UK property exchange speeds show major regional divide

A new report from data analysts TwentyEA reveals a significant regional divide in the speed of UK property transactions. According to the Property & Homemover Report, the North East of England is the fastest region in England, with 58.4% of transactions reaching exchange within three months. This is followed by Yorkshire and The Humber at 55.6%, the East Midlands at 50.4%, the West Midlands at 49.9%, and the North West at 47.6%.

London recorded the slowest transaction speeds, with only 35.4% of inner London sales and 31.1% of outer London sales reaching exchange within the three-month window. Scotland significantly outperformed England, with 72% of agreed sales reaching exchange within three months.

The data also indicates a correlation between property value and transaction speed. Homes priced below £200,000 see 54.2% reach exchange within three months, whereas properties valued at £1 million or more see that figure drop to 38.2%. TwentyEA director Nick Huntley noted that differences in property types, transaction chains, and buyer profiles likely contribute to these geographic variations.