Want to sell by Christmas? Then list your home before this date

If you want to sell your home before Christmas, there is still time – just. Our latest research shows home-sellers need to have their property on the market by 21st October. Follow these tips for a speedy sale.

October 1, 2019

If you want to sell your home before Christmas, there is still time – just.

Data from our estate agent comparison tool estateagent4me – which helps you find your best local estate agent – offers insight into the time it takes to sell a residential property.

It shows properties listed in the late autumn generally proving slower to shift.

So if you’re waiting until after Brexit on 31st October to make your move, then think again.

Over the past four years, homes listed in October have taken an average of 61 days to sell. This means that homeowners who want a sale agreed this side of Christmas should be looking to list their house for sale by Monday 21^st October at the latest.

How long does it take to sell a home?

On average since 2015, properties in the UK have stayed on the market for 51 to 70 days. Despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit negotiations, the data shows the average length of time to sell a property has remained relatively constant over the past 4 years. Overall the speed of sale was slower in 2018 than in 2017, but was similar to 2016 and 2015 levels.

For more information, check out our guide on how long it takes to buy and sell a house

Here are 6 tips to sell your home before Christmas:

1. Choose the best estate agent

Start by using estateagent4me. It ranks estate agents in your local area according to the average time to sell a property like yours, how often they achieving asking price and the fees they charge.

2. Boost your home’s kerb appeal

Our recent survey found that 68% of buyers found kerb appeal to be important. The features that matter most to home buyers are windows being in good condition and a roof that doesn’t need repair. For other important features and how to make attract buyers and sell for a top price, see our research on how to boost your homes kerb appeal.

3. Make sure the price is right

One of the most agonising decisions when selling your home is what price to put it on for. Different estate agents will suggest different figures. Price your home too high and you won’t get any viewings, too low and you’ll miss out on getting what your house is worth. A good first step is to do a quick online valuation to see what your house is worth, then do your own homework and check what houses in your area sold for using the Land Registry website. Plus there are a few other factors to consider when valuing your home.

4. Get your house ready for sale

As Brexit uncertainty hits an all-time high, only the best houses will sell. Make sure yours is looking top-notch. As the winter months approach, make sure your home does not look too dark – it is vital to let in light with lamps, candles and mirrors. Preparing your home for viewers, or “staging” as it’s called, is important. It will not only ensure your property is sold faster, but can potentially add thousands of pounds to its value. Find out what else you can do to get your house ready for sale.

5. Set up your solicitor

Instruct a conveyancing solicitor early and start pulling paperwork together now if you want to secure a quick sale. To reduce delays, it’s probably best to have chosen which solicitor or conveyancer you want to use around the time you choose the estate agent. Once you’ve compared conveyancing quotes and found the right conveyancer or solicitor for you, it’s wise to tell them you want to sell, and agree conveyancing fees.  However, you only instruct them to start work after you have a formal offer. See our guide on questions to ask your conveyancing solicitor before you instruct.

6. Optimise your viewings

Let your estate agent take the lead and tackle any tricky questions, but listen in to make sure they’re putting your house in its best light. And do a quick clean and tidy through before each and every viewing.

Can’t get on the market that quickly?

All is not lost! If you can’t quite get your house on the market this month, don’t worry.  The New Year remains the best time to list your property for a speedy sale, with homes listed in January selling the fastest.

The HomeOwners Alliance is here to help

The HomeOwners Alliance is here to help you through every step of the process. We understand how difficult and stressful the buying and selling process is so we have have guides and advice to help you with every detail.

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