How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? A Realistic Timeline From Start to Finish
One of the most common questions home buyers ask is simple: how long does it take to buy a house? The short answer is that it depends - but the longer answer is far more helpful.
Buying a home isn’t a single step. It’s a process made up of preparation, financing, house hunting, negotiations, and closing. Each phase adds time, and small delays can compound if you’re not prepared.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a realistic home buying timeline, explain what affects each stage, and show you how to plan ahead so you can avoid surprises - whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House on Average?
For most buyers, the entire home buying process takes about 60 days to six months. That wide range exists because some buyers are financially prepared and decisive, while others need time to save, improve credit, or find the right home.
- Well-prepared buyers: 60–90 days
- Typical first-time buyers: 3–5 months
- Competitive markets: 4–6+ months
- Cash buyers: as little as 30–45 days
The biggest factor isn’t the loan itself - it’s how prepared you are before you start shopping.
Phase 1: Financial Preparation (1–6 Weeks)
The home buying timeline really starts before you ever tour a house. Financial preparation is where many buyers lose time - or gain a major advantage.
What happens during this phase
- Reviewing credit and outstanding debts
- Setting a realistic housing budget
- Saving for down payment and closing costs
- Gathering income and asset documents
Starting with a clear budget prevents wasted time later. A good place to begin is the Home Buying Process & Affordability guide, followed by running numbers through the mortgage payment calculator.
Phase 2: Mortgage Preapproval (1–2 Weeks)
Mortgage preapproval is one of the most important steps in the process. It confirms what you can afford and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer.
If your documents are ready, preapproval can take just a few days. If not, it may stretch into weeks while lenders request additional information.
Phase 3: House Hunting (2–12+ Weeks)
This is often the longest and most unpredictable phase. Some buyers find the right home in a weekend. Others submit multiple offers over several months.
Inventory levels, competition, and flexibility on location and price all influence how long this stage lasts.
Phase 4: Making an Offer and Negotiating (1–7 Days)
Once you find a home, things often move quickly. Sellers typically respond to offers within 24–72 hours, though competitive markets can create bidding wars that extend timelines.
Phase 5: Under Contract to Closing (30–45 Days)
After your offer is accepted, the closing process begins. This phase includes inspections, appraisal, underwriting, and final loan approval.
Most financed purchases close within 30–45 days, though delays can happen if issues arise during appraisal or underwriting.
What Can Delay the Home Buying Timeline?
- Low appraisals
- Inspection repair negotiations
- Credit or employment changes
- Missing or late documentation
- Title or escrow issues
How to Speed Up the Home Buying Process
- Get fully preapproved before shopping
- Avoid major financial changes
- Respond quickly to lender requests
- Use calculators before making offers
Home Buying Timeline FAQs
Can you buy a house in 30 days?
It’s possible in limited situations, such as cash purchases or extremely prepared buyers, but most financed purchases take longer.
What slows the process down the most?
Appraisal issues, incomplete documents, and inspection negotiations are the most common causes of delays.
Want a Faster, More Predictable Home Buying Timeline?
Start by understanding what you can afford and how your payment changes under different scenarios.