How Long Does it Take to Move House?

Moving house is a significant undertaking that involves multiple steps and can vary in duration depending on various factors.

From finding the right property to completing the sale and complex moving day logistics, each stage of the process contributes to the overall timeline.

In this guide, we'll explore the typical timeframe for each stage of moving house and factors that could potentially delay the process.

How Long Does it Take to Move House: Key Takeaways

• The time it takes to move house can vary depending on several factors, including property search, mortgage approval, conveyancing, and completion of the sale.
• On average, the process of moving house can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.
• Factors such as property chain, survey results, and unforeseen delays can impact the overall timeline of moving house.

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Finding the Right Property

Property Search

Start your property search early to allow sufficient time for viewing properties and making informed decisions.

Utilise online property portals such as Rightmove or Zoopla to browse listings and narrow down your search criteria.

Consider working with a local estate agent who can provide expert advice and access to exclusive listings.

Property Viewings

Schedule property viewings at your convenience and take note of key features and potential drawbacks of each property.

Bring a checklist of must-have and desirable features to help evaluate each property objectively.

Don't rush the decision-making process and take the time to weigh your options before making an offer.

Getting a Mortgage

Mortgage Approval Process

Research different mortgage options and consult with lenders to find the best deal for your financial situation.

Submit a mortgage application along with necessary documentation, such as proof of income and credit history.

Wait for mortgage approval, which can take several weeks depending on the lender's processing times and application volume.

Mortgage Offer

Once approved, review the mortgage offer carefully to ensure you understand the terms and conditions.

Seek advice from a financial advisor if you have any questions or concerns about the mortgage offer.

Provide any additional documentation requested by the lender to facilitate the finalisation of the mortgage agreement.

Find a Conveyancer

Role of a Conveyancer

Hire a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the property transaction.

Conduct research and obtain quotes from multiple conveyancing firms to compare prices and services.

Choose a conveyancer with experience in handling residential property transactions and a good reputation for professionalism and efficiency.

Conveyancing Process

The conveyancer will conduct various searches on the property to identify any potential issues or restrictions.

Review the draft contract provided by the seller's conveyancer and raise any queries or concerns.

Negotiate the terms of the contract and ensure all legal requirements are met before proceeding to exchange contracts.

Property Survey

Importance of a Property Survey

Arrange for a property survey to assess the condition of the property and identify any structural defects or issues.

Choose the appropriate type of survey based on the age and condition of the property, such as a basic valuation survey or a comprehensive building survey.

Review the survey report carefully and seek advice from a surveyor or structural engineer if necessary to understand the implications of any findings.

Survey Results

Consider the survey results when negotiating the purchase price or requesting repairs or concessions from the seller.

Factor any necessary repairs or renovations into your budget and timeline for moving house.

Proceed with caution if significant issues are identified in the survey report, as they could impact the suitability or value of the property.

Exchanging Contracts

Exchange of Contracts

Once all legal and financial arrangements are in place, the exchange of contracts can take place.

Sign the contract documents and pay the deposit to secure the purchase of the property.

Exchange contracts with the seller through your respective conveyancers or solicitors, making the transaction legally binding.

Completion Date

Agree on a completion date with the seller, typically a few weeks after the exchange of contracts.

Coordinate with your conveyancer to ensure all necessary paperwork and funds are in place for completion.

Finalise arrangements for moving day and begin preparing for the transition to your new home.

Completing the Sale

Completion Process

On the agreed-upon completion date, the remaining balance of the purchase price is transferred to the seller's conveyancer.

Receive the keys to the property from the seller's conveyancer once the funds have been received and the sale is complete.

Take possession of the property and begin the process of moving in and making it your own.

Moving Day

Moving Logistics

Arrange for a removals company or enlist the help of friends and family to assist moving your furniture and other stuff

Pack your belongings carefully and label boxes to facilitate the unpacking process.

Coordinate with the removals team to ensure a smooth transition to your new home on moving day.

Selecting a Moving Company

When it comes to selecting a moving company for your house move, you have several options to consider, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Ultimately, though, you will need a company that has the knowledge and know-how to move large items.

Here's a comparison of different moving company options, including traditional removal firms and crowdsourced delivery platforms:

Traditional Removal Firms

Pros:

Professionalism: Traditional removal firms often have years of experience and expertise in handling all aspects of the moving process, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading.

Insurance coverage: Most reputable removal firms offer insurance coverage for your belongings during transit, providing peace of mind in case of any damages or losses.

Customised services: Removal firms can provide customised services tailored to your specific needs and requirements, such as packing assistance, storage solutions, and special handling for fragile items.

Cons:

Cost: Hiring a traditional removal firm can be more expensive than other options, especially for long-distance moves or larger properties.

Scheduling constraints: Availability may be limited, especially during peak moving seasons, requiring you to book well in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

DIY Removals

Pros:

Cost-effective: Doing it yourself can be the most budget-friendly option, as you won't have to pay for professional services.

Flexibility: You have full control over the moving process, allowing you to plan and execute it according to your schedule and preferences.

Personalised approach: You can pack and transport your belongings exactly as you see fit without relying on others to handle them.

Cons:

Physical effort: DIY removals can be physically demanding, especially when it comes to lifting and carrying heavy furniture and boxes.

Logistical challenges: Without professional expertise and equipment, you may encounter logistical challenges, such as finding suitable transportation and navigating narrow doorways or staircases.

Risk of damage: Improper handling or packing techniques could lead to damage or breakage of your belongings during transit.

Crowdsourced Delivery Platforms

Pros:

Affordability: Crowdsourced delivery platforms often offer competitive pricing compared to traditional removal firms, making them a cost-effective option for budget-conscious movers.

Flexibility: With a large network of independent drivers, crowdsourced delivery platforms can accommodate last-minute, same-day or urgent transportation needs, providing greater flexibility in scheduling and logistics.

Wide availability: These platforms operate nationwide, allowing you to find transportation options even in remote or less-serviced areas.

Cons:

Reliability concerns: Since crowdsourced drivers are independent contractors, there may be variability in service quality and reliability. It's essential to research and read reviews carefully before selecting a driver.

Limited insurance coverage: Depending on the platform and driver, insurance coverage for transported items may be limited, which could pose risks for valuable or fragile belongings.

Coordination challenges: Coordinating with a crowdsourced driver may require additional communication and planning to ensure a smooth and timely pickup and delivery process.

Settling In

Unpack and organise your belongings in your new home, taking care to prioritise essential items and furniture.

Familiarise yourself with the property and address any immediate concerns or issues that arise.

Take time to explore your new neighbourhood and begin settling into your new surroundings.

Factors that Could Delay the Process

Moving house can be a complex and time-consuming process, and several factors could potentially delay the completion of the transaction. Common reasons for delays include:

• Property chain issues: If you're part of a property chain, delays or complications with other transactions could impact your own timeline.
• Legal or financial issues: Disputes over contract terms, mortgage approval, or unforeseen legal issues could delay the exchange of contracts or completion of the sale.
• Survey findings: Significant issues identified during the property survey may require further investigation or negotiation, delaying the exchange of contracts or completion.
• Unforeseen circumstances: External factors such as adverse weather conditions, delays in paperwork processing, or personal emergencies could disrupt the moving process.

Next Steps of Buying a House

Once you've completed the process of moving house, there are several next steps to consider:

• Settling into your new home: Take the time to unpack, organise, and settle into your new surroundings.
• Updating your address and utilities: Notify relevant parties of your change of address and arrange for the transfer of utilities and services.
• Making any necessary renovations or improvements: Assess your new home and consider any renovations or improvements you'd like to make to personalise the space and enhance its value.
• Enjoying your new home: Take advantage of the opportunities and amenities offered by your new neighbourhood, and embrace the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life.

Useful External Links

Move iQ provides a detailed overview by Phil Spencer, highlighting the average time to move house at around 12 – 22 weeks, depending on various factors such as mortgage approval, selling your current home, and conveyancing, among others. The site offers a breakdown of timeframes for each stage of the moving process, offering insights to help minimise stress and ensure a smooth transition​ (Move iQ)​.

Bird & Co gives an average of 11 weeks to move house once an offer has been accepted but notes that this can extend up to six months if involved in a property chain. It also covers how long the survey to completion might take (approximately 3-6 months), differences in timing for no chain moves, and factors that can affect the duration of moving house, including the housing market and the efficiency of your conveyancing solicitor. The article suggests steps to potentially speed up the process, like sorting out your mortgage first and arranging a survey early on​ (Bird & Co. Solicitors)​.

I found a video titled "30 House Packing And Moving Tips - House Shifting Guide" on YouTube that offers a comprehensive guide on efficiently packing and moving your belongings from your house. This video could provide valuable insights and practical tips to ensure a smooth and organised move. You can watch the video here​ (YouTube)​.

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How Long Does it Take to Move House: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to move house on average?

The time it takes to move house can vary depending on several factors, including the property search, mortgage approval, conveyancing, and completion of the sale. On average, the process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

What can cause delays in the house moving process?

Common factors that could delay the house-moving process include property chain issues, legal or financial complications, survey findings, and unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or personal emergencies.

How can I ensure a smooth and timely house move?

To ensure a smooth and timely house move, it's essential to start the process early, conduct thorough research, communicate effectively with all parties involved, and remain flexible and patient throughout the process.

How long does it take to move house once offer accepted?

Once an offer on a property has been accepted, the time it takes to complete the move can vary. On average, it can take approximately 8-12 weeks to move house from the point of offer acceptance to completion, depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction and the efficiency of the parties involved.

How long do you get to move house after completion?

Once the completion of the sale has taken place, you typically have the rest of the day to move into your new house. However, arrangements can be made with the seller to allow for a later move-in date if needed, depending on mutual agreement and any contractual arrangements.

Why Porta Delivery?

Porta Delivery use a crowdsourced driver model which matches you with furniture movers already planning the journey. Porta has three main benefits vs other companies:

1.) Lowest prices due to the crowdsourced model; drivers will have other items in their van, lowering the cost per item

2.) Neutral emissions as drivers are making the journey anyway

3.) Fast and easy to use platform

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