There’s a unique magic to autumn. The leaves turn golden, the air grows crisp, and many homeowners feel that familiar urge for a fresh start before the new year. But if you’re thinking about selling this autumn, one question naturally arises: is there still enough time to move before Christmas?
The answer: yes, but you’ll need to act now.
In this article, we’ll cut through the uncertainty and give you a clear, data-backed roadmap to selling before Christmas. We’ll cover how long moving really takes, practical tips to speed up the process, why autumn buyers are often the most serious of the year, and how Northwood’s local experts can help you make it happen.
Related: Finding a Buyer Before Christmas
How Long Does It Really Take to Move?
Moving home is a journey with multiple stages, each of which can speed up, or drag out , your completion date.
According to the Rightmove House Price Index, the average time to find a buyer is around 62 days. However, competitively priced properties sell much faster, in as little as 32 days. Overpriced listings, on the other hand, can linger for 99 days or more before securing a buyer.
But securing a buyer is only half the battle. Here’s what a typical timeline looks like:
- Listing to offer accepted: 4–6 weeks
- Offer to exchange of contracts: 6–8 weeks (conveyancing, mortgage approval, and surveys)
- Exchange to completion: 1–2 weeks
Altogether, that’s 10–16 weeks from start to finish.
If you list in late September or early October, you’re still in with a chance of unwrapping presents in your new home. But time is tight. The HomeOwners Alliance suggests that to realistically complete before Christmas, you should aim to list your property by around 23 October.
And if you need more motivation: Rightmove has previously warned that some sales can stretch out to seven months if delays arise, so starting early and choosing the right agent is essential.
Tips to Speed Up Your Sale or Purchase
Selling quickly doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means being proactive, prepared, and working with professionals who keep the process moving. Here are the most effective ways to accelerate your autumn sale:
1. Prepare Your Property for Maximum Impact
Buyers form opinions in seconds, both online and in person. To stand out:
- Declutter and deep clean every room.
- Consider a quick refresh with neutral paint.
- Stage your home with warm lighting and seasonal touches.
- Invest in professional photography, buyers scroll past poor-quality listings.
Think about presentation: an autumnal wreath, tidy garden, and cosy atmosphere can help buyers imagine Christmas in your home.
2. Price It Right the First Time
The key to selling fast is competitive pricing. Overpricing almost always leads to wasted weeks and eventual reductions.
Northwood’s local teams use data from Rightmove, Zoopla, and the Land Registry to provide accurate, evidence-based valuations. The right price attracts serious buyers quickly and helps you secure a smooth completion before Christmas.
Related: The costs of selling your home in the UK
3. Get Legally Ready Early
One of the biggest delays in the moving process is conveyancing. To avoid this:
- Instruct a solicitor as soon as you decide to sell.
- Gather key documents (EPC, ID, title deeds, guarantees) before listing.
- Be proactive with form-filling and responses.
Being €œcontract ready€ can shave weeks off your timeline and show buyers you’re serious.
4. Choose the Right Buyer, Not Just the Highest Offer
In a race against the festive clock, the best buyer isn’t always the one who offers the most money. Consider:
- Cash buyers – fewer complications, faster process.
- Chain-free buyers – more certainty and speed.
- First-time buyers – often motivated and financially pre-approved.
Northwood agents will help you weigh up your options to select a buyer who can actually complete before December.
5. Stay Flexible and Responsive
Be prepared to compromise on dates or move quickly when needed. Respond promptly to solicitor queries, survey results, or requests for information. The more engaged you are, the less chance there is of unnecessary delays.
Related: Step by step guide to selling
Why Autumn Buyers Are Among the Most Serious
One of the best reasons to sell in autumn is the quality of buyers. Unlike spring, when browsers and €œjust looking€ viewers are common, autumn attracts motivated movers.
Zoopla research shows that September and October are consistently among the busiest months for sales-agreed, second only to spring. Buyers active now tend to have strong reasons to move:
- Job relocations starting in the new year.
- Families wanting to settle before the January school term.
- Seasonal motivation – many buyers dream of celebrating Christmas in a new home.
With fewer homes listed in autumn compared to spring, your property also has a better chance of standing out.
The Role of a Good Estate Agent
When you’re aiming to move before Christmas, choosing the right agent is crucial. A good estate agent doesn’t just list your property, they actively manage the process to keep everything moving forward.
At Northwood, our local experts will:
- Market your home with professional photography, floorplans, and high-visibility listings on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket.
- Qualify buyers to ensure they’re financially ready and serious about moving.
- Liaise constantly with solicitors, surveyors, and mortgage lenders to prevent bottlenecks.
- Provide data-driven advice if adjustments are needed to secure a quick sale.
- Negotiate skilfully to keep chains intact and deals on track.
The difference between moving in December or being stuck on the market in January often comes down to your agent’s persistence and expertise.
How Northwood Keeps You Moving
Selling quickly before Christmas is about teamwork, and Northwood’s local branches specialise in exactly that. Here’s how we help:
- Accurate valuations that balance speed and price.
- Trusted marketing to attract motivated buyers fast.
- Local expertise from agents who know your area inside-out.
- A ready database of buyers looking for homes right now.
- Step-by-step guidance through the legal process, so nothing falls through the cracks.
We don’t just list your property. We partner with you to get you moving on time.
Final Thoughts: Move This Autumn with Confidence
The festive season may be fast approaching, but there’s still time to sell and move before Christmas. By acting quickly, pricing correctly, and working with the right estate agent, you can make it happen.
Autumn buyers are motivated, timelines are tight but manageable, and Northwood is here to guide you through every step.
Ready to take the next step? Request your free market appraisal with Northwood today and let’s get your sale moving.
