How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Lancaster?
If you’re thinking of selling your home in Lancaster, you might be wondering how long it takes to find a buyer. The timeline varies depending on property type, price, and market conditions. To give you an idea, we’ve gathered data from 190 Lancaster homes sold (stc) in the past three months.
- Detached homes: 32 sold, averaging 123 days
- Semi-detached homes: 55 sold, averaging 119 days
- Terraced/townhouses: 55 sold, averaging 87 days
- Flats/apartments: 29 sold, averaging 178 days
(Note: These figures exclude mobile homes, land, and building plots.)
Once a sale is agreed, it takes around 120 days to complete the transaction—comparable to the national average of 119 days. However, some homes sell faster than others. Here’s why.
Why Some Lancaster Properties Take Longer to Sell
Selling a home isn’t just about listing it and waiting for offers. Several factors can affect the speed of your sale:
1. Pricing It Right
Setting the right price is crucial. Overpricing deters buyers, making your home less visible in searches and less competitive. Over the past two years, only 60.99% of Lancaster homes listed for sale resulted in a completed move. The other 39.01% were withdrawn without selling. Work with a knowledgeable estate agent to price your home competitively based on recent sales data.
2. Choosing the Right Estate Agent
Your agent’s expertise significantly impacts how quickly your home sells. A proactive agent will market your property effectively, engage buyers, and provide regular updates. If your agent isn’t meeting expectations, don’t hesitate to follow up.
3. High-Quality Photography
First impressions matter. Buyers scrolling through listings on Rightmove and Zoopla rely on photos to decide whether to book a viewing. Poor-quality or outdated photos (e.g., showing Christmas decorations in summer) can make a property seem stale. Refreshing images regularly can boost interest.
4. Mortgage Challenges
Some properties, such as flats with short leases or those above shops, can be trickier for buyers to secure mortgages on. If this applies to your home, consider solutions like lease extensions or highlighting unique selling points to attract buyers.
5. Timing Matters
Seasonal trends affect demand. Spring and summer typically see more activity, while winter can be slower. Economic conditions, such as mortgage rates, also play a role. Even if the market is quieter, a well-executed marketing strategy can still generate interest.
Selling Your Home in Lancaster
Selling a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a journey that requires preparation and the right guidance. Whether you’re selling a detached house, a terrace, or a flat, I’m here to provide expert advice and support.
If you’re considering selling, let’s chat about how we can achieve the best outcome for you. Remember at JDG we are here to help!
Thanks for reading
Michelle
