Thinking of selling your property? If so, you’ll want to understand, “How long does it take to sell a house?”
The time varies considerably, and we’ll explain why in this article. As well as giving you an overview of the sales process, we’ll also reveal why it might take a long time. You’ll also receive tips on how to shorten the timeframe and get a successful sale.
How long does it take to sell a house: Key stages explained
When you’re working out how long to sell a house, you’ll need to allow time to complete the necessary timeline. Understanding what these stages involve can help you sell your house quickly.
1. Preparation phase (1–4 weeks)
Work out a schedule to prepare your property for sale. You can make a start by creating a welcoming first impression. Spruce up your property’s exterior, such as repainting the front door and tidying up the garden to enhance curb appeal. Inside the house, refresh the paintwork and address any niggling issues like dripping taps.
Tidy and declutter your house. Then give it a thorough clean from top to bottom to give it a fresh look and feel.
You can also stage the interior to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Remove personal items to help them imagine the space as their own. Professional staging can help buyers envision themselves in the home and showcase the property’s best features.
Get a recommendation for a professional photographer who can take good-quality images of your property to make your listing inviting.
Finally, ask your real estate agent questions about the selling process.
2. Time on the market (30–90 days)
How long does selling a house take? The average time to sell a property in Australia is 30 days, but it can take considerably longer—up to 90 days—in some cases.
Several things can take your home longer to sell. You may struggle to get viewings if it’s in an unpopular location. The same is true if the current property scene is a “buyer’s market” with many similar properties for sale.
If your listing photos are of poor quality, you’ll lose potential viewers immediately. And even if you manage to secure viewings but your property is untidy, or in need of repair or decoration, you’re unlikely to get an offer.
Asking price is a significant factor, too. Asking too much can put people off.
Finally, your real estate agent’s marketing strategy may not work for your property. They may not target the right audience or use the most effective channels.
3. Negotiation and contract signing (1–2 weeks)
If you’ve made the proper preparations, you should start getting offers within a couple of weeks. Consider the offers you get carefully—it’s not just about price. For example, you may wish to go with a buyer who offers a sooner settlement date. You’ll also need to allow any contingencies, such as repairs, to be completed before settlement.
Choosing a buyer and signing the contract could take a few days or weeks. You may wish to present your buyer with a counteroffer, for example. Negotiating a price can add days or even weeks to your timeline.
Once you’ve agreed, appoint a solicitor or conveyancer to help you exchange contracts. This will ensure that any queries are dealt with and the process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.
4. Settlement period (30–90 days)
The settlement is the period spent transferring your property to your buyer’s ownership. During this time, any conditions for the sale are met, and administrative procedures are completed. Your settlement date will be given in your contract of sale.
You can use a settlement agent to help you through this process. They can manage essential tasks such as transferring the Certificate of Title and requesting funds from the buyer.
Timelines for settlement vary across states and territories. In Western Australia, it’s usually between 30 and 90 days.
Factors that influence how long it takes to sell a house
Understanding what can influence how long it takes to sell a house before you put your property on the market is vital. Ensuring you’ve covered all angles gives you the best chance of a quick sale.
- State of the local real estate market. If it’s a seller’s market, where buyer demand for homes is high, you could be lucky to get a quick sale. The opposite is valid for a buyer’s market, where plenty of properties are for sale, and potential buyers have more choices.
- Pricing strategy. Set a realistic price that reflects the current market value for the best chance of selling your property quickly. You can also research recent sold prices for similar properties in your area and choose a licensed real estate agent who knows the local market. But be prepared to drop your price if you receive no offers after a few weeks. In many cases, this can mean that your property is overpriced.
- Marketing efforts and exposure to potential buyers. Ask them about their marketing strategy at your initial meeting with your real estate agent. Ensure they have a range of tactics—from connecting with the local community to marketing your property online—to capture as many interested buyers as possible.
- Property condition and buyer perception. Follow the earlier tips to present your property as an attractive place to live. If your budget is limited, you can still make a few affordable changes, such as a new paint colour to make your property appear well-maintained.
Tips to shorten the selling process
If your property seems slow to sell, this is what you can do to get things moving:
- Ensure the price accurately reflects your property’s conditions and the current market. Get a sales appraisal to help you market it at a realistic price.
- Enhance your property’s appeal through staging and maintenance. Pay attention to your property’s overall presentation, ensuring it’s in good repair. Stage the property interior by adding houseplants or key items to create an attractive look.
- Leverage a real estate agent’s expertise for faster sales. An experienced local real estate agent will understand the local market in-depth and why specific properties have sold quickly.
Sell your home with HKY Real Estate
How long it takes depends on many factors, but the average selling time is 30 to 90 days.
To ensure a smooth, timely sale for your property, get professional guidance from an experienced real estate agent.
Contact the experts across Perth at HKY Real Estate to guide you through the process—call us today!
