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Post updated: September 27th, 2024
Prospective home-sellers will need to have their property on the market by Wednesday 23rd October in order to sell before Christmas, according to a new study. So if you want to sell your home ready for the festivities to begin, read on for our top tips for a speedy sale.
Data from HomeOwners Alliance’s Best Estate Agent Finder offers insight into the time it takes to sell a residential property. The time to sell in 2024 has been slower than the long run average with the time to sell averaging 67 days so far this year.
With the nine year average indicating it takes 59 days on average to sell, you will need to list no later than 23rd October if you want to sell your home by the last Friday before Christmas.
Commenting on the data, Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of HomeOwners Alliance says “With the wintry weather blowing in and shorter days already, it’s only a matter of time before thoughts turn to Christmas planning. If you have moving house on your 2024 to-do list, then there is still time.”
“Invite three of the best local estate agents to value your property, check out their performance and reviews and carefully read the terms of their contract. When you’ve selected your favourite, instruct them to list your home on the main property portals before the 23rd of October to be in with a chance of selling before Christmas.”
For more information you can read our guide on how long does it takes to buy and sell a house?
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.
*for a full break down of data and stats, email press@hoa.org.uk
March 25, 2025 
