Why does it take SO long ?

Perhaps hou might need be more flexible in what you are looking for.

Have you got lots of Estate agents looking for you? I did but found my house by accident. I drove someone home who was sick and saw the perfect property two roads away.

Have you registered with online property portals?

Maybe make a list of non negotiable v negotiable wants.
This I found helped clarify where we would v wouldn't compromise, e.g. location or bedrooms etc.

Could you increase your budget?

Could you decrease your budget and use the surplus to pay for renovation of say the bathroom, kitchen, windows or whatever, for example?

Good luck with your search, hopefully you'll find your new home soon.

Definitely don’t rely solely on estate agents.

Online portals like Rightmove etc are the way forward.