Top News

The typical time taken to sell a property is just one day longer than this time last year, despite elevated mortgage rates, though London homes are taking nearly a week longer to be snapped up on average, according to a property website.

Across the UK, the average time to sell a home is 33 days, just one day longer than last year, Zoopla revealed. The capital stands out as being particularly hard hit by recent developments, with the average London property taking six days longer to sell than a year ago, the report found. Mortgage rates jumped following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, as swap rates - used by lenders to price mortgage products - increased sharply.

However, several major lenders have trimmed their fixed mortgage rates in recent weeks amid declining swap rates, with average fixed mortgage rates beginning to level off.

Zoopla calculated average selling times from properties being listed through to being sold, subject to contract.

London topped the list, with properties taking an average of 41 days to sell over the seven weeks to April 17, 2026, followed by the South East with 39 days, and the East of England with 38 days.

The East Midlands and South West trailed closely behind, with averages of 37 and 36 days, respectively.

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."

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said: "On the ground, our agent members are reporting a market that's holding together better than many expected, but with very different conditions depending on location and buyer type. Well-priced homes are still moving quickly, but in first-time buyer hotspots, especially across outer London, agents are seeing hesitation creep in as affordability pressures bite.

"What's notable is the rebound in enquiries post-Easter, which suggests underlying demand hasn't disappeared, it's just more price-sensitive and cautious. For property professionals, this means sharper pricing strategies, clearer communication with sellers, and more support for buyers navigating higher upfront costs.

"This isn't a stalled market, it's a more selective one, and agents are working harder on behalf of buyers and sellers to keep transactions progressing."

Below are the average number of days taken to sell a property during the seven weeks to April 17 2025 and the seven weeks to April 17 2026 respectively, as recorded by Zoopla (figures for Northern Ireland were not available):

• Scotland, 15, 15
• North East, 28, 28
• Yorkshire and the Humber, 31, 31
• North West, 28, 31
• Wales, 34, 34
• West Midlands, 33, 34
• South West, 36, 35
• East Midlands, 37, 37
• Eastern England, 35, 38
• South East, 37, 39
• London, 35, 41