Can You Still Move House Before Christmas?
Dreaming of Christmas in a new home? With December fast approaching, is there still time to make it happen? Here's what you need to know about moving this autumn.
A New Home for Christmas?
There's something lovely about the thought of spending Christmas in a new home.
The tree in its new spot, family gathered around the table and the excitement of settling into somewhere that feels just right.
But as October arrives, many homeowners find themselves asking the same question: Have we left it too late to move before Christmas?
The answer depends on where you are in your moving journey.
If your property isn't yet on the market, completing a sale and onward purchase before Christmas could be ambitious. But that doesn't mean you've missed your opportunity.
In fact, autumn can still be a valuable time to make progress, even if the final moving date falls into the New Year.
How Long Does Moving House Actually Take?
Moving home involves considerably more than finding the right buyer or having an offer accepted.
According to Rightmove, the average time to find a buyer nationally is currently around 66 days.
Once a sale has been agreed, the conveyancing process, mortgage arrangements, surveys and legal enquiries can take several more months. Rightmove estimates that the average period from a sale being agreed to completion is approximately five months.
Of course, every transaction is different.
A chain-free property with a buyer who has their finances arranged may progress much more quickly, while a longer chain involving several properties can take considerably more time.
That's why it's important to approach a pre-Christmas move with realistic expectations, particularly if you're only just beginning the process.
However, there's a big difference between completing your move before Christmas and getting your move well underway before Christmas.
And that's where October presents an opportunity.
Why Autumn Could Be the Perfect Time to Start
The autumn property market has traditionally been an active period, and this year there are encouraging signs that buyers are still looking.
Rightmove reported a 0.7% increase in average asking prices during September, the first monthly rise since May.
Meanwhile, Zoopla found that property searches were 7% higher than the same time last year.
So, despite the approach of winter, people are still actively exploring their next move.
For homeowners considering selling, this means there's an opportunity to attract buyers who are serious about finding somewhere new.
However, with approximately 5% more properties available for sale than a year ago, buyers also have greater choice.
Making your property stand out from the competition is therefore particularly important.
First Impressions Could Make All the Difference
When time matters, launching your property in the best possible way is essential.
Buyers are often comparing several homes in the same price range, and those first few moments browsing online can determine whether they book a viewing or keep scrolling.
Beautiful photography, thoughtful presentation and a compelling property description can help your home capture attention from the outset.
Equally important is the asking price.
An ambitious price might seem tempting, but if it discourages early interest, valuable weeks can be lost.
A carefully considered asking price, supported by local market knowledge and comparable sales, gives your property the best opportunity to attract serious buyers.
At Newton & Co, we believe successful property marketing begins long before a home appears online.
From preparing and presenting each room to creating imagery and marketing that showcases a property's individual character, it's the details that help buyers imagine themselves living there.
What Could You Achieve Before Christmas?
Even if completing before 25 December isn't realistic, there's still plenty you could accomplish over the coming weeks.
You could have your property professionally valued, prepare it for photography, launch onto the market and begin welcoming potential buyers.
You might even agree a sale before the Christmas decorations come out.
And if that happens, you could enter January with your buyer secured, your conveyancer instructed and the legal process already underway.
That's a very different position from starting everything from scratch in the New Year.
If you're also planning to purchase, having your finances organised, mortgage arrangements in place and a clear idea of your next home's requirements can help you move forward with confidence.
Should You Wait Until January Instead?
It's tempting to put moving plans on hold until after Christmas.
After all, January often feels like the natural time for fresh starts and new beginnings.
But there's no reason to assume that waiting will automatically put you in a better position.
By beginning the process now, you could make valuable progress before the New Year, rather than joining the market at the same time as everyone else making their January plans.
And even if you're not quite ready to launch, autumn is an excellent opportunity to start preparing.
A little time spent decluttering, completing those small decorating jobs and understanding your property's current value could make all the difference when you're ready to sell.
Your Next Chapter Doesn't Have to Wait Until January
Christmas in a new home might be the dream, but there's no need to rush such an important decision simply to meet a date on the calendar.
The right move is about finding the right buyer, achieving the right price and making the process as straightforward as possible.
Whether you're hoping to move quickly or simply want to put plans in place for the New Year, October is a good time to start the conversation.
Because while you might not be hanging your Christmas decorations in a new home this December, you could be one step closer to knowing exactly where they'll go next year.
Thinking About Selling?
At Newton & Co, we take a personal, considered approach to every property we market.
From expert valuations and beautifully presented photography to carefully planned marketing and support throughout your sale, we're here to help you make your next move with confidence.
Considering selling this autumn or planning ahead for 2027?
Complete our contact form to arrange a no-obligation property valuation and discover what your home could achieve in today's market.
Newton & Co | Bespoke Property Specialists
Thoughtful marketing. Local expertise. A more personal approach to moving home.
