Relocating to another location is one of the challenging tasks of your life. And one thought that keeps on coming to your mind is “how much time will it take from the very beginning until you settle down?
The fact is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on whether you’re renting or buying, the complexity of your move, and how prepared you are.
In this article, we break down the moving process in the UK by stage, outlining realistic timelines from the time you decide to move to the day you unpack in your new home.
The Average UK House Move Timeline
On average, a house move in the UK can take anywhere between 8 to 22 weeks from start to finish. Here’s a quick overview:
- Searching for a property – 2 to 8 weeks (sometimes longer)
- Making an offer & acceptance – 1 to 2 weeks
- Conveyancing & surveys – 8 to 12 weeks
- Exchange of contracts to completion – 1 to 2 weeks
- Packing & moving day – 1 to 2 weeks of preparation, 1–2 days for the actual move
For renters, the process can be much quicker, usually 2 to 6 weeks from viewing a property to moving in.
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
– Finding a Property
For buyers, it could take a few weeks to several months to search for a property, depending on how hot the housing market is, your budget, and your preferences. Renters usually have a shorter search process since rental contracts generally arrange more quickly.
– Making an Offer & Acceptance
Once you find your dream property, the offer process and acceptance can take a couple of days to 2 weeks, depending on competing offers and negotiation time.
– Conveyancing, Surveys & Legal Checks
This stage can take the longest, as conveyancing (or the legal transfer of property) generally takes 8–12 weeks. During that time, solicitors will:
- Do property searches;
- Complete a survey of the property;
- Approve your mortgage.
Delays can occur if paperwork is slow, if issues are revealed in the searches, or if there are a lot of parties in the property chain.
– Exchange of Contracts & Completion
After all legal checks have been made, contracts are exchanged. The completion date (the day you officially get your keys) will usually be set for 1–2 weeks after the exchange.
– Packing & Moving
Packing your items could take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your level of organization and whether you hire professionals to pack. On the moving day itself, removal companies usually do it in 1 – 2 days, depending on the size of the property and the distance of the move.
Factors That Can Delay a House Move
While these are useful general timelines, there are many variable factors that can delay the process:
- Property chains: If lots of buyers/sellers depend on each other, it means that if one of them delays, they all delay.
- Mortgage approval: Documentation issues can stall things
- Legal searches: Problems with local authority searches and surveys
- Poor packing preparation: Leaving everything until the last minute may prolong moving day unnecessarily.
Tips to Speed Up Your Move
To make your move as smooth and efficient as possible:
- Get your paperwork ready early: Mortgage documents, ID, and financial details.
- Choose a reliable solicitor and removal company: Delays often happen due to poor communication.
- Declutter before packing: Reducing what you take saves time and money.
- Book your removals in advance: Especially during busy times like summer or month-end.
- Label boxes clearly: Makes unpacking quicker and easier in your new home.
How Long Does Moving Day Take?
The actual day of the move depends on the size of your property and the distance travelled:
- 1–2 bedrooms property: 4–6 hours (local move)
- 3–4 bedrooms property: 6–10 hours
- Long-distance move or international relocation: 1–3 days (sometimes weeks for overseas shipping)
Professional removal companies like Removals.co.uk can give you a more accurate timescale based on your specific move.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to move house from start to finish? For buyers, expect a move-in timeframe of around 12–20 weeks, while renters may complete their move-in as soon as 2–6 weeks. The actual moving day, however, is usually over within 1–2 days.
The key to a smooth move is planning, choosing the right professionals, and staying organised throughout the process.
If you want a stress-free experience, our team at Removals.co.uk is here to help with everything from packing and transport to international relocation.