How far away are we?

[Yahyahs22]

First time ever selling and technically first time buying. The house I'm in at the moment was early inheritance from my dad and he did everything on the legal side of things.
I'm due to give birth soon and worrying about whether I'll be in the new house before I do or not, does anyone have a rough idea of how long it will take now my solicitor is drafting a contract? As long as everything goes to plan of course.

This is the email I received today.

From that point it took us 5 months, chain of 3 houses

If that's the case, I'll have a baby already then! Thanks for your input x

Been about 3 months since I was at that stage, no exchange date in sight yet!

It varies so much! It’s often about 3-4 months from start to finish of the process. I would ask your solicitor for an estimate as they know how complicated or straightforward your sale/purchase is. I’ve done it in 2 months once from start to finish but that’s rare.

If both sides are motiviated, the solicitors are efficient and funds are in place, and there is a very small/no chain, it can be very speedy - I've done 14 days on properties before, but that is SUPER rare! I'd probably think 2-3 months from where you are, all things being equal....but do ask your solicitor as they will have a better steer on how the other side are at communication.

I work in an estate agent, I tend to advise people 12-16 weeks. It all really depends on how quick your buyer is to react. If they take 3 weeks to organise a survey, another 3 weeks to instruct searches it could drag on. If you have a date in mind I’d advise to advise your solicitor and ask the estate agent to make sure your buyer is aware of this as well so you’re all working to the same goal.

A surveyor has been and cleared my house already. By the looks of things we're just waiting on them to agree to the draft contract?

Yes but that is often the bit that takes a while- back and forth between solicitors raising enquiries and getting you to answer them until all parties are happy. My buyers were sent a draft contract a while ago and discussions are still ongoing.

When was the chain formed and when is your baby due?