So many people ask us the same question: how long does it actually take to sell a house in Manchester? The honest answer is that getting an offer and completing the sale are two very different things, and the time it takes depends on finding a buyer, the condition of the property and the legal work that has to be done.
GOV.UK says it takes around five months on average to sell a home in England and Wales. That is only a rough guide, it is not a Manchester forecast and it is certainly not a deadline for your sale. Read the GOV.UK selling overview.
- About 5 monthsAverage to sell a home in England and Wales (GOV.UK)
- 24hrsExchange possible, subject to paperwork
- No feesWe cover your solicitor costs
- Your dateComplete at a time to suit you
What Happens Between Putting Your House On The Market And Completion?
Finding a buyer and agreeing an offer
Your asking price, the location, the property condition and how many buyers are interested all decide how quickly an offer comes in. A city-centre leasehold flat will raise very different questions from a family home in Didsbury.
Ask your estate agent to explain their valuation using real comparable sales. When an offer does arrive, look at the buyer’s position and conditions as well as the price.
Property checks and legal work
Once an offer is accepted, the buyer and the solicitors have to check the property and the paperwork. Surveys, title enquiries, mortgage arrangements and leasehold information can all slow things down.
Even a cash buyer may still need inspections and legal checks, so always ask what is still outstanding before you rely on a completion date.
Exchange and completion
In England and Wales the sale only becomes legally binding when contracts are exchanged. Completion is the day ownership and the money change hands. Your solicitor will tell you when the sale is ready to move forward. Read the GOV.UK conveyancing guidance.
What Can Delay A House Sale?
Some delays come from the property and some come from the people involved. These are the ones we see most often:
A property chain
Other sales and purchases have to move before yours can complete. See your options when a chain breaks.
Leasehold paperwork
Information is often needed from a freeholder or managing agent, and it can take a while to arrive.
Repairs or title issues
More reports, documents or enquiries may be asked for. Read about selling a problem property.
An inherited property
The authority and paperwork needed to sell must be put in place first. Read about probate and inherited property.
Moving arrangements
Tenants, joint owners or an onward purchase can all change the timing.
Tell your solicitor about any known problems early and keep your documents to hand. It saves a lot of time.
Can A Cash Offer Help When Time Is Short?
Yes, it can. A cash offer gives you another option without waiting months on the open market with sales boards, viewings and a chain that could fall through. You can then compare the figure, the conditions and the timing against an estate agent sale.
Sell House Faster reviews your property details and makes you a cash offer within 24 hours of receiving the information we need. If you are happy to proceed, a direct buyer purchases the property through the normal legal process, with no estate agent fees and no hidden costs. We even cover your solicitor costs.
We are very flexible about completion times, so you can agree the sale and complete at a time to suit you. We will talk through your preferred timing and explain the next steps before you commit to anything. See how we work.
Which Way Of Selling Suits You?
If the highest possible price matters most and you have the time to market the house, speak to local estate agents about your options.
If a deadline, a repair bill or a change in your circumstances means timing matters more, a cash offer gives you another figure to compare. Auction may also be worth looking at, but the fees, conditions and timetable depend on the type of auction and its terms.
Whichever way you go, compare what you would actually receive after costs, what conditions apply and how realistic the timing is.
What Can You Get Ready Now?
Have your property address, who is living in it and any known problems ready. Gather the documents you have and think about your preferred moving date.
If you are facing a lender or court deadline, please call us as soon as possible, keep speaking to your lender and get independent advice. An offer on its own does not stop repossession.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a sale take, from start to finish?
Very quick, if that is what you need. If necessary we can look to exchange in 24hrs (subject to the legal paperwork being in order), and if you need it we can complete much later. Whatever suits you best.
Do I have to accept your offer straight away?
No, you are under no obligation. Take your time, think about it and get back to us when it suits you.
Will anybody know about the sale?
No, it is 100% confidential. We do not put up a sold sign, so nobody will know about your sale or your circumstances.
Do I need to do any repairs first?
No. We will consider a property in any condition. There is no need to clean up or fix anything.
Find Out What We Can Offer
Enter your postcode and tell us a little about your Greater Manchester property. We will review the details and come back to you with an offer within 24 hours of receiving the information we need.
There is no charge for asking for an offer and no obligation to accept it. On a completed sale we cover your solicitor or conveyancer fees and disbursements. Mortgage repayments and charges, taxes, moving costs and separate legal advice are not part of these sale legal costs.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 0161 806 1235.
