How Long Does It Take to Flip a House?

House flipping — the process of buying a distressed property, renovating it and selling it for a profit — comes with many questions, including: how long does it take to flip a house?

We'll break down not only how long it takes to flip a house in this article, but also the house flipping timeline and how you can quicken the process.

Let's get started!

How Long Does It Take to Flip A House?

While it depends on several factors, including your timeline, the condition property, the size of the remodel, whether or not things stay on time and much more, in general, it can take anywhere between 3-6 months to flip a house.

Next, we’ll take a look at each of the factors that influence this amount of time.  

Factors Influencing the Time to Flip a House

Property Condition

The condition of the property at the time of purchase plays the most significant role in the house flipping timeline.

Why is this the case?

Because properties that require extensive repairs will naturally take longer to renovate compared to those that only need minor cosmetic upgrades.

Before you purchase a property to flip, think about the condition of the house and whether or not it's going to be on the 3 month side of things or the 6 month side of things, and whether or not this is good for your house flipping business.

Renovation Scope

The extent of the renovations and improvements planned for the property will also impact the flipping timeline. Repainting and replacing fixtures can be a few days work compared to demo-ing a property, rearranging the living space, and adding square footage.

Permitting and Zoning

A lesser known but critical aspect of house flipping is obtaining permits and ensuring compliance with zoning regulations. This alone can be a time-consuming process.

Depending on the local building codes and regulations, getting the necessary permits and approvals for renovations can add weeks or even months to the flipping timeline.

The Timeline of a Typical House Flip

Next, let's take a look at the overall timeline of a house flip today.

Acquisition Phase (Weeks to 1 Month)

The acquisition phase involves finding (which you can do from the comfort of your own home with Propwire's industry leading search tool) and purchasing the property can take anywhere between a few weeks to several months.

Renovation Phase (2-3 Months)

Once the house is yours, the renovation phase includes first planning the house remodel (including doing comps to find out how much you'll want to sell the house for when the flip is complete).

Once the renovation is in full swing, your team of contractors will work to put your plan in place, whether that's adding square footage, knocking down walls, tearing up the floor, or even fixing the foundation of the house.

This aspect of the house flipping process can take anywhere between 2-3 months, assuming there are no issues found during the process that can cause costly delays.

Sale Phase (2 Months)

Once the renovations are complete, you or your real estate agent will list the property for sale, and market it to potential buyers for a higher price than you paid for and put into it. Because this aspect of the house flipping process depends upon local market conditions, it can take anywhere from a few days to months.

How to Speed Up the House Flipping Process

So, how can you speed up the process of house flipping?

Effective Planning and Budgeting

One of my favorite quotes is not having a plan is planning to fail, and it's so true with house flipping. By having a clear plan, including a timeline and a full breakdown of every single change you're making to the property, along with an expected completion date, you can set yourself up for success — and potentially finish a house flip ahead of schedule.

Hiring the Right Team

The right house flipping team can make or break your project. And take it from me: this takes time. If you're a brand new house flipper, the best way to find the right contractors, designers, electricians, and other skilled tradespeople is to vet them, of course, but also work with a few of them.

By doing so, you can find the right team for your house flipping business moving forward.

Marketing and Selling Strategies

Another important team member to have is a real estate agent who can promote your property and get it under contract as quickly as possible. Ask around and work with a few real estate agents on your upcoming projects to truly find the perfect agent for you and your house flipping business.

The Bottom Line: How Long Does It Take to Flip A House? 

While the general rule is 3-6 months for a house flip, your specific house flip will depend upon a variety of factors, including the decisions you make during the renovation process.

If you're looking for your next house to flip, use Propwire's industry leading search tool that is completely free.

Interested in flipping houses, but not sure where to start? Check out or guide on how to flip houses even if you have no money.

Free Property Search

Find Your Next Wholesale Deal, House Flip, or Rental Property Investment.

Search Now