Exact date you need to put your home on the market to sell by Christmas

24 October 2023 , 12:57

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If you need to sell your home before Christmas Day, then you need to put your house on the market this week (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you are hoping to sell your house by Christmas, then you will have to crack on sooner rather than later.

Spring is traditionally said to be the best time to sell your house, and really December has been classed as the worst. This is simply due to the festive season and at this time of the year many of us are usually focused on other things.

However, if you are looking to get a sale agreed upon by the big day then sellers should try and get the home on the market this week according to property experts. Experts at property advice website the Homeowners Alliance say this Friday October 27, is the last day homeowners could list their property and still get it sold subject to contract by Christmas.

This is because the average time it takes to get to that stage, which is when an offer has been accepted but the contracts have not been exchanged, is around 60 days. This figure is the average based on the Homeowners Alliance's analysis of sales over the past eight years.

According to its data, the quickest time a property was sold sat at 39 days. In 2023, the time it takes to sell has stretched from 44 days in January, to 53 days in March, and 60 days as of October.

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Paula Higgins, chief executive of Homeowners Alliance, said: "The speed of sale in 2023 has been slower than in recent years, showing that the relentless interest rate rises has done its job by dampening the housing market and curbing inflation. So, to agree a sale by Christmas, you need to list your home by the end of October at the latest."

If you are dead set about selling your home before Christmas, then the Homeowners Alliance has shared three tips which could help speed up the process.

Make it look cosy and autumnal

The Homeowners Alliance says sellers should really hone into the time of year are in. As the days shorten and the temperature gets cold and crisp, sellers should really embrace soft furnishings such as throws and rugs to make the property feel cosy.

As the nights draw in, sellers should also utilise lighting to "prettify dark corners". The Homeowners Alliance says candles and fairy lights are relatively inexpensive but can really warm up a room. Sellers should also light the fire - if they have one - or put on the heating before a viewing.

The outside look of your home is also very important so sellers should make sure hedges are neat, leaves swept up and wheelie bins hidden away. The property experts say that "kerb appeal" can be enhanced with an on-trend autumnal door wreath.

Get the price right

Working out what price to sell for in the current market isn't easy. So go to a good local estate agent for advice.

The Homeowners Alliance has an online tool which can help as it ranks your local estate agents by how successful they are at selling quickly and securing the asking price. Once you know the best ranked estate agents in your area you can invite them round to give you a free no-obligation valuation.

However, while estate agents need to impress you with their local knowledge, The Homeowners Alliance says you shouldn't fall for the flattery of an "overly ambitious valuation". Estate agents often do this to win your business only to reduce the price a month later.

Don't wait to set up your solicitor

After the excitement of putting your house on the market, some sellers sit back and wait for the sale.

This is fine, however the Homeowners Alliance says this is the time you should be getting "ahead of the game". The property experts say you should shop around and compare quotes from conveyancing solicitors early on and start pulling paperwork together now if you want a slick sale. At the very least, you should dig out the essential documents.