Selling your home before Christmas: What you need to know

1. The winter market is small but focused

After the flurry of activity in September and October, the winter property market tends to be relatively quiet – and this year is likely no different. 

But while fewer people are out house-hunting during the colder months, those who are left are often highly motivated. No window shoppers just after a mooch or couples who can’t agree on what they’re looking for! Instead, a pool of serious buyers who crave an efficient sales process, possibly for the same reason as you – they want to celebrate a sale in time to relax over the festive holiday.

2. An accurate asking price is crucial

There are no guarantees you can sell by a specific date, unfortunately. Across Winkworth sales completed over the past year, the typical time from an offer being accepted to completion was around four months. 

That said, the process can sometimes move faster, particularly if you’re chain-free or you find a cash buyer.

What’s more, you can maximise your chances by setting an accurate asking price from the word go. Don’t be tempted to test the waters with an ambitious number, reasoning you can lower it later if necessary. Recent Rightmove data reminds us that uncompetitively priced properties risk languishing on the market, taking an average of 119 days to find a buyer after a price reduction, compared with properties that don’t need a price reduction, which find a buyer in an average of just 39 days. 

3. Thoughtful preparation can work wonders

The darker months call for a little time and care in preparing your property. For example:

• Elevate your kerb appeal: Can you illuminate the pathway? Repaint the front door for a pop of colour? Plant winter jasmine or pansies? First impressions really do count. 
• Lean into the cosy aesthetic: While you want a largely neutral, clutter-free interior, you might add a few cosy touches such as a woollen blanket over an armchair, warm-toned lamps and plush rugs over timber floors.
• Consider the weather: On icy days, visitors will appreciate a warm hallway and space for their wet coats and shoes. 
• Try to arrange viewings during the day: Lighter hours often make a property more attractive, especially if you have a garden or balcony. 

Final thoughts

The prospect of selling your home before Christmas can be exciting and, given the typically more focused market, can come with advantages. However, there are no guarantees, and you want to avoid making any hasty decisions. 

If you don’t agree on a sale before the 25th of December, you might consider the ‘Boxing Day Bounce’ as another date to prepare for. Last year, Rightmove recorded its busiest-ever Boxing Day for property searches, with many potential buyers hungry for a new home. Here’s more on this ‘boom period’ between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.