The 'last day' to list your home to sell before Christmas - and free trick to sell more quickly

Estate agents property for sale

Properties take an average of 60 days to sell

GETTY/PA
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 25/10/2023

- 11:52

Updated: 25/10/2023

- 16:24

It takes around 60 days to sell a home and an expert shared tips for a speedier sale

If looking to move before Christmas, this week is the perfect time to put your property on the market.

According to a new study, it takes 60 days on average to sell a home. That means this Friday, October 27, is the last time to list for a Christmas sale.


Homeowners could sell the property even more quickly if they follow some expert tips.

Klara Painter of House Buy Fast shared cheap tips that could boost the chance of a quick sale.

Liam Halligan discusses house prices 

She said: "Despite the volatility of the current property market one thing is becoming more and more common - speedier sales.

“Since the pandemic, the average time it takes to buy and sell a property has been coming down rapidly.

"And it now takes just 60 days to finalise a deal.

“It means the race is really on once the For Sale sign goes up and what’s more, there are a number of things you can do to boost your chances of a quick sale.

"And the best news of all is it hardly costs you any money to put the measures in place.”

A free way to make the home more appealing is to remove any clutter and help the buyer picture themselves living there.

Klara said: "Let’s start with decluttering and hiding personal belongings – photos and valuables are best out of sight.

"Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living there, not visiting somebody else's house. Autumnal soft light is forgiving and hides many interior imperfections.

"Use it to your advantage. Open all the curtains, put shoes away, and clear the countertops. Bake a cake before the viewings."

For sale signs

An expert shared ways to speed up property sales

PA

Finding the right buyer is also important to help speed up the process.

Klara said: "The right buyers will speed up the sale massively.

"First-time buyers have the great advantage of being chain-free but they may be held up by mortgage issues so make sure the agent checks them out.

"Ask questions: is the buyers’ house on the market already? Has it sold? Have the buyers’ been issued section 21 if they’re renting? Gather all the data and make informed decisions.

"Sometimes accepting a lower offer may be the way to go if you want to sell your house before Christmas."

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