For many buyers and sellers, autumn brings a sense of urgency. The countdown to Christmas begins, and there’s nothing more appealing than celebrating the festive season in a new home. But with the property market’s complexities, from securing a mortgage offer to completing legal checks, many movers ask the same question: is it really possible to sell and move before Christmas?
The short answer is yes, but it requires organisation, the right support, and a clear understanding of the process. This guide explores average timelines, ways to speed things up, and why autumn is such a smart season for property moves. We’ll also show you how Country Properties makes the journey smoother, giving you the best chance of hanging your stockings in a new home this year.
Related: How do you know when to sell? : A complete guide for UK homeowners
How Long Does the Average Sale and Purchase Take?
Understanding the timeline is the first step in deciding whether a pre-Christmas move is realistic.
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, the average property transaction from offer to completion takes between 10 and 16 weeks. This includes surveys, searches, mortgage approvals, and conveyancing.
Mortgage approvals alone can take between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the lender’s demand and your financial circumstances. Completion, once contracts have been exchanged, usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, although same-day completion is possible if both parties are prepared.
So, if you’re starting your journey in September or October, there is just enough time to move before the holidays, provided everything runs smoothly.
Common Delays (And How to Avoid Them)
While property transactions can move quickly, certain hurdles often slow things down. Being aware of them means you can take proactive steps to stay ahead.
Slow local authority searches can hold things up, taking an average of 2 to 6 weeks, with some councils exceeding that timeframe.
Mortgage paperwork delays are another culprit, especially if documents are missing. Chain complications, where one party’s issue halts the entire chain, and survey findings such as damp or subsidence can also extend the process.
Ways to Speed Up Your Move
If you want to move in time for Christmas, the key is preparation. Here are some proven strategies to accelerate the process:
1. Get Your Paperwork in Order Early
Vendors should gather documents such as proof of identity, warranties, planning permissions, and guarantees before the solicitor requests them. Buyers should line up proof of deposit, a mortgage agreement in principle, and ID documents.
2. Instruct a Solicitor at the Outset
The Law Society recommends instructing a solicitor as soon as your property is listed for sale. Too many sales stall because conveyancers are appointed late.
3. Secure a Mortgage in Principle
Having a mortgage in principle before house-hunting puts you in a stronger position and helps prevent unnecessary delays once your offer is accepted.
4. Opt for Searches Upfront
Some sellers choose to order searches before a buyer is found, reducing waiting time once an offer is accepted.
5. Stay Responsive
Conveyancing Association research shows that delays in paperwork return add an average of three weeks to transactions. Replying quickly to requests from your solicitor, mortgage broker, or estate agent is essential.
Why Autumn is a Smart Time to Buy or Sell
Autumn isn’t just about red leaves and crisp mornings; it’s also one of the most strategic times in the property market.
Rightmove data shows there has been a 15% increase in the number of people making enquiries to estate agents compared to the same time last year. Motivated buyers want to settle before Christmas or before the school term starts in January.
Sellers are more serious too. Those who list in autumn are usually motivated to achieve a sale before the slower winter months. With fewer competing listings than in spring and summer, your property has a better chance of standing out.
Kerb appeal also plays its part. Autumn light is flattering, gardens are still relatively neat, and cosy interiors make homes feel welcoming.
How Country Properties Helps You Move Faster
With the right estate agent by your side, achieving a pre-Christmas move is entirely possible. At Country Properties, we pride ourselves on guiding our clients through the process efficiently, while keeping stress to a minimum.
Local Expertise
Our teams live and work in the communities we serve. We know the local solicitors, surveyors, and mortgage advisors who can help speed up the process.
Strong Buyer Network
We maintain active databases of ready-to-move buyers, meaning your property can reach serious prospects faster.
Proactive Communication
We chase solicitors, lenders, and buyers on your behalf, ensuring nothing sits idle. That responsiveness can shave weeks off your timeline.
Tailored Advice
Whether it’s setting the right asking price or helping you present your home for viewings, our advice is designed to get you offers quickly.
Transparent Updates
You’ll always know where you stand in the process, no waiting in the dark for progress reports.
Preparing Your Property for a Fast Autumn Sale
If you’re selling, presentation matters more than ever when time is tight. Small changes can help your home stand out and secure faster offers.
Tidy and declutter. Clear surfaces and storage areas so buyers can imagine themselves in the space.
Add seasonal touches. Autumn wreaths, cosy throws, and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere.
Tend to the garden. Sweep leaves, trim hedges, and keep the front entrance tidy for kerb appeal.
Do quick repairs. Fix dripping taps, scuffed paint, or broken handles. Small details influence buyer perception.
Invest in professional photos. High-quality images help your property shine online, attracting more serious enquiries.
For Buyers: How to Move Quickly This Autumn
If you’re buying, efficiency is just as crucial. Here are a few ways to put yourself ahead of the competition:
Be financially ready with your mortgage in principle and deposit funds accessible.
Work with a proactive agent like Country Properties, who understands your urgency and matches you with motivated sellers.
Book surveys promptly. Don’t wait weeks after your offer is accepted — book your surveyor straightaway.
Negotiate realistically. If you’re aiming to move quickly, focus on fair, achievable offers rather than prolonged haggling.
A Realistic Timeline: From Listing to Completion
Here’s an example of how a motivated vendor and buyer can move from listing to completion in around 12 weeks:
Week 1–2: Property listed, viewings booked, offers accepted.
Week 2–3: Solicitors instructed, mortgage application submitted, searches ordered.
Week 4–6: Survey conducted, enquiries raised, draft contracts reviewed.
Week 7–9: Mortgage offer received, remaining enquiries answered.
Week 10–12: Exchange of contracts and completion scheduled.
With focus and the right team in place, this timeline makes moving before Christmas achievable.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Moving home can feel stressful at any time of year, but the rewards of settling in before Christmas are worth it. Imagine unpacking boxes by the glow of fairy lights, inviting friends and family over to your new home, and starting the new year with a fresh chapter.
For buyers, it means enjoying the holidays without the uncertainty of house-hunting. For sellers, it often means achieving a sale before the quieter winter months.
Work With Country Properties This Autumn
If your goal is to move before Christmas, preparation and proactive support are key. At Country Properties, we combine local knowledge, strong buyer connections, and an efficient process to help you reach your moving goals, even when time is short.
Arrange your free market appraisal today, and let’s get you moving in time to hang your stockings in your new home.
