Moving home: expectation vs reality

Moving home: expectation vs reality

In this speed read we look at the time taken to complete a property sale

  • Properties continue to go under offer more quickly than pre-pandemic, but the time taken to complete a sale has risen. Conveyancing delays remain a significant issue.
  • In 2019 a survey of home movers found 55% of sales completed within 3 months. This fell to 45% in 2021. Early indications from the 2022 survey suggest that the proportion has continued to drop.
  • Managing expectations is crucial. For most buyers the process takes much longer than they expect. 86% of respondents to the 2021 survey expected to complete their move within 3 months.
  • For buyers in the market now, the 'move in for Christmas' date is fast approaching.
  • Source: Dataloft, Property Academy, 2021, based on a survey of 16,000+ home movers


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As a new year begins, many Attleborough homeowners and buyers are asking the same question: what will happen to house prices in 2026, and when is the right time to move? This article looks beyond forecasts and headlines to examine the real drivers of the local market, focusing on supply, demand, and affordability to understand what may lie ahead.

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Attleborough homeowner or landlord? Each month we track the average price paid for local properties over the last 12 months to reveal where the market is really heading. If you’re thinking of selling or simply curious about your home’s true worth, staying informed puts you ahead.