A step-by-step guide to selling your house in the run up to Christmas

If you are thinking about selling your home before Christmas, there is no better time like now to book a valuation and hit the ground running. With less than 100 days until the start of the festive season, juggling property listings with the start of Christmas preparations can feel like a race against time. Yet, selling your home during the autumn months doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking, especially if you’ve got the right property experts at hand to smooth out the process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical timeline of selling a home, why autumn is an ideal time to list, and how you can stay on track for a stress-free sale before the winter holidays.

How long does it take to sell a home?

According to Zoopla, the average home in the UK takes around 25 weeks to sell, from the moment it’s listed to handing over the keys. However, this timeline can fluctuate based on factors such as the size and price of the property, whether it’s terraced or semi-detached, and whether there is a location premium. In some cases, the process can range from 17 to 34 weeks. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead when preparing to sell.

Fortunately, the autumn months, particularly September and October, are prime times to sell your property thanks to an uptick in market activity and the availability of a pool of buyers searching for their next or forever home even in the run up to Christmas.

What are the key steps in the selling process?

Property valuation

Your journey starts with an accurate property valuation. A proper assessment of your home’s value ensures you enter the market with confidence and the right pricing strategy. At Thomas Morris, we pride ourselves on delivering results faster than the national average of 150 days as reported by Rightmove.

Listing your property

Once listed, your home is exposed to potential buyers, but the presentation is key. Make sure your property shines to attract the right attention.You can check out this handy guide on how to maximise your autumn kerb appeal and make your home stand out this season. 

Preparing documentation

Having necessary paperwork ready—such as gas and boiler certificates or an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)—can help avoid delays later in the process.

Receiving and accepting an offer

Typically, it takes around 14 weeks from listing your home to having an offer accepted, but with Thomas Morris this timeframe is often below the national average.

Conveyancing

Once an offer has been submitted you’re in the pre-contract stage at which point you should have already secured the services of a trusted conveyancer to keep the momentum going. Conveyancing is the legal process involved in transferring property ownership from one person to another. Learn more about conveyancing and why it pays to research conveyancing companies as early on as possible.

Completion

This is the moment you've been waiting for—when the sale is finalised, and ownership of the property is legally transferred to the buyer.

How can I balance my property sale with upcoming Christmas Preparations?

With autumn offering the perfect opportunity for both buying and selling due to increased market activity, it’s also important to consider the extra demands that come with preparing for the holiday season. Balancing a property sale with Christmas preparations, school holidays, and family gatherings can be stressful, but careful planning can make all the difference. Here are three key takeaways:

Stay organised

Make sure you have everything in place ahead of time—whether it’s appointing an estate agent, arranging mortgage advice, or securing solicitor services. Starting early can help avoid last-minute stress.

Plan for delays

While the process can sometimes move quickly, unforeseen delays can happen, so it’s wise to allow extra time at each stage. By preparing for potential hiccups, you can stay in control of your timeline.

Work with a reliable agent

The estate agent you choose can make or break your experience. With Thomas Morris, you’ll have a partner who is committed to helping you navigate the process efficiently, so you can enjoy a smoother transition—just in time for the holidays.

If you’re ready to get started, don’t wait. Book a free valuation with Thomas Morris today and take the first step toward selling your home before Christmas. Let us take the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on what matters most this festive season.