An estate agency is warning that in the wake of the Budget, investors and others wanting to sell homes must accept realistic timeframes.

Oscar Lindahl of MP Dunne – a Marbella agency in partnership with Hamptons – says vendors often underestimate the true timeframe of a sale by several months. 

Despite increased seller activity expected in the coming months due to tax pressures and shifting affordability, the agency notes that premium properties – and even competitively priced homes – routinely take six months to a year from listing to completion unless meticulously prepared and correctly priced from day one.

Lindahl says: “When clients ask how long their property sale will take from listing to closing, we typically advise allowing at least six months to a year, even if you’re pricing competitively. That might sound generous, but selling property involves multiple phases, unexpected delays, and market variables you can’t always control. Setting realistic timeframes and ensuring all administrative elements are sorted from the outset reduces stress and helps you make better decisions along the way.

“In hot seller’s markets with low inventory and strong buyer demand, well-positioned properties can attract multiple offers within 30 days officially on the market. The trend is for modern turnkey properties ready to move in; older or classic-style homes can easily take 6-12 months or longer to get traction.

“It takes longer if the price point is not correct and even more so if it’s not what is considered a turnkey property: older homes in need of an upgrade typically are slower to move. In general, things take longer in luxury property markets, with premium pricing strategies typically requiring at least 3 months to connect with the right qualified buyer.”

He adds that for a quality listing, sellers should allow at least two to four weeks to get their property looking its best: pre-listing inspections, strategic repairs, professional staging, photography, virtual tours, listing videos and sometimes even agent property tour videos.

“Understanding the buyer profile is essential for setting the marketing approach and creating engaging storytelling that attracts the most suitable buyers. Marketing luxury property demands extremely competitive and thorough techniques, so you need to factor in time for this to be done well.

“It’s vital to ensure that all paperwork is in order at the listing stage to save a significant amount of time later on. We always advise our clients to obtain reliable fiscal and legal advice early on to ensure administrative elements are in order ahead of time, ensure they factor in all taxes and get a realistic understanding of what the sale price translates to in pocket. All our direct listings have a quality control system in place to ensure all the necessary documentation is good to go in the event of a sale.

“Competitively priced properties in markets with limited stock can sell within two to four weeks. But if you’re testing pricing on the higher side of recent comparable sales, expect at least four months of sustained market exposure and be prepared to revise prices along the way. Pricing too highly can extend your time on the market, which can signal problems to buyers. We advise clients to price according to their timeline, not their wishlist.”

The agent comments that if you need a quick sale for work relocation or timing another purchase, competitive pricing generates faster buyer interest and potentially multiple offers. When timeline flexibility permits, you can test market interest at a slightly higher price, but be prepared for price adjustments after 30 to 45 days if interest doesn’t materialise.

He adds: “Market conditions, legal requirements, closing periods, and effective pricing strategies vary substantially by location and property type. A knowledgeable agent provides data-driven insights specific to your micro-market’s current dynamics.

“Set generous timeframes to avoid disappointment, price strategically according to your objectives, and work with a professional broker who knows your specific market inside out. Getting this foundation right minimises stress and maximises your outcome, giving you the confidence to navigate your property sale successfully.”