If you’re hoping to hang your stockings in a new living room this Christmas, the clock is ticking.
New analysis from the HomeOwners Alliance shows sellers have just days left to get their homes on the market if they want to agree a sale before the festive break.
Using data from its Best Estate Agent Finder tool, the Alliance found that the average home now takes 58 days to sell – meaning that Thursday 23 October is the cut-off for homeowners wanting to toast a sale before Christmas.
REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
The national average, however, hides some sharp regional contrasts. In Northern Ireland, homes are flying off the market in just 32 days, while sellers in the South West are waiting around 71 days – the slowest in the country.
In general, the North is outpacing the South, with markets such as Glasgow, where homes go under offer in only 22 days, leaving London (65 days) and Nottingham (66 days) trailing.
CLOCK IS TICKING
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, which hosts the Best Estate Agent Finder tool, said: “With the leaves falling and Christmas ads already creeping onto our screens, it may feel early to mention the big day – but if moving home is on your wish list, the clock is ticking.
“The last day to list your property to be in with a chance of an agreed sale before Christmas is 23rd October.”
BEAT THE RUSH
And she added: “That doesn’t mean you’ll be in your new home by the end of the year – there are still plenty of hoops and hurdles along the way, especially if you’re yet to find where you want to move to. But having a sale secured will put you in a strong position to plan your move in the New Year.
“And here’s an extra reason not to hang about: with the Budget set for 26th November, many sellers and buyers will be waiting to see if changes to housing or tax are announced. Beat the rush, list before the 23rd, and you could be raising a glass to a successful sale this Christmas.”
