How Long Does It Take to Move House in the UK? A Realistic Timeline from a Removal Expert
Moving house is one of the biggest life changes most people make, and one of the first questions we hear every single week at MoveCraft is:
“How long does it actually take to move house in the UK?”
The honest answer is: it depends.
But based on years of hands-on experience working on UK house moves—from studio flats in London to full family homes across England and Wales—we can give you a clear, realistic timeline, explain what slows moves down, and show you how to stay in control of the process.
This guide is written to help you plan properly, reduce stress, and avoid the most common delays we see on moving day.
The Short Answer: Average House Move Timeline in the UK
On average, moving house in the UK takes between 12 weeks and 6 months from the moment you decide to move to the day you settle into your new home.
However, the physical move itself—the removals part—usually takes 1 to 2 days, depending on property size, access, and distance.
The rest of the time is taken up by legal, financial, and administrative stages.
Typical UK Moving House Timeline (Stage by Stage)
Below is a realistic breakdown based on real UK transactions and what we see daily as a professional removals and storage company.
1. Preparing to Move (2–6 Weeks)
Before any boxes are packed, most moves start with preparation.
This stage often includes:
Getting your property valued
Choosing an estate agent
Booking a conveyancing solicitor
Starting mortgage discussions
Researching areas and properties
Pro tip from experience:
Clients who instruct a solicitor early and get mortgage paperwork ready always move faster later.
2. Selling Your Property (5–14 Weeks)
Finding a buyer can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on:
Market conditions
Property price and location
Whether you’re in a chain
If you’re selling and buying at the same time, this stage often overlaps with your property search.
3. Finding and Securing a New Home (4–12 Weeks)
Buying a property is rarely instant.
You may:
View multiple properties
Make more than one offer
Lose out to other buyers
First-time buyers usually move faster because there’s no chain involved.
4. Mortgage Application and Approval (2–6 Weeks)
Even if you’re porting an existing mortgage, lenders still need to:
Assess affordability
Carry out valuations
Complete underwriting checks
Delays here are extremely common and often outside your control.
5. Property Survey (2–3 Weeks)
Once your offer is accepted, surveys begin.
Depending on the property, you may choose:
RICS Level 2 Home Survey
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
If issues like damp, subsidence, or roof defects are found, negotiations can add extra time.
6. Conveyancing and Legal Process (8–12 Weeks)
This is where most delays happen.
The conveyancing process includes:
Property searches
Contract reviews
Enquiries between solicitors
Chain coordination
From our experience working alongside solicitors, chains are the single biggest cause of moving delays.
7. Exchange of Contracts (1–2 Weeks Before Completion)
Once contracts are exchanged:
The move becomes legally binding
A completion date is fixed
This is when you should confirm your removal company booking.
At MoveCraft, we always recommend booking removals 4–6 weeks in advance, then adjusting dates once exchange is confirmed.
8. Completion and Moving Day (1–2 Days)
The final stage.
On completion day:
Funds are transferred
Keys are released
The physical move happens
A standard UK house move usually takes:
1 day for smaller homes
2 days for larger family properties
Storage may be required if there’s a gap between completion dates.
What Slows Down a House Move in the UK?
From real-world experience, the most common delays include:
Long property chains
Slow conveyancers
Mortgage approval issues
Survey problems
Gazumping
Poor communication between parties
This is why flexibility—and good planning—matters.
How Long Does the Physical Move Take?
This is where professional removals make a huge difference.
Typical moving day times:
1-bed flat: half day to 1 day
2–3 bed house: 1 day
4+ bed house: 1–2 days
Factors that affect timing:
Stairs and parking access
Distance between properties
Amount of furniture
Packing requirements
How to Speed Up Your House Move (Expert Advice)
Here’s what genuinely helps:
Instruct your solicitor early
Get mortgage documents ready in advance
Stay responsive to emails and calls
Book removals before exchange
Use professional packing services
Consider short-term storage if dates don’t align
At movecraft.co.uk, we regularly support clients with secure storage solutions to prevent moves falling apart due to timing gaps.
Why Your Removal Company Matters More Than You Think
A good removals and storage company doesn’t just move boxes.
We:
Coordinate around completion times
Handle last-minute date changes
Provide storage when chains collapse
Reduce stress on moving day
We’ve worked with thousands of UK homeowners and tenants who underestimated how critical this part of the move really is.
FAQs
How long does it take to move house with no chain?
Typically 8–12 weeks, especially for first-time buyers.
What’s the biggest delay when moving house?
The conveyancing process and property chains.
When should I book a removal company?
Ideally 4–6 weeks before your expected completion date.
Can I move out before completion?
Yes, but you’ll usually need short-term storage.
How long does packing take?
Professional packing usually takes 1 day for most homes.
Is storage common during UK house moves?
Yes—especially when completion dates don’t line up.
Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Move Smarter
Moving house in the UK isn’t quick—but it doesn’t have to be chaotic.
With realistic expectations, early planning, and the right professionals involved, you can avoid most delays and move with confidence.
If you’re planning a move and want practical, honest advice—or need professional removals or storage support anywhere in the UK—MoveCraft is here to help.