How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Reading?

If you’re a homeowner in Reading thinking of selling your property, you have probably wondered how long it will take to find a buyer.

The timeline for selling a home varies depending on factors such as property type, price, and market conditions. Fortunately, we’ve compiled the latest statistics for 1,096 Reading homes that have sold stc in the last 3 months, split down by type (detached houses, semi-detached homes, terraced houses, and flats) to give you a clear picture.

• Of the 208 Reading detached homes sold (stc) in the last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed was 126 days (median time 80 days). 

• Of the 366 Reading semi-detached homes sold (stc) in the last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed was 89 days (median time 44 days). 

• Of the 233 Reading terraced/town houses sold (stc) in the last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed was 92 days (median time 41 days). 

• Of the 242 Reading flats/apartments sold (stc) in the last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed was 158 days (median time 88 days).

NB—some of you will notice all the numbers don’t add up to the total number in the second paragraph. This is because there are certain types of property that fall outside the four main types, including mobile homes, land, building plots etc.

(Reading being Reading town centre plus 4 miles).

These figures show the average number of days a property in Reading takes to go under offer. However, selling a home doesn't stop there. The entire process—from listing your property to completing the sale—can stretch over many months due to legal procedures and other factors.

It currently takes, on average, 129 days from agreeing to sell to completing a Reading property

(interesting when compared to the national average of 119 days)

While the statistics provide an overview of the home buying and selling timeline, it's essential to delve deeper into why homes may sell faster or slower in Reading. Below, I explore these factors to help you maximise your chances of successfully selling your Reading home.

Why Does It Take Longer to Sell Some Reading Properties?

Selling a home in Reading involves more than simply placing it on the market and waiting for offers.

A variety of challenges can affect how quickly your Reading property sells. Here are the most common reasons homes might linger on the market longer than expected.

1. Setting the Right Asking Price for Your Reading Home

The biggest factor in selling a home is pricing it correctly. Overpricing will deter buyers, as your home may not appear in their search results, appear out of kilter with similar properties for sale, or may not align with their expectations.

Remember, over the past 24 months, only 55.42% of Reading homes listed for sale successfully sold, resulting in a move. The remaining 44.58% were withdrawn from the market without a sale.

The solution? Work with a knowledgeable estate agent who understands the local Reading market. Research what similar homes in Reading have sold for and seek valuations from multiple agents to ensure your pricing is competitive.

2. Estate Agent Performance

The choice of your estate agent plays a pivotal role in how fast your home sells (and even if it sells at all). Some agents excel at marketing properties and maintaining active communication with potential buyers on their mailing lists, while others may fall short. If your agent isn't delivering on their promises, don't hesitate to follow up and hold them accountable.

As an estate agent specialising in the Reading property market, I ensure my clients receive a tailored marketing strategy, especially for the town's nuances, complete transparency and ongoing updates to secure the best results.

3. Quality of Photographs

In today’s digital first world, high quality photographs are essential. Reading buyers scrolling through Rightmove, Zoopla and On-The-Market listings form their first impressions based on photographs. Poor or outdated photography can leave a property overlooked, especially seasonal photos (i.e., Christmas decorations or snow on the ground in summer) as they reveal how long the home has been on the market.

Consider revisiting your property’s photos with your agent regularly. Fresh, professional images can transform your home’s appeal and attract more potential buyers.

4. Mortgage Challenges

Some properties in Reading might be more complex for buyers to secure mortgages on. For example, apartments with short leases, unique construction materials, or flats above shops can raise concerns for lenders. These challenges can limit the pool of potential buyers. If your property falls into one of these categories, work with your agent to address these issues. Solutions such as extending your lease or highlighting property strengths can make your Reading home more marketable.

5. Timing of Sale

The time of year can influence how quickly properties sell. Spring and summer typically see heightened buyer activity, while autumn and winter may present slower markets. External factors like economic uncertainty or mortgage rates can also impact buyer behaviour.

If timing isn't ideal, a strategic marketing approach can still generate interest and results. A skilled Reading estate agent will tailor your home to the prevailing market conditions, ensuring it reaches the right audience.

Selling Your Home in Reading

I recognise selling your home is more than just a transaction—it’s a journey that requires expertise, preparation, and persistence. As an estate agent deeply invested in Reading’s property market, I pride myself on providing personalised advice and support to every client.

Whether you’re selling a detached home, a charming terrace, or a modern flat, I’m here to guide you through the process.

If you're considering selling your home, let's discuss how we can achieve the best outcome for you. Send me a message or call today—I'd be delighted to help you navigate the Reading property market with confidence.

It's easy to book an appointment, for a day and time convenient for you, simply click: Request a Valuation | My Bespoke Agent