How long keep buyers waiting?

[stripeydress7]

How long is reasonable to keep buyers waiting? We are about to go on the market but don't need to move until next March/ April so won't be in a rush to look or put in any offers before December.

Why go on the market if you’re not ready to move? Most buyers now will be wanting to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday. As will their buyers...
Don’t put house on market unless willing to move out (rent if you don’t want to buy right away)

I dount anyone would want to wait 6 months! unless your house is a rare find / a nice village house, and people wait for years for them to come up.

You could go on the market now but if you get an offer would imagine buyers would expect you to find something fairly quickly so you'ld need to be prepared to do that or rent. Buyers now will want stamp duty exemption so will want to complete by end March at the latest.

Maybe get an EA out and ask them what they think or look how fast similar houses to you are selling. In some areas its very quick if decent sized garden and house in good condition, within 2 weeks but if there are issues could be a few months.

Seems odd to put your house on the market now if you don’t want to move till next year. Unless you think it’s a niche property and might take a while to sell.
I’d be annoyed as would want to take advantage of stamp duty saving.

Things are moving v v slowly at the moment in the sales process. I think if you got something under offer now, there’s every chance you won’t complete til then anyway.

You can state what you like, the important thing is you are up front (morally at least, not legally sadly), make sure they're aware either before or just as they submit an offer so their expectations are set and if they need to move sooner they know to either negotiate or walk away.

You may struggle with your timing though as most people will want to move prior to March for stamp duty savings.

It may be best to wait a little or at least be very clear with estate agent so that they can be clear with buyers. It may well be in your interest to say you'll complete by end of March so as not to put off those who wish to benefit from the stamp duty holiday. Good luck!