Autumn is a season of change, the air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and for many people, it sparks the thought of a fresh start before the year ends. If you’re considering selling your home, you may be wondering whether there’s still enough time to complete before Christmas.
The good news? It’s absolutely possible. While the clock is ticking, acting now could mean you’re celebrating the festive season in a new home.
In this blog, we’ll break down how long a typical move really takes, share proven tips to speed up your transaction, explain why autumn buyers are some of the most serious of the year, and show you how Martin & Co’s local estate agents can help keep everything on track.
Related: 10 Tips for preparing your home for sale
How Long Does It Really Take to Move?
Moving home is a multi-stage process, and each step has its own timescales. Understanding these will help you see where you can save valuable weeks.
According to the Rightmove House Price Index, the average time to secure a buyer is around 62 days. But when a property is priced correctly from the outset, sales can happen much faster, with competitively priced homes going under offer in just 32 days. Overpriced listings, on the other hand, can take closer to 99 days to find a buyer.
Once you’ve accepted an offer, the conveyancing process begins. Here’s what the typical journey looks like:
- Listing to offer accepted: 4–6 weeks
- Offer to exchange of contracts: 6–8 weeks (legal work, mortgage approvals, surveys)
- Exchange to completion: 1–2 weeks
That gives a total timeframe of 10–16 weeks in most cases.
The HomeOwners Alliance advises that to realistically complete before Christmas, you should aim to list your property by late October at the very latest. Beyond that, you’re more likely to move in the new year. And be warned: Rightmove has previously highlighted that some sales can stretch to seven months if complications arise, underlining the importance of being proactive.
Tips to Speed Up Your Transaction
Selling before Christmas is achievable, but only if you take steps to streamline the process. Here’s how you can get ahead:
1. Prepare Your Home for Sale
Buyers make fast decisions, both online and in person. To attract attention quickly:
- Declutter and depersonalise rooms.
- Deep clean and touch up paintwork in neutral shades.
- Style your home with warm lighting and seasonal touches.
- Invest in professional photography for your listing.
A home that feels cosy and welcoming in autumn makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves celebrating Christmas there.
2. Price Accurately from the Start
Overpricing is the quickest way to stall a sale. Serious buyers know the market well, and inflated prices tend to put them off.
Martin & Co agents use data from Rightmove, Zoopla, and the Land Registry to deliver accurate valuations. Getting the price right from day one means more viewings, quicker offers, and a smoother route to completion.
3. Get Legally Ready Early
Conveyancing is one of the biggest causes of delays in the moving process. To avoid this:
- Instruct a solicitor as soon as you decide to sell.
- Gather key documents in advance: EPC, ID, title deeds, guarantees, planning permissions.
- Respond to queries quickly to prevent bottlenecks.
Being “contract ready” shows buyers you’re serious and can save weeks off your timeline.
4. Choose the Right Buyer
In autumn, the highest offer isn’t always the best. When time is short, a chain-free or cash buyer can be worth more than someone offering slightly more money but tied to a complex chain.
Your Martin & Co agent will vet buyers carefully and help you select the one most likely to complete before Christmas.
5. Stay Flexible
The festive deadline means buyers and sellers alike may need to compromise. Whether it’s adjusting your move-out date or agreeing to resolve minor issues quickly, a flexible approach helps keep things on track.
Why Autumn is a Great Time to Move
Spring may be the busiest time for the housing market, but autumn has its own advantages — especially for sellers.
Buyers Are More Serious
Unlike the casual browsers of spring, autumn buyers are usually motivated. Zoopla’s research shows that September and October are the second busiest months for sales-agreement, with many buyers keen to move in before the new year.
Their reasons vary:
- Job relocations starting in January.
- Families wanting to be settled before the new school term.
- The dream of celebrating Christmas in a new home.
Fewer Properties = Less Competition
With fewer homes listed compared to spring, your property has a greater chance to stand out. Property Price Advice notes that autumn sellers often benefit from more decisive buyers and less saturated competition.
Market Momentum is Still Strong
According to Rightmove data, estate agency stock is at a decade-high, meaning buyers have choice, but they’re also committing quickly when they find the right property.
The Role of a Good Estate Agent
When time is short, your choice of agent is critical. A proactive estate agent doesn’t just list your home; they actively drive the process forward.
Martin & Co’s experienced teams will:
- Market your home with professional photography, floorplans, and prominent listings on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket.
- Use targeted marketing to reach motivated buyers quickly.
- Qualify buyers to ensure they’re financially prepared.
- Liaise with solicitors, surveyors, and mortgage providers to prevent unnecessary delays.
- Negotiate not just on price, but on timelines and terms that suit your Christmas deadline.
How Martin & Co Keeps Things Moving
At Martin & Co, we understand that selling before Christmas is about speed, organisation, and communication. That’s why we focus on:
- Accurate valuations that reflect the current market.
- High-quality marketing to attract buyers quickly.
- Local expertise combined with the strength of a national brand.
- An active buyer database of people ready to move.
- Step-by-step guidance to keep your transaction on track.
Our goal is simple: to help you sell with confidence and move in time for the festive season.
Final Thoughts: Your Move, This Autumn
There’s no doubt about it, autumn is a fantastic time to move, but the festive deadline is fast approaching. With the right preparation, realistic pricing, and an experienced agent, it’s entirely possible to complete before Christmas.
Martin & Co is here to make it happen. Our local estate agents combine national strength with neighbourhood knowledge to guide you through the process, cut out delays, and give you the best chance of moving in time.
Ready to get started? Request your free market appraisal with Martin & Co today, and take the first step towards celebrating Christmas in your new home.
