Kickstart Your 2026 Move - Timescales to Be Under Offer by Spring
A new year naturally brings fresh plans and for many, moving home is high on the list. If being under offer by spring 2026 is your goal, the key to success is early preparation and a clear understanding of realistic timescales.
By looking at how long moves took across the market in 2025, we can map out the steps you will need to take now to keep everything running smoothly and avoid unnecessary pressure later on.
January is traditionally one of the busiest months in the property calendar. Buyers return to the market with renewed focus, lending criteria are clearer, and homes launched early in the year often benefit from strong initial interest. Whether you are selling, buying, or managing both sides of a move, timing really does matter.
How Long Did Moves Take in 2025?
From Launch to Sale Agreed
According to year-end market data, the average UK property took around 38 days to go from listing to being sold subject to contract in 2025. While that is only slightly longer than the previous year, averages can mask important regional and property-specific differences.
In broad terms:
- Fast-moving markets, notably parts of Scotland, around two weeks
- Typical markets across England and Wales, approximately three to six weeks
- Higher-value homes or more competitive areas, often longer, particularly if pricing is not aligned with demand
Homes that launched at the right price, with strong presentation and clear positioning, consistently attracted offers more quickly. Those that required price reductions or repositioning tended to remain on the market significantly longer.
From Offer Agreed to Completion
Once a sale is agreed, the process moves into conveyancing, an essential but often underestimated stage. In 2025, typical timescales were:
- Twelve to sixteen weeks for legal work, searches and mortgage administration
- One to four weeks between exchange of contracts and completion
In total, most transactions took around four to five months from offer acceptance to completion, assuming steady progress and no unexpected delays.
To put that into context:
- Under offer by February 2026 is likely to complete in early summer
- Under offer in March is likely to complete in late spring or early summer
Working Backwards: A Practical Timeline for Spring 2026
If your aim is to be under offer by March or April 2026, this is the pace to work to.
January. Prepare Properly
- Arrange a professional valuation and agree a pricing strategy grounded in current market conditions
- Collate key documents such as EPCs, title paperwork and records of improvements
- Prepare marketing including photography, floorplans and launch strategy
February. Launch and Negotiate
- Bring your property to market while buyer demand is traditionally strong
- Review interest and offers promptly, with clear advice and guidance
March. Aim to Be Under Offer
- With an offer agreed, you can move confidently into the legal process
April to June. Conveyancing and Completion
- This window allows sufficient time for surveys, searches, mortgage offers and legal work
- Completion typically follows in late spring or early summer, a popular time to move
Final Considerations
For sellers
Early advice and accurate pricing are critical. A well-prepared launch almost always leads to a smoother transaction.
For buyers
Having a mortgage agreement in principle in place makes your offer stronger and more attractive, particularly in competitive markets.
For everyone
Conveyancing can be the longest part of the process. Instructing solicitors early and maintaining clear communication helps minimise delays.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If moving in spring 2026 is part of your plan, now is the time to act. The earlier you prepare, the more control you retain over pricing, timing and choice.
Book a no-obligation property consultation with Newton & Co today or speak with our team for clear, strategic advice tailored to your next move. Start the conversation now and put yourself in the strongest possible position for a confident, well-timed sale.
