New data reveals that the average time to sell a home is nearly seven times faster in some parts of Britain than others, with some areas taking more than two months to sell.
The average time to sell of 42 days has remained unchanged in the year to July, but this masks a widening gap between faster local markets and weaker areas, according to Zoopla.
Widening gap in local markets
The website said around half (180 of the 363) of the local authorities it analysed had seen an increase in the average number of days taken to sell a property in the past year.
In Melton in the East Midlands, Zoopla said it took 76 days on average to sell the average home – a 21-day increase compared with July 2025. In Falkirk in Scotland, the average selling time is around seven times faster at just 11 days – one day less for the area than a year earlier.
The ten slowest places for house sales in the UK
Below, we list the ten slowest places for house sales in the UK.
=9. Elmbridge, 58
Elmbridge includes wealthy Surrey towns such as Esher, Cobham and Weybridge and boasts a who's who of famous residents from footballers to actors. The borough is known for leafy neighbourhoods, highly regarded schools and some of the most expensive residential streets outside central London.
=9. South Norfolk, 58
South Norfolk is dominated by villages, countryside and market towns such as Diss and Wymondham. Its rural character appeals to many, but its distance from the city of Norwich is likely behind the slow sales time of properties in the area.
Zoopla blames higher average mortgage rates that it says have led to a “wait and see” approach for more buyers – lengthening the time it takes to find a buyer across many regional and local housing markets.
=5. North Devon, 60
North Devon is the fifth area to see properties that take around 60 days to sell. Known for its dramatic coastline, surfing beaches and attractive countryside, with Barnstaple its main town. Its relative remoteness from major motorway and rail networks can reduce buyer demand and make it difficult for young families and commuters.
=5. Thanet, 60
Thanet includes Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate and is known for beaches, seaside culture and it enjoys growing popularity amongst those moving out of London to the Home Counties. However, despite this, it still sees property struggle to sell with an average time of 60 days according to Zoopla.
