Gauging the Speed of the Market

In any property market, price often attracts the headlines, but time is just as important. For sellers and buyers alike, the speed at which homes move from listing to sale is one of the clearest indicators of market health. When properties sell quickly, demand is strong and confidence is high. When they linger, it can signal greater caution among buyers or unrealistic pricing by sellers.

At present, the average time it takes to sell a property across England and Wales stands at around 40 days, according to data from Dataloft by PriceHubble using InformationWorks figures from February 2026. While this suggests a relatively steady pace overall, the national average hides considerable regional variation.

Higher-priced areas tend to move more slowly, which has long been a feature of the housing market. In markets where property values are higher, buyers typically take longer to make decisions, financing can be more complex, and the pool of potential purchasers is naturally smaller.

This pattern is clearly visible in southern England. In Greater London, homes currently take an average of 44 days to sell, slightly above the national figure. The South East England follows closely behind, with an average selling time of 41 days. Given the higher property values in these regions, a slightly longer sales period is not unusual and should not necessarily be interpreted as a weak market.

By contrast, more affordable parts of the country are seeing properties move far more quickly. In Scotland, the average time to secure a buyer is just 23 days, making it the fastest market in the UK. Meanwhile, the North East England is also performing strongly, with an average selling time of 31 days.

There are several reasons for this difference. In lower-priced markets, homes are accessible to a wider pool of buyers, particularly first-time purchasers and investors. Mortgage affordability stretches further, and when a well-priced property comes to market, competition can be intense.

However, regardless of location, one factor continues to dominate: price sensitivity. Buyers are now highly attuned to value and are quick to compare properties online. Homes that enter the market at a realistic asking price tend to generate interest quickly and achieve a sale within the typical timeframe. Those priced too ambitiously can sit unsold for far longer, often requiring reductions later to attract attention.

For sellers, the lesson is straightforward. While national averages provide useful context, the true measure of market speed lies at the local level. Streets, neighbourhoods, and even individual property types can behave very differently.

Working with an experienced local agent who understands these subtleties remains the most reliable way to gauge demand accurately. By studying recent comparable sales, monitoring buyer activity, and setting a sensible asking price from the outset, sellers give themselves the best chance of achieving a timely and successful sale.

In a market where buyers have become increasingly selective, pricing correctly and understanding local dynamics remain the key ingredients for keeping a sale moving at pace.

Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, using InformationWorks data, February 2026.