The UK areas where it’s taking longer to sell a home
The average time to sell a home in the UK has increased by just one day compared to last year, remaining at 33 days nationally. However, London is seeing a more significant slowdown, with homes taking six days longer to sell than in 2025. Mortgage rates initially rose due to Middle East conflict-driven swap rate increases but have started to stabilize as swap rates fall. Zoopla notes that well-priced homes are still selling quickly, especially in northern cities and Scotland, while southern regions show more seller flexibility.
- ▪The UK average time to sell a home is 33 days, up one day from the previous year.
- ▪In London, homes are taking 41 days to sell, six days longer than in 2025.
- ▪Mortgage rates rose following the Middle East conflict but have begun to plateau as swap rates decline.
- ▪Properties in northern cities and Scotland are selling faster, while southern regions have more negotiation room.
- ▪Zoopla tracks the period from listing to sale subject to contract, based on data up to April 17, 2026.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NewsUKHome NewsThe UK areas where it’s taking longer to sell a homeMortgage rates increased following the start of the Middle East conflict as swap rates jumpedVicky Shaw Wednesday 29 April 2026 00:01 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966647","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/zoopla-houses-sale-london-scotland-england-b2966647.html","title":"The UK areas where it’s taking longer to sell a home"}}UK economy grew faster than expected before Iran warYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Independent.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Independent
