How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?

When selling your property, there are several things to consider, such as its market value, seasonality, and how much you’re aiming to list it for. A common question during this time is: how long does it take to sell a house?

The answer depends on various factors, like your house itself and local market conditions. From prep time to settlement, we’ll walk you through the timeline and what you can do to speed up the process and improve your chances of a smooth sale.

What’s the Average Time to Sell a House?

From listing to settlement, the full selling process can take anywhere from several weeks to a couple of months. Here’s what that timeline looks like:

Preparing Your Home (1 to 4 weeks)

Before your property even hits the market, prep work is needed. This might include small repairs, decluttering, and cleaning, such as touch-up painting and tidying outdoor spaces. Many homeowners also choose to professionally style and stage their homes for listing photos and in-person viewings.

If your home is already in great shape, preparation can be completed in a few days. However, for houses needing a little more TLC, expect to spend a few weeks on sprucing it up.

Marketing & Listing (1 to 2 weeks)

Once everything is in place, it’s time to go live.

This usually kicks off within a week or two of final prep and your agent might plan a marketing campaign, including listing on real estate websites, open homes, and social media posts. If the process involves an auction, agents typically run a 3 to 4-week campaign.

Days on Market (30 to 60 days)

This is the period between when your home is listed and when you accept an offer. The average time to sell a house in Australia currently ranges from 30 to 40 days, depending on the location, property type, and market conditions.

Popular suburbs can see deals closing in under two weeks, while properties in slower or rural locations may take longer. For private treaty sales, the process may involve more negotiation and can stretch the timeline.

Settlement Period (30 to 90 days)

According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, standard settlement in Australia usually takes 30 to 90 days once the contract is signed. This is the time required to finalise legal documents, arrange finance, and complete inspections.

Factors Impacting Your Timeframe

• Timing: Spring and early summer are usually the fastest seasons to sell while buyer activity tends to slow down in winter and during the December-January holiday season. Discover our guide on holding vs selling your property to inform your next move.
• Location: Suburbs with strong infrastructure, schools, or lifestyle appeal tend to sell quicker.
• Property Condition: A clean, well-staged home typically attracts faster offers than one that looks tired. Fresh paint and a tidy landscape can shave days (or even weeks) off your sale time.
• Pricing: A good real estate agent will help you find the balance between an appealing price point for buyers and one you’re happy with.
• Marketing Strategy: Professional photos, clear descriptions, and a strategic campaign across online platforms can increase your reach. The more eyes on your listing, the better your chances of a quick sale.

Explore our guide on how to value property to understand how your home stacks up with broader market trends.

Speeding Up the Sales Process

Even if you’re listing during a quieter time of year, you can still move things along without losing value. Here’s how:

Get a Pre-Sale Inspection

This helps you identify and fix any concerning areas before buyers find them, preventing drawn-out negotiations or a failed sale.

Present Your Home in a Good Light

Want buyers to fall in love at first look? Invest in professional photos and consider styling your home for inspections. Highlight unique features, such as study nooks, outdoor entertaining areas, or extra storage space, in your listings.

Work with an Experienced Agent

Find a professional who knows your area well and has a track record of quick, successful sales. Ask about their average days on the market and how they plan to market your property.

Be Flexible with Showings

Make it easy for buyers to inspect your home. The more accessible your property is, the more likely you’ll get offers faster.

Let’s Make Your Next Move Easier

So, how long does it take to sell a house? On average, two to three months. Proper planning and the right financial advice can shorten that timeline and reduce stress along the way. 

Weighing your options? Inovayt’s team is here to support your next step. From working out your finances to structuring your next purchase, we help take the pressure off with tailored lending solutions, including home loans for professionals.

Speak with one of our brokers to understand what’s possible.