Tired of waiting to buy your dream home? You’re not the only one! Many people feel stuck when it comes to buying a house. It can take weeks or even months, and delays can be frustrating.
But don’t worry — there are smart ways to speed up the home buying process. In this guide, we’ll share 8 simple and effective tips to help you get the keys to your new home faster.
Let’s jump in!
1. Learn the Home Buying Language First
Buying a home involves many new terms that can be confusing.
Do you know what a “Standard Variable Rate” is? Or a “Mortgage Agreement in Principle”? These phrases can slow you down if you don’t understand them.
👉 Take some time to learn the basic terms used in buying a home.
It will save you time later when you deal with paperwork or talk to your mortgage advisor.
2. Sell Your Current Home First (If You Own One)
If you already own a home, it’s often faster to sell it before you buy a new one. This way, you’re not part of a “chain,” which can delay everything.
You can also:
- Rent a place while you search for your next home.
- Use a part-exchange scheme if you’re buying a new-build home. The developer buys your old home so you can move quickly.
3. Get Your Finances Ready Early
Before you look at houses, do this:
- Speak to a mortgage advisor
- Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle
- Collect all your important documents: ID, bank statements, salary slips, and bills
This puts you in a strong financial position, and you’ll be ready to move fast when you find the right home.
🔑 Pro Tip: A mortgage offer usually expires in 3–6 months, so don’t wait too long once it’s approved.
4. Ask to Remove the Listing After Your Offer Is Accepted
Once the seller accepts your offer, ask them to take the property off the market.
Why? Because if the home stays listed, another buyer could make a higher offer and take it away from you (this is called “gazumping”).
Removing the listing keeps your deal safe.
5. Choose the Right Professionals
The people you hire can speed things up or slow them down.
You’ll need:
- A good estate agent
- A reliable solicitor or conveyancer
- A trusted survey company
- A helpful moving company
🟢 Look for these green flags:
- Local experts who know the area well
- Good communication and availability
- Experience handling homes like the one you’re buying
- Clear fee structures
Ask friends or family for recommendations — it can make a big difference!
6. Respond Quickly to Documents and Messages
Don’t delay when your solicitor sends you papers to review or sign.
📩 Whether it’s an email or a letter, reply quickly to keep things moving. Some delays happen simply because people wait too long to answer.
Set reminders on your phone if needed!
7. Stay in Touch With Everyone Involved
Good communication = a faster move.
Make sure you’re regularly in touch with:
- Your solicitor
- Your estate agent
- Your mortgage lender
Ask for weekly updates, and don’t be afraid to follow up. Everyone should know what’s happening and what the next steps are.
8. Set a Realistic Timeline and Expect Delays
We all want things to happen quickly, but being realistic helps reduce stress.
Here’s a general idea of how long things take:
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Finding your home | 3–12 months |
| Mortgage approval | 2–4 weeks |
| Making an offer | 1 week |
| Hiring a solicitor | 1–2 weeks |
| Legal process (conveyancing) | 6–12 weeks |
| Survey and checks | 1–2 weeks |
| Exchange to completion | 1 day – 2 weeks |
Be patient and prepared. Delays are normal — whether it’s paperwork, searches, or seller issues. Having a buffer time will make the journey smoother.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home doesn’t have to take forever. With the right knowledge, preparation, and communication, you can speed up the home buying process and move into your new place faster than you think.
💬 Ready to start your home-buying journey? Follow these steps and make the process smoother from start to finish.
For more helpful home tips, visit HousingMarketNews.co.uk — your trusted source for property news and advice.
