Don’t Mention the C Word Yet…
No, we're not trying to rush the year along.
The summer holidays have only just begun, the sun is (hopefully) shining, and Christmas is probably the last thing on your mind. But if you're hoping to be in a new home before the festive season, now is exactly the time to start planning.
One of the biggest misconceptions about moving home is how long the process actually takes. Many sellers assume they'll put their home on the market, find a buyer within a few weeks and be unpacked before they know it. In reality, selling a property is rarely that straightforward.
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, the average UK property sale takes around five months from listing to completion. By the time you've prepared your home, found a buyer, worked through the legal process and reached completion, the weeks can disappear surprisingly quickly.
So, while nobody wants to talk about the C word just yet, July is often the ideal time to get the wheels in motion if you'd like to be settled into your new home before Christmas.
Moving Home Takes Longer Than Most People Expect
Many sellers imagine putting their home on the market, finding a buyer within a few weeks and completing shortly afterwards. While that can happen, it's rarely the norm.
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, the average UK property sale takes around five months from first listing to completion. That includes preparing the property for market, finding a buyer, progressing through conveyancing and finally completing the sale.
Rightmove's latest national figures also show that homes took an average of 60 days to secure a buyer in May 2026. Only once a sale has been agreed does the legal process begin.
From offer accepted to completion, conveyancing alone typically takes between 12 and 16 weeks, although this can vary depending on surveys, mortgage approvals, searches, legal enquiries and the length of the property chain.
If you're hoping to move before the festive season, starting the process now gives you the best possible chance.
A Typical Selling Timeline
Every move is different, but a realistic timeline often looks like this:
- Planning your move and arranging valuations – 1 to 2 weeks
- Preparing photography, marketing and legal paperwork – around 2 to 3 weeks
- Finding a buyer – approximately 8 weeks on average
- Conveyancing and sales progression – 12 to 16 weeks
- Exchange to completion – typically 1 to 2 weeks
While some sales progress more quickly, others inevitably take longer. Giving yourself extra time helps avoid unnecessary pressure later in the year.
Preparation Makes the Difference
One of the biggest advantages of starting early is having time to prepare properly.
You can arrange a valuation, understand your home's likely market value, choose the right estate agent, instruct a solicitor and gather the documentation buyers are likely to request before your property even launches.
These small steps often prevent delays further down the line.
Get Your Paperwork Ready
Many transactions are slowed by missing documentation rather than a lack of buyers.
Planning permissions, building regulation certificates, warranties, guarantees, leasehold information, title queries and boundary questions can all take time to resolve if left until a sale has already been agreed.
Preparing these documents in advance allows potential issues to be identified and resolved before they become obstacles.
Price It Correctly From the Start
Launching at the right asking price remains one of the most important decisions a seller can make.
An overpriced property can sit on the market for weeks before requiring a reduction, often missing the valuable momentum that comes with a new instruction.
A realistic pricing strategy is far more likely to attract serious buyers early and keep your sale moving forward.
Make the Most of Summer
Summer is also one of the best times to present a home at its very best.
Longer daylight hours create brighter interiors, gardens are often looking their finest and photography benefits from favourable natural light. It's the perfect opportunity to declutter, complete small repairs, refresh décor where needed and enhance your property's kerb appeal before marketing begins.
A well-presented home supported by professional marketing is far more likely to generate strong interest from the outset.
Give Yourself More Choice, Not More Pressure
Planning early isn't about rushing into a move.
It's about giving yourself more flexibility, more time to make informed decisions and a greater chance of achieving your preferred moving timescale.
By the time autumn arrives, many homeowners suddenly realise that moving before the end of the year has become far more challenging than they expected. Those who began preparing during the summer are often in a much stronger position.
So, while we won't mention the C word too often just yet, if moving before Christmas is part of your plan, now is the perfect time to start the conversation.
Arrange a no-obligation property valuation and begin planning your next move with confidence.
