"With the leaves falling and Christmas ads already creeping onto our screens, it may feel early to mention the big day, but if moving home is on your wish list, the clock is ticking"
- Paula Higgins - HomeOwners Alliance
Analysis from the HomeOwners Alliance (HOA) using data from its Best Estate Agent Finder tool shows that the average time to sell a home in 2025 is 58 days. This means mid-October is the key cut-off point for sellers aiming to complete a sale before the festive season begins.
Across the UK, selling times vary widely. In Northern Ireland, homes are selling in around 32 days, while in the South West of England, the average is 71 days. Homes in Glasgow are selling the fastest, taking just 22 days from listing to sale subject to contract. By comparison, homes in London take an average of 65 days, and those in Nottingham take around 66 days.
Overall, the data suggests that properties in northern regions are selling faster than those in the south.
Top tips for sellers to help speed up the process:
Find a great estate agent – Use tools such as Best Estate Agent Finder to identify top-performing agents in your area. It ranks agents by how successful they are at selling similar properties quickly and at the asking price, and includes customer reviews to help you choose who to invite for a valuation.
Set a realistic asking price – Start with an online valuation tool to get a range of possible sale prices. A good local estate agent can also provide insight into what similar homes have sold for recently. Agents with a record of achieving the asking price are more likely to offer realistic valuations.
Get the best deal – Before signing with an estate agent, check their contract terms carefully. Understand the different contract types and how commission rates work before committing.
Set up your solicitor – Instruct a conveyancing solicitor early and gather all necessary paperwork to help ensure a smoother sale.
Get your home ready – Address any potential survey issues before listing. With winter approaching, make sure your home feels bright and inviting by adding lamps, mirrors and candles where needed.
Choose the right buyer – If speed is your priority, select a chain-free buyer such as a first-time or cash buyer, even if it means accepting a slightly lower offer.
For sellers looking to move before Christmas, timing is key. Listing by 23rd October could make all the difference between celebrating the holidays with a sale secured, or waiting until the new year for offers to come through.
“With the leaves falling and Christmas ads already creeping onto our screens, it may feel early to mention the big day, but if moving home is on your wish list, the clock is ticking,” said Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance.
“The last day to list your property to be in with a chance of an agreed sale before Christmas is 23rd October. That doesn’t mean you’ll be in your new home by the end of the year, as there are still plenty of hoops and hurdles along the way, especially if you’re yet to find where you want to move to. But having a sale secured will put you in a strong position to plan your move in the New Year.”
She added, “Get ahead of the game by inviting three top-performing local estate agents to value your home. Compare their track records, read the reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask questions before choosing the right one. And here’s an extra reason not to hang about: with the Budget set for 26th November, many sellers and buyers will be waiting to see if changes to housing or tax are announced. Beat the rush, list before the 23rd, and you could be raising a glass to a successful sale this Christmas.”
