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


Get in touch with us

If you own or rent property in Attleborough, tracking price trends matters. One useful indicator is the average price paid over the last 12 months, updated monthly. On its own it’s just a number, but over time it reveals direction, momentum, and what the local market may mean for your next property decision.

If you’re planning to sell in early 2026, now is the time to understand the timeline, the preparation and the steps that will help you move smoothly from listing to completion.

This map highlights how uneven UK house price growth has been over the last decade. While some regions have surged ahead, others have seen far more modest gains. It’s a clear reminder that national averages hide wide regional differences, and that property performance is always shaped by local markets rather than headlines.

Some homes sell swiftly while others linger, quietly slipping from view. The gap isn’t chance, it’s sellability. Price, presentation, and guidance decide who wins attention early and who stalls. Understanding what makes a home irresistible can turn uncertainty into momentum.