Timeline when selling a flat

Selling a flat can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the property, the buyer, and how straightforward the legal process is. While some flats sell quickly, many transactions are delayed by factors that don’t usually apply to houses - particularly when the property is leasehold. Understanding the typical timeline, and where delays commonly arise, can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary frustration.

Leasehold flats often involve extra layers of administration that can slow a sale down. This might include waiting for information from the freeholder or managing agent, dealing with service charge accounts, or resolving issues such as a short lease or restrictive lease terms. On this page, you’ll find detailed guides covering each stage of the flat-selling timeline, common causes of delay, and how specific leasehold issues can affect how long your sale takes - so you know what to expect and how to move things forward more smoothly.