House moving is an exciting, but the most frequently questioned is: “how long does moving home take?” It varies according to a number of variables, most significantly whether you are renting or buying. We explain the most significant stages of moving home in London in 2025.
How Long Does It Take to Move House in the UK?
The house moving process takes time depending on whether you are purchasing or leasing. Although leasing is a process that takes comparatively not much time, buying a house has financial and legal procedures. Let us consider the two cases in detail.
How long it takes to buy, rent and move in?
Buying a Home: How Long Will It Take?
If you are purchasing property in the UK, the process will last between 8 weeks and 6 months, depending on a number of factors. Listed below is an overview of the most crucial stages:
1. Searching for the Right Property (2-12 Weeks)
The house hunting can be from a few weeks to a few months based on:
✅ Market availability
✅ Your budget and your tastes
✅Competition from other purchasers
2. Application and Submission of a Mortgage (2-4 Weeks)
You can make an offer and have it accepted within days. 2-4 weeks may pass before one is offered a mortgage in principle and a full mortgage application, pending lender processing.
3. Conveyancing and Surveys (8-12 Weeks)
A solicitor will:
✅Carry out property searches
✅Communicate with the seller’s solicitor
✅Enforce legal contracts
4. Exchanging Contracts and Completion (1-4 Weeks)
After all legal screening is done, you will sign contracts and settle on an end date, usually 1-2 weeks from then.
5. Moving Day!
Once you have completed, you can pick up the keys and move in. It is made easy with a professional removal firm such as Pick Quick Removals.
Purchasing with a Chain vs. Chain-Free
✅ Chain-Free Property → Sells quicker, typically in 6-8 weeks.
❌ Chain Buying → There might be delays if others trade more slowly.
Renting a Property: How Long Does It Take?
It is usually faster to lease than to purchase. It typically only takes 2-6 weeks, but depending on all of the variables, here’s an estimate:
1. Purchase of a Property and Offer (1-4 Weeks)
London rental homes are in demand! Viewings, offer-making, and being accepted may take a few days to a few weeks.
2. Tenant Referencing and Contracts (1-3 Weeks)
Once it has been accepted, the letting agency or landlord will carry out the reference checks, which will take between a few days and two weeks. You will then sign the tenancy agreement.
3. Moving In!
After you’ve obtained contracts, you’ll coordinate moving day, collect keys, and start settling in.
How Long Does it Take to Relocate into a New Home When You Have Signed an Exchange Contract?
For purchasers, once contracts are exchanged, the last step prior to moving is completion, which is from a few days to a month. On the completion day, you’ll receive the keys and move in.
For tenants, after signing the contracts, you can move in immediately or after a couple of days, depending on the availability of the property.
How Long Will it Take to Move?
Once you have established your move-in date, the moving itself will usually take:
✔️ 1 day for most homes
✔️ 2+ days for large houses or moves across a distance
When to Use a Professional Removal Company?
To have a stress-free and hassle-free relocation, hire a professional removals firm as soon as possible. It is best to reserve your removals service at least 4-6 weeks prior to your moving date, particularly during peak seasons such as:
✅ Summer months
✅ End of the month
✅ Weekends
How to Speed Up Your Move ?
Buying Options:
✔️ Have your mortgage agreed in principle
✔️ Advise a solicitor beforehand
✔️ React quickly to requests for papers.
For Renters:
✔️ All documents needed should be available for reference
✔️ Be open about your move-in time
Want to make your move stress-free with Pick Quick Removals?
📞Call +442080881877
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📧Email at: info@pickquickremovals.co.uk
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