If you’re a Lancaster homeowner or landlord considering selling your property in early 2025, it’s important to understand the timelines and market dynamics involved. From listing your property to completing the sale, the process in Lancaster typically takes about five to six months on average. Here’s an overview of what to expect and how to navigate the journey.
How Long Does It Take to Sell a Lancaster Property?
Recent data highlights two key timeframes:
- Finding a Buyer – The time it takes to agree on a sale (Sold Subject to Contract).
- Completion – The legal and administrative steps required to finalize the sale.
On average, it takes 76 days to secure a buyer in Lancaster, followed by 118 days to complete the legal and financial processes, totaling about 194 days (or six months) from listing to completion.
Timelines vary based on your property’s value, reflecting the segmented nature of Lancaster’s property market:
- Under £100k: 87 days
- £100k–£200k: 73 days
- £200k–£300k: 81 days
- £300k–£400k: 80 days
- £400k–£500k: 104 days
- £500k–£1m: 30 days
- Over £1m: 188 days
Breakdown of Lancaster Properties Sold by Price Band
The ratio of sales by price band over the last three months highlights where the most market activity is happening:
- Under £100k: 20 properties sold (7.2% of total sales)
- £100k–£200k: 127 properties sold (45.7% of total sales)
- £200k–£300k: 88 properties sold (31.7% of total sales)
- £300k–£400k: 30 properties sold (10.8% of total sales)
- £400k–£500k: 11 properties sold (4.0% of total sales)
- £500k–£1m: 1 property sold (0.4% of total sales)
- Over £1m: 1 property sold (0.4% of total sales)
The most active price range is £100k–£200k, accounting for nearly half of all properties sold in Lancaster. This is an important factor to consider when pricing and marketing your property.
Step-by-Step Selling Process
Selling a property involves five main stages, each requiring careful planning and professional support. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Finding a Buyer
The first step is to attract the right buyer. Partnering with an experienced estate agent ensures your property is marketed effectively.
In Lancaster, the average time to find a buyer is 76 days, but this can vary based on your property’s price and location. Lancaster’s micro-markets mean that even properties in close proximity can experience very different selling timelines. A tailored pricing and marketing strategy is essential to success.
Step 2: Instruct Solicitors (and Mortgage Broker)
Once a buyer is secured, your solicitor will begin preparing the necessary legal documents, including title deeds and property forms. These are sent to the buyer’s solicitor for review.
If you’re a landlord selling a buy-to-let property, additional considerations may apply, particularly if tenants are in situ. Working with a solicitor experienced in these transactions can help you navigate any complexities.
Step 3: Legal Work and Survey
The buyer’s solicitor will carry out local searches to identify any potential issues, such as nearby development plans. These searches can take several weeks to complete.
Additionally, the buyer will often arrange for a survey to assess the property’s condition and ensure it’s valued appropriately. The survey results may lead to further negotiations if issues are identified, so being prepared for this possibility is important.
Step 4: Exchange of Contracts
Once all legal work and mortgage approvals are complete, both parties sign the contracts. This step, known as the Exchange of Contracts, commits both the buyer and seller to the sale. At this stage, the buyer typically pays a non-refundable deposit.
Step 5: Completion
Completion is the final step, where ownership transfers to the buyer. This involves the buyer’s solicitor sending funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once funds are received, keys are handed over, and the sale is complete.
In most cases, completion takes place 1–2 weeks after exchange, but in simpler transactions, it can occur on the same day.
What to Expect Overall
From the moment you list your property to the day you hand over the keys, you should plan for a timeline of about six months. While the process can be lengthy, careful preparation and the right team can help ensure a smooth and successful sale.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Talk!
Selling your property in Lancaster involves navigating a unique and dynamic market. Whether you’re selling a family home or a buy-to-let property, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
With our expertise in Lancaster’s property market and our commitment to delivering excellent service, we can help you achieve the best price with minimal hassle. Contact us today for an informal, no-obligation chat about your property sale. You can call us on 01524 843322 or email me at michelle@jdg.co.uk
Thanks for reading
Michelle x
