Buyers now wait an average 4.4 months to exchange, Propertymark data shows
Propertymark data shows homebuyers now wait an average 4.4 months between accepting an offer and exchanging contracts, with many transactions taking longer than ever. The delay hits buyers trying to time a move and sellers whose chains drag on. For the market, the friction between agreed sales and completions helps explain why transaction volumes look soft even when underlying demand holds up. It's a process problem, not a price one.
What this means for…
Buyers· 2/3
Sellers· 2/3
Wider market· 2/3
Each axis scored 1 (minor) to 3 (major). Total 6/9.
More Demand commentary
19 Oct 2026 · Impact 7/9
New-seller asking prices rise 1% in October to £371,015, but sales agreed are 8% below last year, Rightmove finds
19 Oct 2026 · Impact 7/9
Asking prices rise 1.0% to £371,015 in October but are flat on a year ago as the average two-year fix climbs to 5.55%, Rightmove finds
15 Oct 2026 · Impact 6/9
Half of two- and three-bed houses for sale are now affordable on an average income, Zoopla finds, but sales agreed are 9% below last year
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