How Long Should a House Stay on the Market?

There's no single number that works for every home. But there are patterns — and understanding them will tell you quickly whether your sale is on track or whether something needs to change.

THE FIRST TWO WEEKS ARE EVERYTHING

When a home goes to market at the right price with strong presentation, the first two weeks should be active. Buyers who've been waiting for something like yours get in touch. Viewings happen. Feedback comes in. That early window is the best opportunity available — and it cannot be recreated once it has passed.

If the first two weeks are quiet, don't wait to find out why.

THIRTY DAYS — TIME FOR A PROPER CONVERSATION

If a property reaches 30 das without a credible offer, it's time to sit down with your agent and go through everything honestly. Not a quick reassurance call. A real conversation about what feedback is coming in, what comparable homes have been doing, and what needs to change.

SIXTY DAYS — THE DANGER ZONE

By 60 days, buyers are noticing. They see how long the listing has been sitting and start asking questions. None of the assumptions may be true — but the perception forms anyway. From this point, doing nothing is not a neutral choice.

NINETY DAYS AND BEYOND

Beyond 90 days, a genuine reset is needed — not a small adjustment. A price review, new photos, potentially a different agent. The longer a home sits, the harder it becomes to rebuild buyer confidence — and buyer confidence is what gets you to exchange.

What the evidence tells us: in the current market across Maidenhead, Windsor, and West London, a well-positioned home should be with solicitors within six to eight weeks of launch. If that's not happening, there should be a straight answer as to why.

If your sale is taking longer than it should and you want to understand what's actually happening, we're happy to give you that honest view.