New figures reveal it now takes an average of 211 days for a sale to complete.
The data, compiled by property market analysts TwentyEA for estate agent Cavendish, covers January to May 2024 and reflects a broader slowdown across the UK.
David Adams, managing director of Cavendish, said: “The jump in the average time to sell a home in Wales is in line with pretty much every other part of the UK.
“This data demonstrates more than ever the importance of being as prepared as possible before you launch your property on to the market.
“Based on an average time of 211 days, most people in Wales hoping to give themselves a present of a new home by Christmas will probably have to think again.”
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The 211-day period includes 92 days from instructing an estate agent to reaching ‘sold subject to contract’ (SSTC) and a further 119 days from SSTC to completion.
This marks an increase from the previous year’s average of 199 days, which included 86 days to SSTC and 113 days from SSTC to completion.
Wales is not alone in experiencing delays.
Inner London and the South-East now record the longest selling times in the UK at 222 days, followed closely by outer London at 221 days.
The North-East of England is currently the fastest-selling region in England and Wales at 177 days, while Scotland leads the UK with an average of just 145 days.
Mr Adams said: “Having said that, there are lots of ways in which home sellers can put themselves in pole position to beat the national average, but they need to put the hard yards in well before listing.
“You need to treat selling your home like a military operation.
“Speed to market does not equal speed to sale.
“Far better delaying for a couple of weeks to get everything in order rather than rushing to get online within hours of you instructing your estate agent.
“Crucially, when choosing your estate agent to sell your home, make sure to ask them what their selling record is.
“What percentage of homes do they successfully sell, how many go for asking price or better and how long on average to sell.”
Cavendish has offered several pieces of advice to help sellers improve their chances of completing a sale by the end of 2024.
The firm recommends setting a realistic asking price from the outset, as properties that require a price reduction are 20 per cent less likely to sell and take three times longer to do so.
They also advise ensuring marketing materials are of high quality, including professional photographs and video tours, which can increase buyer interest by six per cent.
Personalising property descriptions with stories about the home can make listings more engaging, while sellers are encouraged to be legally prepared before listing.
This includes having a solicitor ready, gathering key documents, and completing fixtures and fittings forms in advance.
Other tips include ensuring the property is clean and free of odours, staging rooms with fresh flowers and towels, and tidying outdoor spaces.
Sellers are encouraged to ask agents about their sales progression support and average selling times.
Finally, they recommend considering the strength and stability of the onward property chain to minimise the risk of delays or collapse.