The UK areas where it’s taking longer to sell a home – UK Times

The average time to sell a home across the UK has seen only a marginal increase of one day compared to a year ago, despite a period of elevated mortgage rates.

However, London’s property market is experiencing a more pronounced slowdown, with homes in the capital now taking nearly a week longer to be snapped up.

According to property website Zoopla, the national average stands at 33 days. This contrasts sharply with London, where properties are typically taking six days longer to sell than they did 12 months ago, highlighting a distinct impact on the capital.

Mortgage rates initially climbed following the start of the Middle East conflict, which led to a rise in swap rates used by lenders for pricing.

Yet, several major lenders have recently reduced their fixed mortgage rates as swap rates have fallen, causing average fixed rates to begin plateauing.

Zoopla’s figures track the period from a property being listed to it being sold subject to contract.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “Homes are taking just one day longer to sell than this time last year.

“That is a strong result given increased uncertainty and mortgage rates rising sharply in March. Buyer inquiries have rebounded after Easter and with mortgage rates starting to fall, we expect the market to remain active through the rest of the year.

“Households who need to move are getting on with it though market conditions vary widely between North and South.

“For sellers, the message is clear: well-priced homes are still finding buyers in the same time as last year across much of the country.

“For buyers, mortgage rates are drifting lower and there is greater choice of homes for sale. The best-value homes are moving quickly, particularly in northern cities and Scotland, whereas the room for negotiation is greater across southern regions.”

The average time to sell a home across UK

Here are average times to sell a home in days in the seven weeks to 17 April, 2025 followed by the seven weeks to 17 April, 2026, according to Zoopla (a breakdown for Northern Ireland was not included):