to move house can vary. It’s important to keep in regular contact with your solicitor and mortgage lender to make sure the process is progressing smoothly.
Here are a few tips to help you speed up the moving process:
Get your mortgage application in early. This will give your lender more time to assess your application and make a decision.
Be prepared to move quickly. If you’re in a chain, be prepared to move as soon as the seller’s property is sold.
Delegate tasks. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to friends, family, or a professional moving company.
Moving house can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re looking to move house quickly, consider buying a property that’s part of a “no chain” sale. This means that the seller already has a buyer lined up, so there’s no need to wait for their property to sell before you can move into your new home.
I hope this helps!