October 13, 2026
Buying a new home is exciting, but once you’ve found the right property and had your offer accepted, it’s natural to ask: how long will it actually take before I get the keys?
There isn’t one fixed answer. Every property transaction is different, and the timescale can depend on everything from mortgage approval and searches to surveys and the length of the property chain.
At present, the Government says the average home purchase takes around 120 days from offer to completion, although some transactions will move considerably faster and others can take longer. GOV.UK
Here, we look at what happens after your offer is accepted, what can cause delays, and what buyers can do to help keep their move progressing.
What happens once your offer is accepted?
Having an offer accepted is an important milestone, but it’s really the beginning of the legal buying process.
At this stage, you’ll normally need to formally instruct your solicitor or conveyancer, progress your mortgage application and arrange any survey you want carried out.
Your solicitor will then begin the conveyancing process. This includes reviewing the contract documentation supplied by the seller’s solicitor, carrying out property searches and raising any enquiries about the property.
The contract will cover important details such as the agreed sale price, property boundaries, fixtures and fittings, rights or restrictions affecting the property and the proposed completion date. GOV.UK
Once your solicitor, mortgage lender and the seller’s solicitor are satisfied that everything is in order, contracts can be exchanged.
At this point the transaction becomes legally binding. A completion date is then agreed, the remaining funds are transferred and, on completion day, you can collect the keys to your new home. GOV.UK
How long does the process usually take?
Although every sale is different, buyers should be prepared for the process to take several months rather than several weeks.
Government guidance currently says buying a home takes around five months on average, and transactions involving a property chain can take longer. GOV.UK
Recent market data also illustrates how much timescales can vary. Rightmove reported an average of around 167 days from sale agreed to completion in March 2026. Rightmove
A straightforward transaction involving a chain-free property, organised buyers and sellers, and no unexpected legal or survey issues may progress much more quickly.
On the other hand, a long chain or a complicated property can significantly extend the process.
What can delay a house purchase?
There are several common reasons why a property transaction can take longer than expected.
Property chains
A chain occurs when the person you are buying from is also purchasing another property, whose seller may also be buying elsewhere.
Each transaction therefore depends on the others progressing at roughly the same speed.
The longer the chain, the greater the opportunity for delays somewhere along the line.
Mortgage applications
Even if you already have a Mortgage Agreement in Principle, your lender will still need to approve the mortgage for the specific property you are buying.
They may need to carry out a valuation and request additional information before issuing a formal mortgage offer.
Getting your finances organised early can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Searches
Your solicitor will normally order searches covering issues such as planning, highways, drainage and environmental matters.
The time these take to come back can vary between different local authorities and search providers.
Surveys
A survey may identify issues that you weren’t aware of when viewing the property.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the purchase cannot proceed, but buyers may want further specialist advice or quotations before deciding what to do.
In some cases, this can lead to further negotiations between buyer and seller.
Legal enquiries
Once the solicitor has reviewed the property paperwork and search results, they may need additional information from the seller.
Some enquiries can be resolved very quickly. Others, particularly those involving boundaries, rights of way, extensions, leasehold properties or missing documentation, can take longer.
How can buyers help speed things up?
You won’t be able to control every aspect of a property transaction, but being organised can make a real difference.
Have your finances ready. If you’re using a mortgage, getting an Agreement in Principle before you start making offers can demonstrate that you’re in a position to proceed.
Choose your solicitor early. You don’t need to wait until an offer has been accepted to decide who you will use. Having a solicitor ready means they can be instructed immediately.
Respond quickly to requests. Your solicitor, mortgage broker or lender may ask for identification, bank statements or other documentation. Returning these promptly can prevent your transaction sitting idle.
Arrange your survey promptly. Once you are comfortable proceeding with the purchase, booking your survey early gives you time to deal with any issues it identifies.
Stay in communication. Regular contact with your estate agent, solicitor and mortgage adviser can help ensure everyone knows where the transaction stands and highlight any outstanding issues before they become major delays.
Could buying a home become quicker?
Changes are now being introduced with the aim of making buying and selling a home faster and more transparent.
In June 2026, the Government announced a programme of home-buying reforms designed to reduce delays and the number of transactions that fall through.
Among the proposed changes are sales packs containing more property information upfront, greater use of digital information and processes, and work towards earlier binding agreements between buyers and sellers. GOV.UK
The Government estimates that the reforms could eventually reduce the average buying process by around four weeks. GOV.UK
Many of these changes are being introduced progressively, however, so buyers purchasing a property today should still expect the traditional conveyancing process to take some time.
Being prepared can make your move easier
Waiting for a house purchase to complete can sometimes feel frustrating, particularly when you’re keen to start life in your new home.
Understanding the process and getting everything organised as early as possible can help make things smoother.
At Simon Blyth Estate Agents, our experienced local teams work closely with buyers, sellers, solicitors and other professionals throughout the transaction, helping to keep everyone informed and the move progressing wherever possible.
If you’re looking for your next home across Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Wakefield or the surrounding areas, take a look at our latest properties for sale or speak to your local Simon Blyth team for help with your move.