Okay.

We tried.

A few weeks ago we asked whether it was too early to mention the C word.

We’re calling it.

Christmas.

There. We said it.

And if you’ve been thinking about selling your home this year but haven’t quite got around to doing anything about it, you might now be wondering:

Have we left it too late?

The short answer?

Not necessarily.

Autumn buyers can be very motivated

There is something about having a deadline that focuses the mind.

As we head further into autumn, buyers who want to make a move often become increasingly motivated to find the right property.

They may want to be settled before Christmas, have plans for the New Year or simply be determined not to carry their house hunt into another year.

That can make this an interesting period for sellers.

But be realistic about timescales

Finding a buyer and physically moving home are two different things.

Property transactions involve solicitors, searches, mortgage lenders, surveys and potentially several other buyers and sellers within a chain.

So while completing before Christmas may still be possible in some circumstances, nobody should be promising you a guaranteed moving date.

What you can do is get yourself into the strongest possible position.

Preparation matters

If you’re serious about selling, start gathering paperwork now.

Find warranties, certificates, planning documents and information relating to work carried out at the property.

If you have a mortgage, understand your current position.

And once you’ve accepted an offer, respond quickly when your solicitor needs something.

Ten minutes spent finding a document today can sometimes prevent days of delay further down the line.

Don’t rush your marketing

Wanting to sell quickly shouldn’t mean launching badly.

Great photography, thoughtful presentation, accurate pricing and strong marketing still matter.

Getting a property onto the portals 24 hours earlier isn’t particularly helpful if the listing doesn’t do the house justice.

We’d rather get it right.

And what if you don’t move before Christmas?

That’s okay too.

Securing a buyer before Christmas could leave you beautifully positioned to progress your move as everyone returns in the New Year.

And historically, the festive period and start of a new year can generate plenty of property browsing from people contemplating their next move.

So don’t let an arbitrary deadline stop you starting.

If you’d love to be putting a new address on next year’s Christmas cards, speak to James Du Pavey. We can talk you through the market, realistic timescales and what we’d recommend doing next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How late in the year can I put my house on the market?
There is no cut-off date for selling a property. Buyers search throughout the year, although activity levels can vary seasonally. If you’re considering selling later in the year, speak to a local estate agent about current demand in your area.

Can I complete on a house sale before Christmas?
Potentially, but it depends on when a buyer is found and how smoothly the transaction progresses. Mortgage applications, searches, surveys, enquiries and the length of the property chain can all affect the timescale.

How can I speed up my house sale?
Having relevant property paperwork ready, instructing your conveyancer promptly and responding quickly to enquiries can help avoid unnecessary delays. Choosing an appropriate asking price and ensuring your property is well marketed can also help you find a suitable buyer.

What happens if my house doesn’t complete before Christmas?
The transaction can simply continue into the New Year. Agreeing a sale before Christmas can still put you in a good position to progress once solicitors, lenders and other parties return after the festive period.