By Housing Market News
When you put your home up for sale, the biggest thing you want to know is simple:
“How long will it take to sell?”
In 2025, the UK housing market has slowed down in many areas. But still, some cities and towns are selling homes much faster than the national average. In a few places, homes sell in just 21 days, which is almost three times faster than slower regions.
This article explains the top 20 fastest-selling locations, why some markets move quicker, and what buyers and sellers need to know. Everything is written in simple English so everyone can understand what is happening in the UK property market.
UK Average: How Fast Do Homes Sell in 2025?
In 2025, the average UK home takes 37 days to find a buyer.
This means from the day a property is listed to the time it goes “sold subject to contract.”
Here’s how selling speed has changed over time:
UK Selling Speed Overview
| Time Period | Days to Sell | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 37 days | Market is slower |
| 5-year average | 30 days | Faster than today |
| 2020–22 | 22 days | Extremely fast market |
Why slower now?
- Mortgage rates are still high
- Buyers are more careful
- More homes are available
- Less competition than during the COVID boom
Even though the market has slowed overall, many local areas are still very busy. And some are selling homes so fast that buyers must move quickly.
Top 20 Fastest-Selling Areas in the UK (2025)
The fastest place to sell a home in the UK right now is Carlisle, where homes sell in just 21 days. Most places in the North West and North East are also moving quickly.
Table: Fastest 20 Local Markets
| Rank | Location | Region | Time to Sell | 5-Year Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlisle | North West | 21 days | 23 |
| 2 | Copeland | North West | 22 | 26 |
| 3 | Knowsley | North West | 22 | 21 |
| 4 | Sunderland | North East | 23 | 25 |
| 5 | Gateshead | North East | 23 | 25 |
| 6 | Chorley | North West | 24 | 23 |
| 7 | Bedford | East of England | 24 | 25 |
| 8 | Redditch | West Midlands | 25 | 21 |
| 9 | Waltham Forest | London | 26 | 22 |
| 10 | Stoke-on-Trent | West Midlands | 26 | 23 |
| 11 | Newcastle | North East | 26 | 23 |
| 12 | Harlow | East of England | 26 | 24 |
| 13 | Rochford | East of England | 27 | 27 |
| 14 | Barnsley | Yorkshire | 27 | 25 |
| 15 | North Tyneside | North East | 27 | 24 |
| 16 | Burnley | North West | 27 | 28 |
| 17 | Sheffield | Yorkshire | 27 | 23 |
| 18 | Wigan | North West | 27 | 23 |
| 19 | Warrington | North West | 28 | 26 |
| 20 | Reading | South East | 28 | 26 |
These areas are fast because of:
✔ Affordable homes
✔ Strong local demand
✔ Good transport links
✔ More first-time buyers
✔ Stable job markets
Region-by-Region Breakdown
Selling speed changes a lot from region to region. Some parts of the UK move very fast, while others are much slower.
North East – Fastest Region in the UK
Average time to sell: 29 days
The North East is currently the fastest region.
Key fast-selling areas:
- Sunderland
- Gateshead
- Newcastle
- North Tyneside
Why fast?
- Prices are affordable
- High demand for family homes
- Good transport and city centres
- More first-time buyers entering the market
If you’re a seller, this is a great time to list your home.
If you’re a buyer, be ready with your mortgage and offer quickly.
North West – The Strongest Local Markets
This region dominates the top 20 list.
Fast-selling local areas like:
- Carlisle
- Copeland
- Knowsley
- Chorley
- Wigan
- Warrington
Why so fast?
- Excellent value for money
- Strong rental demand
- Low competition
- Investors love this area
Houses sell in 21–28 days, which is much faster than the national average.
Slowest Regions: London, South East, South West
Not everywhere is fast. Some places are slowing down more than others.
| Region | Avg Time to Sell |
|---|---|
| London | 45 days |
| South East | Slower |
| South West | Slower |
Why slow?
- Higher property prices
- Fewer buyers
- More supply
- Tighter lending rules
London has only one borough in the Top 20: Waltham Forest.
Where Homes Are Selling Faster Than Normal
Some areas are surprisingly performing better than their usual history.
| Location | Change vs 5-Year Avg | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Maldon | -4 days | Faster than normal |
| Eden | -4 days | Buyer demand rising |
| Copeland | -4 days | Homes moving quicker |
These places may offer good opportunities for sellers because demand is rising again.
Where Homes Are Taking Much Longer to Sell
Some places are selling much slower than their 5-year average.
| Location | Change | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isle of Wight | +22 days | Much slower |
| Mole Valley | +22 days | Buyers taking more time |
These areas show clear signs of buyer caution.
Consistent Top Performers (5-Year History)
Some towns always rank high — year after year. These are the most reliable markets for fast sales.
| Town | Current Rank | 5-Year Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Carlisle | 1 | 6 |
| Knowsley | 3 | 2 |
| Gateshead | 5 | 19 |
| Sunderland | 4 | 19 |
| Bedford | 7 | 19 |
| Chorley | 6 | 6 |
| Redditch | 8 | 2 |
| Harlow | 12 | 13 |
| Waltham Forest | 9 | 4 |
| Newcastle | 11 | 6 |
These are strong markets no matter what year it is.
Why “Time to Sell” Is Important
This metric is helpful for both buyers and sellers.
For Sellers
- Helps guess how long a sale will take
- Shows market demand
- Helps set the right asking price
- Helps plan moving dates
For Buyers
- Shows competition level
- Helps you know when to make an offer
- Helps you avoid losing a property
If a home sells in 25 days, you can’t wait two weeks before deciding.
After Accepting an Offer — What Happens?
Many people think the sale is done when the offer is accepted — but there’s still more.
🕒 Step-by-Step Timeline
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Mortgage checks | 2–4 weeks |
| Property searches | 1–3 weeks |
| Exchange contracts | After checks |
| Completion day | 1–3 weeks later |
Total time after offer: 6 to 8 weeks (sometimes longer).
Looking Ahead: What Will 2026 Bring?
Experts believe selling times may stay slow unless:
- Mortgage rates fall
- More buyers return
- Inflation improves
But fast areas like Carlisle, Sunderland, Gateshead, Wigan, and Knowsley will stay strong because demand for affordable homes is always high.
Smaller homes, especially 2–3 bedroom family houses, will continue to sell the fastest.
Conclusion: Where Homes Sell Fastest in the UK
If you want a quick sale, the North East and North West are your best options.
If you’re buying, you will need to act fast in these regions.
The UK market is slower than before, but fast-selling pockets still exist.
Knowing your local market speed helps you:
✔ Price your home correctly
✔ Time your move better
✔ Make smarter buying decisions
HousingMarketNews will continue to track these trends to help you stay ahead.
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