THREE major UK cities are seeing many houses sell in less than two weeks – and one typically takes just 11 days.
Glasgow, Worcester and Belfast are the cities where houses sell the fastest, with many properties selling in under a fortnight.
Figures from property management software provider Alto, which is plugged into more than 6,000 estate agents nationwide, found homes move quickest in Glasgow, where sales are being agreed in as little as 11 days.
However, across the UK, sales are taking more than twice that amount of time, with the average property spending 30 days on the market.
London matched this national average exactly, ranking 21st of the cities analysed, while Wakefield was the city where homes took the longest to sell – spending 63 days on the market on average.
Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, CEO of Alto, which commissioned the research, said: “We sit on one of the UK’s biggest property datasets, and one number stood out: homes in Glasgow are typically agreed in just 11 days – the fastest anywhere in the country.
“The housing market is always fluctuating, and price points, stock levels, improving transport links, and chains all play a part – but what we’re consistently seeing in Glasgow this year is agents who know their patch inside out and price a home right from day one.
“Where a home is priced for what local buyers will actually pay, it moves; and where it’s priced for what the seller hoped for 18 months ago, it sits with flats being the clearest example of what happens when that slips.
“Wherever you’re selling, the first fortnight on the market is the part that counts, so get the asking price right on day one rather than discounting your way there over three months.”
The findings also showed terraced and semi-detached homes were the fastest-selling property types across the country, generally seeing an offer agreed around 26 days after being listed.
After retirement and sheltered accommodation properties (98 days) and park and mobile homes (96 days), detached properties take the longest to sell, typically spending 41 days up for sale.
The data revealed the number of days it takes to agree an offer on a flat or apartment has increased by 34% in the last 12 months, from 29 days to 39 days.
Meanwhile, the time taken to sell a one-bed or studio property has increased by 31%, from 32 days to 42 days.
Mark Adams, managing partner of G&S Properties in Glasgow, said: “In my opinion, the Glasgow market is strong due to a chronic undersupply of property at accessible price points and a surge in demand for both urban and rural living.
“If you are looking to sell, you should find a reputable, independent estate agent who will advise on setting an accurate, competitive asking price.
“They should guide you on presenting the property well with professional photography, including drone photography and video, to boost kerb appeal, increase viewings and negotiate a premium sale.”
Top 10 fastest-selling cities in the UK
1. Glasgow
2. Worcester
3. Belfast
4. Newcastle
5. Stoke-on-Trent
6. Cardiff
7. Portsmouth
8. Bradford
9. Sheffield
10. Manchester
Top 10 slowest-selling cities in the UK
1. Wakefield
2. Swansea
3. Peterborough
4. Nottingham
5. York
6. Lincoln
7. Chester
8. Cambridge
9. Wolverhampton
10. Leicester
