New research by independent estate agent comparison website, GetAgent, has found that in 2014, the week before Christmas saw more than 33,000 people complete on their home sale to move in just in time for Christmas Day.
This week, is in fact, the busiest period for property completions throughout the year in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
It seems that all those involved in the property chain are working hard to get buyers into their new homes before the festivities begin with the week before Christmas being the busiest time within a seven-week timeframe.
According to GetAgent's data, in 2014 there were 17,479 people who completed seven weeks before Christmas. This jumps up to 33,191 in the week before Christmas and then drops off to just 7,640 during Christmas week.
Colby Short, co-founder and CEO of GetAgent, says: “Many people are starting to slow down the week before Christmas but our research indicates that is not true for all those agents and lawyers involved in property sales. Our predictions and the data so far shows that Christmas 2015 is set to be another busy period in the property calendar.”
To achieve the data, GetAgent uses an algorithm of objective criteria such as the volume of properties the agent has sold, length of time on the market and price sold from a variety of sources, including all of the main portals as well as UK Land Registry. This captures 98% of the market.
Jo Eccles, Managing Director of independent property search agency, Sourcing Property, agrees: “It is true that this is the busiest week for completions, moreover, December is always our busiest month of the year for completions.”
With the holidays fast approaching, GetAgent has offered some useful tips to moving during Christmas week.
1. Inform your utility company of your upcoming move to avoid waking up on Christmas morning in the dark.
2. Don't forget about your TV provider and book in a pre-Christmas slot or you will miss out on your favourite Christmas television shows.
3. Pack your presents and Christmas decorations in the same boxes to create a festive feeling in your new home.
4. If your tree is already up, wrap it in clingfilm with the decorations in place to save you time and hassle in your new home.
5. Change your address online to make sure you receive any last minute present orders.
6. Keep the Christmas spirit alive for children and calm any worries about Santa turning up at the wrong house by asking children to write a letter to Father Christmas letting him know of your new address. Leave it for the Elves to read and for extra magic, make sure the Elves write back to reassure your child that the message has been delivered and Father Christmas will be visiting them in their new home.
