How long does it really take to sell a home?

Selling a home isn’t something that happens overnight. From getting your property ready for sale through to settlement day, the timeline can vary significantly depending on your circumstances, your property, and the market.

If you're thinking of selling, here’s what to expect at each stage, and how to plan ahead so you’re not caught off guard.

Deciding to sell: What to consider before you commit

Before launching into timelines and prep work, it’s important to feel confident in your decision to sell. Start by considering your motivation: are you upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or shifting financial goals? Understanding your 'why' helps determine your urgency and approach.

You’ll also want to look at current market conditions. Is it a seller's market? Are properties in your area moving quickly? An experienced local agent can give you up-to-date insights and a realistic appraisal of your home.

Other practicalities include evaluating your financial position, the cost of selling (including agent fees, styling, legal fees, and potential repairs), and the logistics of your next move. If you're also buying, consider the timing and risk of buying before or after selling.

Pre-sale preparation 

2–6 weeks

Before your home even hits the market, there's work to be done. Decluttering, deep cleaning, minor repairs, painting, and garden refreshes all take time and these can all make a big difference to your sale price.

This stage also includes choosing your real estate agent, organising property styling, getting professional photos taken, and arranging key documentation. You may need to prepare building and pest inspection reports or speak with your conveyancer or bank. Even with a motivated seller, this phase often takes a few weeks to do well.

Marketing and open homes

2–4 weeks

Once you're ready to go live, your agent will launch your marketing campaign. Most campaigns run over three to four weekends, but strong buyer demand can mean faster outcomes.

During this period, your property is listed online, advertised through email alerts and social media, and shown during open inspections. If you're selling via auction, the campaign usually leads up to auction day. For private treaty sales, offers may come in at any point—sometimes even within days of listing.

Negotiation and accepting an offer 

A few days to 1+ week

Once a buyer is interested, negotiations begin. This could be quick or drawn out depending on how close the offer is to your expectations, how many buyers are in play, and whether any conditions (like subject to finance or a building inspection) are attached.

Your agent will help manage this phase, ensuring offers are communicated clearly and efficiently so you can make an informed decision.

Settlement period 

4–6 weeks on average

Once you’ve accepted an offer and contracts are exchanged, the settlement clock starts. In NSW, most settlements are 42 days (6 weeks), but this can be negotiated.

During this time, the buyer organises their finance, conducts final inspections, and completes legal checks. As the seller, you'll need to ensure the property remains in the same condition as when contracts were signed. Your conveyancer or solicitor will oversee the legal and financial transfer.

Factors that can speed up or slow down the process

No two sales are alike, and several factors can influence how long your home takes to sell:

• Market conditions: In a seller's market, homes can move in days. In a slower market, it might take weeks to find the right buyer.
• Pricing strategy: A realistic price aligned with market expectations can drive faster results.
• Presentation: Homes that look well-maintained and move-in ready tend to attract more interest.
• Property type and location: Unique homes or those in niche areas can take longer to sell.
• Legal or financial issues: Delays in paperwork, finance approvals, or title checks can push timelines out.

Planning your timeline with confidence

The best way to plan your sale is to work backwards from your ideal move-out date. Allow time for each phase and build in some flexibility for delays. If you’re buying another property, this planning becomes even more critical.

A knowledgeable local agent will help you map out a realistic schedule, give you tips to streamline each step, and keep the process moving so you can focus on the next chapter.

5 surprising facts about how long it takes to sell a home

1. Most homes don’t sell on the first open — While some properties attract immediate offers, many homes require multiple open inspections before the right buyer comes along.
2. The average time on market changes with the seasons — Spring and early autumn tend to be faster-selling seasons, while winter and the Christmas period can be slower.
3. Well-styled homes can sell up to 30% faster — Presentation matters. Professionally styled properties often move more quickly than empty or cluttered ones.
4. Settlement times aren’t set in stone — While 42 days is standard in NSW, both buyers and sellers can negotiate shorter or longer settlement periods depending on their needs.
5. Niche properties often take longer to sell — Homes with unique features may stay on the market longer, simply due to a smaller pool of buyers.

Ready to start planning your move?

Whether you're thinking about selling soon or just weighing up your options, the right advice can make all the difference. Speak with your local real estate expert at Page & Co to understand the current market and how to time your move with confidence.