How long does it take to buy an apartment?

Buying your first apartment is a real life project. But between research, banking procedures, notary signatures and unexpected events, you can quickly ask yourself: How long does it really take to become a homeowner?

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In 2025, the average time varies depending on whether you are alone or accompanied (in particular by a real estate hunter). Here is a clear and encrypted guide to know what to expect... and avoid unpleasant surprises.

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Step 1: Looking for the property — 1 to 6 months

A phase that is longer than we imagine

It's often the most unpredictable part. On average, a buyer puts between 2 and 6 months to find the right apartment. This time frame depends on:

• From the level of market tension
• Of your budget vs the real prices
• Time available to visit

If you're looking alone, between online alerts, evening or weekend visits, and unpleasant surprises on site, this phase can drag on.

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With a real estate hunter

A qualified real estate hunter reduces this period to 2 to 4 weeks on average. It filters, selects, visits for you and alerts you only to relevant properties. Result: You win 2 to 5 months, especially in big cities.

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Step 2: Purchase offer and negotiation — 1 to 2 weeks

Average time to secure the property

Once you have found the right apartment, you need to formulate a Purchase offer. The seller can respond within 3 to 5 days. If there is a negotiation, allow up to 10 days. The accepted offer must then be formalized by both parties.

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The role of support

An experienced real estate hunter or agent will help you Formulate the right offer, not too low, not too hasty. This prevents unnecessary rejections or overbids.

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Step 3: Signature of the compromise — 2 to 4 weeks

The classic legal deadline

The sales agreement is drawn up by a notary or agency. Several documents must be gathered (diagnoses, seller's documents, condominium information). This usually takes 2 to 3 weeks after the acceptance of the offer.

In some cases, the compromise is signed in 7 days. In others, it takes more than a month if a file is incomplete or if the seller is not very responsive.

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Step 4: Get your home loan — 4 to 6 weeks

Banking procedures

After the compromise, you have 45 days maximum to get a loan offer. The steps include:

• Setting up the bank file
• Agreement in principle
• Validation by the head office
• Legal reflection period (10 days)

If your file is well prepared, the bank can make an offer in 3 to 4 weeks. If not, it can go as far as 2 months, especially in times of tension.

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And if you are well accompanied

A broker or a hunter can anticipate the arrangement and contact the banks as soon as the offer is accepted. This reduces lead times to 3 weeks on average. A gain of time, but also a gain of serenity.

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Step 5: Signature of the final act — 2 to 3 months after the compromise

The classic legal deadline

Between the compromise and the bill of sale, it flows on average 2 to 3 months. This includes:

• Obtaining the loan
• Notarial verifications (mortgage, land registry, diagnostics)
• Possible lifting of suspensive conditions

This period may be extended in the event of a complex sale, joint ownership, or succession.

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Conclusion

Buying an apartment takes on average 4 to 6 months between research and final signature. But this delay can increase to 9 months or more if you are alone, poorly advised or if you lack responsiveness.

With a real estate hunter, you can win up to 3 months on the research and negotiation phase. You also benefit from the security of the process at each stage.

👉 Are you a first-time buyer and want to save time, avoid mistakes and secure your purchase? Have someone accompany you.

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