Homeowners could be leaving thousands on the table if their property lingers on the market, according to new analysis from the HomeOwners Alliance.
Data from 6,000 estate agent branches across the UK shows that homes sold in around 11 days achieve the best price, while longer listings can significantly reduce returns.
Properties sold in 10–11 days typically reach 100.4% of asking price, adding roughly £1,000 to the sale of an averagely priced UK home.
By contrast, homes sold in seven days or less achieve just 94% of asking price, leaving sellers nearly £16,000 worse off on a £270,000 property.
EVERY POUND MATTERS
The research reveals a clear trend for properties that linger: after 30 days on the market, sellers typically settle for 98% of asking price, losing around £5,400. By three months, the figure falls to 95.5%, costing homeowners around £18,400.
Paula Higgins (main picture, inset), Founder and CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, says: “Right now every pound matters to homeowners.
“There is a sweet spot when selling a home and that is around 11 days.”
“Our data shows there is a sweet spot when selling a home and that is around 11 days. Sell too fast and you leave money on the table. Let it drag on over a month and buyers start knocking thousands off the price.
“This isn’t about rushing a sale, it’s about choosing the right agent. The agents who consistently sell in around 11 days are the ones achieving the best prices. When a home sits on the market for weeks, it is often a sign something needs to change.”
Sellers looking to maximise returns are advised to aim for a rapid yet strategic sale, targeting the 11-day window identified as optimal for achieving maximum price.
