“How long will it take to sell?”
It’s one of the first and most important questions every homeowner asks when they start thinking about moving. The truth? It depends on quite a few things.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but based on market data and our experience in Havering and East London and the surrounding areas, we can break it down into smart, actionable insights.
Average time on market, and what affects it
Nationally, the average time to sell a home in 2025 is around 50–60 days from listing to offer accepted. But that’s just a wide brushstroke. Some homes sell in a week. Others take months.
So what causes the difference?
- Pricing — Homes priced realistically attract early interest. Overpriced homes often stall until a reduction.
- Presentation — High-quality photos and staging speed things up dramatically.
- Agent Proactivity — Some agents sit back. We don’t. We follow up, we chase leads, we drive offers.
Your market, your story
In Havering and East London, we’re still seeing strong demand, especially from buyers who are ready to move fast.
If your home fits into the first time buyers or second time movers priced range and is well positioned and presented, we typically expect:
- First Enquiries within 48–72 hours of going live
- First viewings within 5–7 days
- First offer within 2–3 weeks if priced correctly
This isn’t theory. It’s based on real-time data.
What slows things down?
It’s not always obvious but subtle factors can stall your sale:
- Poor follow-up by agents
- Untidy or cluttered rooms in photos
- Not preparing key documents early (EPCs, property information info, etc.)
- Overexposure with multiple agents reducing listing freshness
We work with our clients through every step to avoid these pitfalls.
How we help you sell sooner
It starts with smart preparation:
- Valuation backed by data not guesswork
- Media that reflects your home at its best
- A marketing strategy tailored to your goals and potential buyer type
We also communicate every step of the way, so you know exactly where your sale stands and what comes next.
The better your preparation and positioning, the quicker your sale.
Some of our happiest clients are the ones who went from “I thought this would take months” to “We’re under offer in 15 days.”
Timeframes vary, but when you combine pricing, presentation, and a proactive team things move faster than you think.
Send an email to salesteam@brookings.co.uk or give us a call at 020 8591 9088 to book a free in-person valuation.
