How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home in Edmonton?

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How Long Does it Take to Buy a Home in Edmonton? (The Timeline)

“How long is this all going to take?” It’s one of the most common and practical questions we get from home buyers. While every situation is unique, the home buying process in Edmonton follows a predictable timeline.

From starting your search to getting the keys, a typical home purchase can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. This guide will break down the timeline into its key phases so you can plan your move with confidence.

The Home Buying Timeline at a Glance

PHASE 1

Preparation & The Search

Typical Duration: 1 – 3+ Months

PHASE 2

Under Contract & Due Diligence

Typical Duration: 1 – 2 Weeks

PHASE 3

The Closing Period

Typical Duration: 30 – 90 Days

Phase 1: Preparation & The Search (1 to 3+ months)

This is the most variable part of the timeline. Some buyers find their perfect home the first weekend they look, while others search for months.

Getting Pre-Approved: 1-3 days
The Active Home Search: This can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your criteria and the current market inventory. A well-prepared buyer in the current balanced market can often find a great home within 30-60 days.

Phase 2: Under Contract & Due Diligence (1 to 2 weeks)

Once you have an accepted offer on a home, a new clock starts. This is the “conditional period” where you do your final homework.

Home Inspection: 1-3 days to book and complete.
Securing Final Mortgage Approval: 5-10 business days. Your lender will do an appraisal and finalize all your documents. During this 7-14 day period, you’ll work to remove your conditions to make the deal firm.

Phase 3: The Closing Period (30 to 90 days)

The “closing” is the time between when the deal becomes firm and when you actually get the keys. The length of this period is negotiated in your purchase contract.

In Edmonton, a 30 to 60-day closing is most common.
This period gives you time to pack, book movers, and gives your lawyer time to handle the legal transfer of the property.

The Grand Total

A good average to plan for is about 90 days (3 months) from the day you start seriously searching to the day you move in. By understanding this timeline, you can plan your move, give notice to your landlord, and navigate the process with minimal stress.

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Each step in the home-buying journey is an important one. To see how this topic fits into the complete process, review our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton.

Common Buyer FAQs

If you have more questions or are ready to get started, you can contact us here.

Does it cost me anything to use a Realtor® to buy a home?

No. For a homebuyer, the services of a Realtor® are typically free. The commission is paid by the seller from the proceeds of the sale. This means you get full professional representation—market expertise, negotiation skills, and expert guidance—at no cost to you.

How much are closing costs for a buyer in Edmonton?

As a general rule, you should budget between 1.5% to 3% of the home’s purchase price for closing costs. This covers expenses like your lawyer’s fees, title insurance, and property tax adjustments. For example, on a $400,000 home, your closing costs would likely be between $6,000 and $12,000.

How long does it take to buy a home?

The entire process, from starting your search to possession day, typically takes 2 to 4 months. The search itself can be as short as a few days or as long as a few months. Once you have an accepted offer, the “pending” period (for financing and inspection conditions) is usually about 1-2 weeks, and the final closing period is typically 30 to 60 days after that.

What is the Edmonton real estate market like right now?

As of Fall 2025, the Edmonton market is considered balanced. This is a healthy market where neither buyers nor sellers have a strong upper hand. For buyers, this means there is a good amount of inventory to choose from, and less pressure to make snap decisions or enter into extreme bidding wars compared to a seller’s market.

How do I know what to look for during a home viewing?

During a viewing, look past the furniture and focus on the “bones” of the house. Pay attention to the layout and flow, the amount of natural light, and the condition of major components like windows, the roof, the furnace, and the hot water tank. Check for any signs of water damage, such as stains on the ceiling or a damp smell in the basement.