Zoopla unveils the quickest-selling property markets

Zoopla has revealed that properties in England and Wales are typically sold within 36 days of being listed, with more than half (52%) finding buyers within the first two months.

This marks a 3% rise from the previous year’s figure of 49%.

However, finalising a sale can extend another four to six months, influenced by the transaction’s complexity.

The property platform says that regions offering more affordable housing, particularly the North West and North East, are seeing the swiftest sales.

Pricing is crucial

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “It currently takes just over a month to agree a home sale across England and Wales, but this varies widely across the country and by property type with smaller family homes the fastest selling homes.

“Households that are thinking about listing their home and moving in 2025 need to set their asking price at the right level and take the advice of local agents.”

He added: “Buyers have a lot more choice of homes for sale than a year ago.

“Aiming too high on the asking price is likely to impact saleability and how long you may have to wait to agree a sale.”

How long to sell?

The data shows that cities such as Manchester, Carlisle, Stockport, Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne feature among the top 10 quickest markets.

In contrast, southern areas with higher prices experience slower turnover.

However, Waltham Forest in north east London leads as the fastest market this year, with homes averaging just 19 days on the market.

Its appeal lies in good schools, low crime rates, ample green spaces and proximity to central London, attracting families.

Across the country, Scottish properties outpace others, averaging 21 days to sale — 13 days quicker than the national average of 34 days.

The Scottish system, featuring a Home Report and ‘offers over’ pricing strategy, enhances speed and transparency for purchasers.

Supply is boosted

Southern England is seeing rising buyer interest, yet it lags behind the influx of listings.

The imposition of double council tax on second homes by 150 councils has boosted supply in coastal areas, slowing sales.

Two and three-bedroom houses are the quickest to sell, taking about 23 days on average, appealing to first-time buyers and downsizing retirees.

Conversely, flats and larger four-plus-bedroom homes take longer, at 31 and 38 days respectively, due to a recent 18%increase in flat listings outstripping demand.

Property sector reaction

Nigel Bishop, founder of Recoco Property Search, said: “Setting the right asking price often dictates how quickly a property will sell.

“Some sellers learn this the hard way and are eventually forced to accept a price reduction. It’s simple, really.”

He added: “House hunters base their search on various criteria but the budget tends to be the deciding factor.

“Whilst some properties will demand a premium due to location or nearby amenities, we are seeing fewer buyers willing to enter bidding wars – especially in parts of the UK where numerous properties have been put up for sale.”

Toby Leek, the NAEA Propertymark president, said: “As the year progresses, it’s extremely upbeat to witness a strong sense of self-assurance from buyers approaching the housing market.

“Regions such as the North West and North East have seen phenomenal growth over the last twenty-five years in terms of new infrastructure and jobs market appeal.”

He adds: “This in turn has magnetised people towards certain towns and cities, as homebuyers search out a perfect location to potentially settle.

“There has been considerable public and private investment within such areas, with many large companies also choosing to locate their staff within key northern locations for the same positive reasons – mainly based on enhanced transport links and lower costs.”