From Viewing to Completion: How Long Does Buying a Home Really Take?
Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones — but if you’re a first-time buyer or moving home in Bath, the timeline from viewing to collecting the keys can feel like a mystery. How long does it really take? And what can you do to keep things moving smoothly?
In this guide, we break down the home-buying process into simple stages, highlight common delays, and share practical tips to help you stay on track. Whether you’re just starting your property search or already house-hunting, this realistic timeline will help you feel more prepared — and less overwhelmed.
From Viewing to Offer – How Quickly Should You Act in Bath?
In the Bath market, homes don’t hang around for long. It’s not unusual for properties — especially those in popular areas like Larkhall, Widcombe or Bear Flat — to receive multiple offers within days of being listed. This means buyers often move from first viewing to offer within 1 to 3 weeks, sometimes faster.
Before you start viewing, make sure you’re financially ready. Securing a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) is essential — not only does it show sellers you’re serious, but it also gives you a clear idea of your budget. Sellers and estate agents are far more likely to accept offers from buyers who are “proceedable”.
Top Tip: Speak to a mortgage broker early and get your AIP in place before booking viewings — it’ll put you in a strong position to act fast when you find the right home.
Mortgage Offers, Surveys and Valuations – Getting Financially Approved
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll need to move quickly to secure a full mortgage offer. This typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how promptly you provide the necessary documents and how busy your lender is.
During this time, your lender will also carry out a valuation survey to check the property is worth what you’ve agreed to pay. You may also want to commission your own independent survey (such as a HomeBuyer Report or full Building Survey), which can take up to 2 weeks to arrange and receive the report.
Delays at this stage often stem from:
- Missing paperwork or slow responses to lender queries
- Backlogs in surveyor availability
- Further investigations after survey findings
Top Tip: Be responsive to requests, and if you’re unsure about anything, speak to your broker or solicitor. The quicker you answer, the faster your mortgage can progress.
The Legal Bit – Conveyancing, Chains and Local Authority Searches
Conveyancing is where much of the behind-the-scenes legal work happens — and it’s also where many buyers experience the most frustration. On average, conveyancing takes 8 to 12 weeks, though it can be longer if the chain is complex or local searches are delayed.
In Bath, one common bottleneck is the Bath & North East Somerset local authority search, which can take several weeks to come back due to high demand and staffing delays. Your solicitor will also be handling the property contract, title checks, enquiries, and liaising with other parties in the chain.
If your purchase is part of a chain (where several linked transactions depend on one another), expect some extra coordination time — particularly when aligning exchange and completion dates.
Top Tip: Choose a proactive, communicative solicitor. Ask them early about expected search times and how they’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Exchange, Completion and Moving Day – What to Expect
Once all legal checks are complete, finances are in place, and everyone in the chain is ready, you’ll move to exchange of contracts — the point at which the purchase becomes legally binding.
The gap between exchange and completion can vary. Some buyers opt for a short gap of 5–7 days, while others prefer 2–4 weeks to allow time for moving arrangements.
On completion day, your solicitor will transfer the funds to the seller’s solicitor, and once confirmed, you’ll get the call to collect your keys — congratulations, you’re a homeowner!
Top Tip: Start planning your move early — get removals quotes, set up utilities, and make a checklist of final tasks so the day runs smoothly.
Making It Smoother – How Zest Helps You Move with Confidence
In total, the home-buying process in Bath typically takes around 12 to 16 weeks from offer to completion — though this can vary depending on your situation, chain length, and market conditions.
At Zest, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers navigate this journey, from nervous first-time purchasers to seasoned movers. Our team knows the Bath market inside out and can help anticipate common delays — whether that’s chasing search results, coordinating chains, or recommending trusted solicitors and brokers.
We believe buying a home should feel exciting, not stressful. With the right guidance, clear communication, and local insight, it really can be.
Whether you’re just beginning your search or you’re ready to book a viewing, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today for expert advice and personalised support. Or alternatively, why not explore our homes for sale.
