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New data from property portal Zoopla has pinpointed the locations across Britain where homes are being acquired most rapidly and where sales are taking longer to finalise. The research highlights significant regional variations in the pace of the property market, impacting both sellers and buyers seeking to navigate the current landscape. Understanding these trends is crucial for those looking to buy or sell property in the UK.
UK Property Market: Regional Sales Pace Uneven
On average, across the UK, it currently takes approximately 36 days from a property being listed on the market to a sale being agreed – representing the period between an offer being made and accepted by both parties. However, this timeframe fluctuates considerably throughout the nation, ranging from a swift 19 days in the fastest-moving areas to a more protracted 62 days in locations experiencing slower sales.
The data indicates that over half, specifically 52%, of properties successfully find a buyer within the initial two months of being listed for sale. Subsequently, the process to complete the sale typically requires an additional four to six months for sellers and buyers to navigate legal and administrative procedures.
Fastest Selling Homes: Manchester and Waltham Forest Lead
Zoopla’s analysis of property sales in the first quarter of this year reveals that Manchester and the London borough of Waltham Forest in the east of the capital are currently the fastest-moving markets for home sales. In both of these locations, properties are typically on the market for just 19 days before a buyer is secured, on average.
Waltham Forest, despite its higher average property price of £525,000, offers comparative affordability within the London market. Its appeal is further enhanced by reputable schools, lower crime statistics, and abundant green spaces, making it an attractive residential area for families desiring convenient access to central London.
Manchester is currently classified as a seller’s market, according to Zoopla’s findings. The city’s appeal is bolstered by its dynamic, youthful population and a thriving social scene with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants.
With a significant student population exceeding 100,000, Manchester retains a considerable portion of graduates post-study – research suggests approximately half choose to remain in the city after graduating, second only to London in graduate retention rates.
A robust employment sector, efficient transport infrastructure, a vibrant cultural landscape, and ongoing urban development projects contribute to Manchester’s attractiveness, particularly for first-time purchasers. Furthermore, the city attracts buy-to-let investors due to strong rental demand. City centre population growth is projected to reach 200,000 in the coming years.
Regional Trends: Northern Markets Move Quickly
Zoopla’s research indicates a trend of faster property sales in the northern regions of England compared to the south, where property prices are generally higher. The North West and North East regions demonstrate an average selling time of 32 days and comprise six of the top ten fastest-moving property markets in England and Wales.
Carlisle emerges as another location with a rapidly moving property market, with homes typically finding buyers within 20 days. Stockport in Greater Manchester, Gateshead in the North East, and Redditch in the West Midlands also exhibit brisk sales, with properties in these areas averaging 22 days on the market.
Scotland also shows a trend towards quicker sales, with properties typically spending an average of 21 days on the market before a sale is agreed.
Factors Influencing Slower Sales
Property location is not the sole determinant of sale duration. Inaccurate pricing relative to the local market is a key impediment to a swift sale, potentially leading to prolonged periods on the market or failure to sell, according to Zoopla.
Properties failing to generate sufficient buyer interest, prompting sellers and estate agents to implement price reductions of 5% or greater, experience significantly extended selling times, averaging approximately 43 days.
Nigel Bishop, founder of Recoco Property Search, emphasises the critical role of initial pricing: ‘Setting an appropriate asking price is often the primary factor determining the speed of a property sale.
‘Some vendors learn this lesson retrospectively, eventually necessitating price adjustments.’
Excess property supply in certain local markets also contributes to longer market times, Zoopla notes.
The implementation of double council tax on second homes by 150 councils across the UK is augmenting property supply in second-home hotspots, particularly coastal towns. This increase in available properties is impacting the time taken to sell in these regions significantly.
East Lindsey in the East Midlands, known for its coastline encompassing towns like Skegness and Mablethorpe, sees properties taking an average of 59 days to sell. Gwynedd in Wales, another area with a high proportion of second homes and a 150% council tax increase, mirrors this trend, also averaging 59 days to sale.
Bishop further observes buyer behaviour: ‘Prospective purchasers prioritize various factors in their property search; however, budget considerations typically dominate decision-making.
‘While certain properties command premium prices owing to location or local amenities, fewer buyers are now inclined to engage in competitive bidding scenarios – particularly in regions experiencing increased property availability.’
Property Type Impact on Sales Time
The type of property offered for sale is also a significant determinant in sales pace. Two and three-bedroom properties currently represent the fastest-selling segment, while flats and larger houses experience longer sales times due to greater market supply and wider buyer choice.
The average selling time for two-bedroom homes is 23 days, representing a two-day reduction compared to the previous year. The popularity of two and three-bedroom properties spans diverse buyer demographics. These properties are often perceived as offering enhanced value, particularly for first-time buyers.
Downsizing homeowners, who are seeking to reduce property size without sacrificing features such as gardens or ample living space, also frequently target this property type.
Flats and properties with four or more bedrooms experience the longest sales durations, requiring average times of 31 days and 38 days respectively to secure a buyer.
The early months of 2025 witnessed an 18% increase in the number of flats listed on the market, compared to a more modest 7% rise in houses for sale. This supply increase is outpacing the rate of newly agreed sales, substantially impacting the selling time for these property categories.
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, summarised the findings: ‘Currently, agreeing a home sale across England and Wales takes just over a month, although this varies significantly geographically and by property type, with smaller family homes selling most rapidly.
‘Households considering listing their property and moving in 2025 should ensure they set an appropriate asking price, heeding advice from local property experts.
‘Buyers currently have a wider selection of properties available compared to last year. Overpricing can negatively impact saleability and extend the time required to agree a sale.’