Planning a summer move? How to maximise your chance of a smooth buying process

You get more time and headspace to manage the process, not to mention the longer, sunnier days to pack your boxes. That’s why buying your new property now, during May, can be a good idea. You set the wheels in motion so that – if everything goes smoothly – you’ll be ready to move in over the summer.

But before we book the removal van, let’s consider how to maximise our chances here. While there are no guarantees, there are ways to increase the likelihood of a summer move-in date.

Decide on your priorities for a home

First things first, make sure you have a clear sense of what you’re after in your new property, especially if you’re buying with another person. This helps you act quickly if you do spot a gorgeous home. Conversely, you won’t waste time touring a property, only to realise it’s missing an essential selling point.

For instance:

• The location – What, in particular, are you excited by? Living in a school catchment area or near to certain amenities like excellent transport links? Drill into what the right location looks like and organise your priorities.
• The property character – How do you feel about a listed property, say? Or one in a conservation area? Think about any adjustments you might want to make over the years. If you’re planning on extending, for example, you need to research local planning permissions and building regulations.
• The property features – Are there mod-cons that would make your life more relaxing? Ways to reduce your energy bills or boost your security? If you plan to work from home, you might consider adaptable spaces and whether an area has full-fibre broadband. Take a look at these popular home features for 2026.

Ideally, you sort your must-haves from your nice-to-haves. And, once you’re feeling confident, tell your estate agent what you want to prioritise in your search so they can help focus your energy on suitable properties.

Here’s what first-time buyers might prepare before touring homes.

Understand the property chain

Most likely, you want to prioritise the quality of the home itself rather than the fact that it’s chain-free or otherwise conducive to a fast move. However, it’s still worth learning enough about the seller’s position early on. You might ask:

• Have the sellers found a property to buy yet? What happens if they don’t find somewhere soon? (They might be willing to move into rented accommodation, for example.)
• How long is the chain? The fewer properties involved in the chain, the more stable it is, increasing your chance of a straightforward sale.
• Who is at the top of the chain? Let’s say your seller is buying from someone who isn’t purchasing their own property; this reduces the risk of something going wrong.

Communicate well with everyone

Buying a property tends to involve lots of people – not just you and the other families in the chain but estate agents, solicitors, conveyancers, lenders and moving companies. The more people stay in touch and communicate problems early on, the easier the process for everyone involved.

That’s not to say you can’t go on holiday or go offline for a few days. But share your plans so they know when to expect a reply from you.

Final thoughts

The process of buying a property is complex and therefore varies widely. But you can maximise the likelihood of a smooth sale by following the above advice. And another thing that can make a big difference? Working with an experienced estate agent who can use their local knowledge and expertise to guide the various stages. With any luck, you’ll move into your new home in time for the great British summer.