Want to move by Christmas? This is the date you need to get on the market

If you’re looking to move home in the near future, it’s important to have some idea about how long it could take to sell. If you have family, pets or even a houseful of belongings, the time it takes to sell can seriously impact your life.

Want to move by Christmas?

By analysing the sales patterns of properties up and down the UK, we’ve worked out how long you should expect a sale to take.

If you’re looking to bring in the new year in a new home, you should list your property by Tuesday 26th July - that’s if you want to complete the sale by the 23rd of December.

Our top tips for a speedy sale

If you’re looking to put your house on the market over the next couple of months, and want to speed up the selling process, here’s some top tips for a speedy sale.

1. Pick the best estate agent for you

The right local estate agent will do the hardest work for you. They will accurately value your home and ensure it is advertised effectively. They’ll know what attracts buyers, and they might even have a database of people currently looking for properties similar to yours in the area.

2. Prepare your home in advance

It goes without saying that properties that look clean and spacious are more appealing to buyers. Before you list your home, take the time to clear it out and thoroughly clean everything to ensure your property gives the best first impression to potential buyers.

3. Set the right price

This has the single biggest impact out of any factor. On average, your property listing will get the most views in the first two weeks, and setting the wrong price initially will mean you miss out on potential buyers. Most buyers start their property search online by filtering by price. If your home is overpriced, you won’t feature in these buyers’ searches, because it will look poor value for money compared to the other properties on offer.

We highly recommend listening to your estate agent on this - they have the best experience around, having sold years of property selling experience in both hot and cold markets. They’ll be able to provide you with the right advice for your particular property.

4. Make your listing stand out

Good quality photos and an engaging description can make a huge difference in encouraging potential buyers to come for a viewing. The photographs on your listing will be most people's first glimpse of your home. If you’re not happy with the pictures, make sure to tell your estate agent straight away. Many agents will know exactly what to change in order to show your property in its best light.

5. Choose a conveyancer early

The best way to prepare for the legal process of a property transaction is to instruct a conveyancing solicitor early. You’ll show your buyers that you’re ready and eager for the legal bits of the transaction to get underway. This is especially a good sign to the sellers of the property you’re set to purchase.

Summary: A word from our CEO Colby Short

“There's no easy answer to the question 'How long does it take to sell a house?' as so many factors are involved in the process - from location and the time of year, to the motivation level of the buyer, or the skill and experience of your estate agent.

Securing an offer is often the hardest part of the process, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process one you have buyers interested too. For example, if you’re able to, consider favouring cash buyers - waiting for a buyer to receive a mortgage can add time and uncertainty to your sales timeline.

In order to get a headstart on the paperwork, ensure that you’re starting the legal work early, and appoint an experienced and proactive solicitor or conveyancer as soon as possible. If you have a leasehold property, for example, you’ll need to get a report from the freeholder. This can take a long time, so the sooner you start, the less likely it is to hold things up.

For those wanting to complete a sale by Christmas, it’s advisable to look at listing your property as soon as possible - and at the very latest the end of July, to ensure enough time is left to go through the lengthy and sometimes unpredictable process of selling your home.”