How Long It Takes to Buy a House in the UK: 5 Common Delays That Can Slow Down Your Home Purchase
Wondering how long it takes to buy a house in the UK? The average timeline ranges from 8 to 22 weeks, but even that can stretch significantly due to unexpected delays, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or caught in a chain.
That’s why working with experienced professionals like Belvoir — one of the UK’s trusted estate agency networks — can make all the difference. From handling paperwork to navigating communication between parties, a reliable agent helps you avoid costly hold-ups and stay on track.
Still, no matter who you work with, certain delays are common across the property market. Let’s explore five of the most frequent issues that can slow down your home-buying journey — and how to avoid them.
1. Slow mortgage approvals
A common source of delay occurs during the mortgage application process. Even if you’ve secured a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP), the full mortgage offer can still take time, especially if documents are incomplete, income sources need verification, or the lender downvalues the property.
How to stay ahead:
Prepare key documents early (e.g. bank statements, payslips, proof of ID and deposit)
Avoid major financial changes after applying
Work with a mortgage broker to streamline the process and avoid rejections
Mortgage approvals usually take 2–4 weeks, but complications can extend this if you’re not ready.
2. Issues uncovered in surveys
Your property may look perfect, but a survey could tell a different story. Issues like rising damp, roof damage, or structural cracks can lead to serious delays if negotiations reopen or the buyer walks away.
To reduce surprises:
Choose the right survey: HomeBuyer Report for newer homes; Building Survey for older or non-standard properties
Read the report carefully and act quickly if problems arise
Be prepared for renegotiation or seller repairs
Survey booking and reporting can take 1–2 weeks, and further negotiation may add more time.
3. Local authority search delays
Property searches are part of the legal due diligence process and are handled by your solicitor or conveyancer. They reveal planning permissions, flood risks, or road schemes — but they can take weeks to arrive.
The timeframe for searches depends on the local authority. Some return results in a few days, others take 4–6 weeks or longer, particularly during peak months.
Speed things up by:
Instructing your conveyancer immediately after offer acceptance
Asking if they offer expedited or digital search services
Being proactive about pushing for updates
4. Poor communication between solicitors
Lack of communication is one of the biggest culprits behind delayed completions. If either side’s solicitor is slow to respond or fails to act promptly, even small queries can lead to major setbacks.
How to avoid this:
Choose a solicitor with a reputation for responsiveness
Request weekly updates on progress
Don’t hesitate to follow up if you’re not hearing anything
A well-coordinated legal team can save you weeks in back-and-forth administration.
5. Complications in the property chain
If you’re in a property chain — meaning your seller is also buying another property — your purchase is tied to other transactions. If any of those fall through, delay, or renegotiate, your progress can stall.
Chain issues may involve:
Survey complications further up or down the chain
Last-minute mortgage problems
Disagreements over completion dates
To protect yourself:
Prioritise chain-free properties (e.g., new builds or vacant homes)
Be flexible with timelines
Choose an estate agent like Belvoir, who actively manages chains to keep all parties informed and aligned
Minimise Delays with the Right Approach
Even with the best preparation, delays can happen. But by understanding the most common causes and proactively managing each stage, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of a smooth transaction.
So, how long does it take to buy a house in the UK? If everything goes to plan, around 2–5 months, but staying on top of delays makes all the difference.
Want a full breakdown of the house-buying process? Explore this detailed step-by-step guide on how long it takes to buy a house in the UK for insights into each stage and how to plan.
And if you’re looking for end-to-end guidance, Belvoir is trusted by thousands of buyers across the UK for their clear communication, expert advice, and commitment to keeping things moving, even when the process gets tricky.
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