How long does a property sale take?
A few weeks to several months, depending on location, price and the market. Good preparation and marketing shorten the selling time considerably.
How long a property sale takes
How long a property sale takes depends on several factors: location, price, type of property and the current state of the market. Realistically it is anything from a few weeks to several months, depending on the property. With good preparation this period can be shortened considerably, without you having to make concessions on the price.
What affects the duration
These points largely determine the selling time:
- realistic pricing from the outset
- the quality of the particulars and the photographs
- demand for that type of property and location
- completeness of the documents
- the season and the general mood of the market
The stages of a sale
A sale falls broadly into preparation, marketing, viewings, negotiation and completion at the notary. Each stage takes time, but can be tightened up with good organisation. When the documents are complete and the price is right, it is above all the marketing stage that becomes noticeably shorter.
Why the price determines the duration
A price set too high is the most common reason for long selling times. A property attracts the most attention in the first few weeks after it is published. If it is perceived as too expensive at that point, interest falls away and it sits on the market. That is why a sound valuation always comes first, as explained in the article on how a property valuation works.
The right time to sell
The timing also affects the duration. In periods of high demand and low interest rates, properties sell noticeably faster than in a hesitant market. Spring and early autumn are traditionally regarded as active selling periods. But the perfect moment rarely exists, and waiting for it often costs more than it brings. More important than the timing are a realistic price and good preparation. We assess the current market situation for your property and advise you honestly on whether starting now is worthwhile.
How we speed up the sale
With professional marketing, targeted approaches to suitable prospective buyers and complete documents, we make the process quick but secure. Which documents are needed is shown in the article on the sales documents. Whether support from an estate agent is worthwhile is covered in the article on when an estate agent pays off. Talk to us.