Anyone hoping to celebrate the festive season in a new home faces a critical deadline.
December is characterised by a substantial slowdown in the housing market as solicitors, mortgage lenders, removals firms, and other key service providers operate with reduced staff or temporarily close during the Christmas and New Year period.
This seasonal reduction in resources results in prolonged transaction times, often pushing house moves into January.
The reduced capacity of legal firms creates a backlog of work, while lenders take longer to process mortgage approvals.
Meanwhile, removal companies typically reach full capacity early in December, making it challenging to secure booking slots later in the month.
Holly Andrews, loans manager and director at KIS Finance, recently revealed that contracts must be exchanged November 21 to allow realistic completion of a house move before Christmas.
To prevent delays, she advised: ‘Considering mid-week completions rather than the traditional Friday increases your chances of securing removal services before the holiday period.’
She also said: ‘A bridging loan can be a useful tool for buyers who need to complete quickly, for example, if your chain is stuck or the mortgage offer is taking longer to process.
‘Bridging loans provide temporary finance so you can secure your new home before your sale or mortgage is finalised, which can make the difference between moving in before Christmas or being stuck waiting until January.’
But for buyers still viewing properties or just entering the purchase process, completion prior to Christmas is unlikely.
While this may be disappointing, Andrews explained that moving in January or February often offers smoother conditions, with solicitors and removal companies operating at normal capacity, reducing pressure and potential complications.
Practical steps to secure a pre-Christmas move
For those yet to list their home, unfortunately there is little chance of moving before Christmas.
Research from the HomeOwners Alliance advises that properties should be listed by late October to meet the seasonal deadline.
The UK average time to sell a home is 58 days, but this varies regionally, from 32 days in Northern Ireland to 71 days in the South West, highlighting the need for upfront planning.
Sellers keen on a Christmas move should adopt early preparation strategies, including:
- Organising packing in advance
- Decluttering, redecorating, and making repairs ahead of listing
- Setting a realistic asking price
- Selecting an effective estate agent
- Instructing conveyancing solicitors early
- Promptly booking surveyors
According to a survey by estate agents Benham & Reeves, 87% of homebuyers prefer to avoid moving during the Christmas period due to the additional stress and logistical challenges.
However, those who must move are advised to plan meticulously, including:
- Informing utility companies well ahead
- Arranging mail forwarding
- Being flexible on moving dates to accommodate service availability
For those wishing to relocate and spend Christmas in their new home, taking immediate action is essential.
Missing the mid-November contract exchange window drastically reduces the chances of completing before Christmas, relegating most transactions to the quieter market conditions of the new year.
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