How long will it take me to buy a house? | Curtis Parkinson

How long will it take me to buy a house?

26 November, 2018 3 minutes reading time


How long does it take to buy a house? Like most purchases, buying a house can be straightforward, but it often isn’t. Many factors can complicate the process.

The timeline varies greatly, regardless of your circumstances or how prepared you are. The best answer to “How long?” is often, “It depends.”

There are no official statistics on average house purchase times because there’s no consistent pattern.

While sometimes a purchase can be completed in six to ten weeks, the legal/conveyancing process alone can take over two months. Generally, the process rarely takes less than two to three months and often takes much longer.

Feeling detached

Buying a house can sometimes feel disconnected from the process, at the mercy of estate agents, solicitors, and conveyancers.

It’s common for buyers to wait months for completion. However, having realistic expectations (understanding that these things take time) and a good grasp of the process can make the experience positive in retrospect.

It’s tempting to blame the professionals involved. However, their expertise often resolves complex issues that could significantly prolong the process. It may seem not very objective, but working with competent professionals and fulfilling your responsibilities will help ensure a smoother transaction.

What can slow down the home-buying process?

Because buying a house involves many stages and elements, delays can happen at any point.

Here are five common factors you can influence or that can help you avoid unnecessary delays:

Solid preparation

Thorough preparation is key to a smooth process. Research and ensure your finances, professional support, and insurance are in order. Being unprepared guarantees delays.

Choosing the right legal team

A reputable and experienced solicitor can significantly reduce stress. A good team will be organized, explain the process clearly and professionally, and work efficiently. Your timely actions will help your lawyer achieve a timely completion.

The property chain

A property chain links multiple house purchases. Longer chains mean greater complexity. With more parties involved, delays in one purchase can affect others. Be realistic about this when estimating your purchase timeline.

The type of holding

The property type affects the timeline. Freehold properties are usually simpler and faster to buy than leasehold properties, which require more paperwork. Your lawyer needs to examine the lease details, and their findings will determine the process length.

The survey

A survey is essential for peace of mind. A full structural survey (recommended depending on the property’s age and design) might reveal serious issues. Proceeding with repairs (perhaps after negotiating the price) or abandoning the purchase can cause significant delays.

This is a general overview. Ensure your paperwork is in order, your finances are sound, and you maintain strong communication with all parties to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Conveyancing can be slow, but managing your expectations based on professional advice will allow your legal team to work effectively and reduce your stress.

Call us, we’re here to help

If you would like more information, advice or a quotation for buying a property, please contact us.

Please note that all views, comments or opinions expressed are for information only and do not constitute and should not be interpreted as being comprehensive or as giving legal advice. No one should seek to rely or act upon, or refrain from acting upon, the views, comments or opinions expressed herein without first obtaining specialist, professional or independent advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Curtis Parkinson cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

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