Key facts
- Offer to promise of sale
- Days to a few weeks
- Promise of sale to deed
- Often around three months
- Bank loan
- Several weeks
- AIP permit (if needed)
- Adds time — plan for it
A typical timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Viewings and offer | Your pace |
| Offer agreed to promise of sale | Days to a few weeks |
| Searches, finance, permits | Usually within the promise-of-sale period |
| Promise of sale to final deed | Often around 3 months |
What speeds it up
- Cash purchase or mortgage approval in principle.
- A clean, simple title.
- Documents ready — ID, proof of funds, power of attorney if needed.
- An efficient notary and a responsive seller.
What slows it down
- Title problems found in the searches.
- Bank valuations and approvals.
- AIP permit applications — see the AIP guide.
- Irregular works — see regularisation.
Set a realistic deadline in the promise of sale, with room for extensions if needed.
