Selling and buying a property involves several stages, from arranging a valuation and marketing your home to progressing the legal work. Starting early can give you more time to manage each step and respond to any unexpected delays.
Here are some practical ways to get your move underway.
Arrange a property valuation
If you have a home to sell, finding out how much it could be worth is a useful first step.
A local estate agent can assess your property, consider recent activity in your area and discuss a suitable asking price. They can also advise you on how to present your home and when to launch it onto the market.
Understanding your likely selling price can help you set a realistic budget for your next property.
Prepare your home for sale
You do not necessarily need to make major improvements before selling. A few simple jobs could help your home make a stronger first impression:
- Clear away unnecessary clutter.
- Complete small repairs you have been putting off.
- Clean kitchens, bathrooms and windows.
- Tidy gardens, entrances and outdoor spaces.
- Make rooms feel bright, comfortable and welcoming.
Preparing now means your home can be photographed and listed without unnecessary delays.
Get your finances in order
If you are also buying a property, review your finances before beginning your search.
Consider your available deposit, moving expenses and other potential costs, such as legal fees, surveys and removals. If you need a mortgage, you may also want to speak to a lender or qualified mortgage adviser and obtain an agreement in principle.
This can give you a clearer idea of what you may be able to afford and show sellers that you are prepared to move forward.
Instruct a conveyancer early
Your conveyancer manages the legal work involved in transferring ownership of the property. Choosing one early means they can begin gathering information and preparing the necessary documents as soon as a sale is agreed.
Sellers may be asked to provide documents including:
- Property information forms
- Fixtures and fittings details
- Guarantees for completed building work
- Planning permission or building regulation certificates
- Leasehold information, where applicable
Finding these documents in advance could help prevent avoidable hold-ups later.
Start searching for your next home
Think carefully about what matters most in your next property. Consider the location, number of bedrooms, transport connections, local schools and the amount of work you would be prepared to undertake.
Separating your requirements into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” can make it easier to identify suitable homes and act confidently when the right property becomes available.
Registering your requirements with local Reeds Rains branches can also help you hear about relevant properties entering the market.
Keep the property chain moving
Once you accept an offer, respond promptly to requests from your estate agent, conveyancer, mortgage provider or surveyor.
Good communication between everyone involved can help identify potential issues early and keep the transaction progressing. If you have a preferred moving date, make this clear from the beginning, while remaining prepared to be flexible.
Can you move before Christmas?
Every property transaction is different, and completion before Christmas cannot be guaranteed. The timescale may be affected by the length of the chain, mortgage arrangements, surveys, searches and legal enquiries.
However, beginning the process now gives you more time to prepare, find a buyer and progress your move.
Start your move with Reeds Rains
Whether you are ready to sell or are simply exploring your options, your local Reeds Rains team can help you understand the market and plan your next steps.
Thinking of moving before Christmas?
The Reeds Rains Content Marketing Team
