How Quickly After Buying Can You Sell the House?

Buying a home is a big step, but sometimes plans change. You might need to move again, free up money, or take on a new opportunity. Whatever the reason, many people wonder: how soon can I sell my house after buying it?

In this guide, we explain the rules, things to think about, and what you should know if you’re thinking about selling shortly after buying.

Can You Sell a House Straight After Buying?

Legally, there is no minimum time limit for how soon you can sell a house in the UK after buying it. You own the property the moment you complete the purchase, so you are free to put it back on the market straight away if you choose.

However, there may be practical issues and financial penalties to consider, especially if you bought the property with a mortgage or through a special scheme.

Things to Consider Before Selling Quickly

1. Mortgage Restrictions

If you bought the house with a mortgage, check your mortgage terms. Some lenders include a lock-in period, where you may have to pay an early repayment charge if you sell too soon. This could be in the first 2 to 5 years of your deal, depending on your lender.

Make sure you understand:

• Is there an early repayment fee?
  
• How much will it cost?
  
• Can you port your mortgage to a new property?
  

If you’re unsure, speak to your lender or a mortgage adviser before listing your home for sale.

2. Stamp Duty Considerations

When you buy a house in England or Northern Ireland, you may pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). This is a one-time tax and is not refunded if you sell soon after buying, unless you qualify for a refund (for example, when replacing your main residence within a time limit).

In most cases, if you sell within a year, you may not recover all the extra costs like stamp duty, legal fees, and moving expenses.

3. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

If the house is your main home, you are usually not required to pay Capital Gains Tax when you sell. But if it was:

• A second home
  
• A buy-to-let property
• Not used as your main residence

you might owe tax on any profit you make. This is more likely to apply to property investors or people flipping homes for profit.

Speak to a tax adviser if you’re not sure about your CGT position.

4. Negative Equity Risk

If you bought with a high loan-to-value mortgage and property prices have dipped, your house may now be worth less than what you owe. This is called negative equity, and selling could mean losing money or not having enough to repay your mortgage fully.

Be cautious, especially if you’ve only owned the house for a few months.

Common Reasons People Sell Shortly After Buying

There are many genuine reasons why someone may want to sell a house shortly after purchase, such as:

• Job relocation
• Change in family circumstances
• Regretting the purchase
• Discovered hidden problems
• Financial strain or life emergencies

If you are in one of these situations, know that you’re not alone  and it’s possible to move forward with the right support.

 

Can You Sell a House Within 6 Months?

Yes, you can. However, some mortgage lenders and buyers may be cautious if a property has been owned for less than 6 months. This is known as the six-month rule, and it’s designed to stop property flipping and fraud.

Some banks and building societies may not offer a mortgage to a new buyer unless the seller has owned the property for at least 6 months. This doesn’t make it illegal to sell – but it could reduce your pool of buyers.

To avoid delays, speak to your estate agent about how to market your home and find a buyer whose lender is happy with your timeline.

 

How to Sell a House Quickly After Buying

If you decide to go ahead with a quick sale, here are your options:

Traditional Estate Agent

Selling on the open market might get you the best price, but it could take several months, especially if the market is slow or your property has issues.

Auction

Selling at auction is faster but more suitable for unusual homes or ones needing work. The buyer must complete within 28 days.

Professional Cash Buyers (like Home Sale Hub)

If you need to sell quickly, without delays or long chains, a cash buyer like Home Sale Hub can be the best option. We buy houses in any condition, even if you’ve only owned the property for a short time. You won’t need to deal with estate agents, viewings or long waits, and you can complete in as little as 7–14 days.

 

You can legally sell your house any time after buying it, even the very next day. But there are practical things to think about, including mortgage penalties, tax, and potential loss of value.

If you’re selling for the right reasons and have considered the financial side, there’s no reason to wait for a perfect time. Every situation is different. What matters most is what works best for you.

At Home Sale Hub, we help sellers move on quickly and with less stress. Whether you’ve owned the house for 2 months or 20 years, we’re here to offer a simple and fair solution.