I started looking at what was available in areas I liked and what they looked like and general costs etc about a year prior. But when I got more serious and knew what I wanted, it took me about 2 months but I was prepared with a lot of research info I had already gathered. I bought a new condo so I was able to make the closing at a date of my choosing which coincided with when my rental lease was up, BUT I had my closing 2 weeks prior so I could start bringing things over on my own.