The autumn and winter months may not be the first that comes to mind when considering a move, however, the end of the year can be a golden opportunity to secure the ideal home.
Below, property specialists at Beresfords Group have compiled their top reasons for why it’s a good time to push forward and maximise the chances of achieving market goals, from better deals to less competition and more opportunity.
1. Less competition, more opportunity
While spring and summer are peak periods for the property market, November and December see a dip in active buyers. With fewer people searching, your chances of finding the perfect property and having your offer accepted increase significantly.
2. Motivated sellers
As the year draws to a close, homeowners who list their properties are often motivated to sell. Some will be looking to relocate closer to Christmas or early New Year and their eagerness can translate to better negotiation opportunities and faster transactions for buyers. A vendor selling could well have a property they are very keen to move into in the spring and therefore, opportunities to structure a deal and make savings, could be quite significant.
3. Better deals on New Builds
Developers of new build properties often have end-of-year targets to meet, making November and December prime months for potential discounts or special incentives. To boost sales during the quieter winter period, many builders may offer perks such as reduced prices, upgraded fixtures, or even contributions toward stamp duty and legal fees. These incentives can make new builds an especially attractive option for those looking to move quickly and take advantage of modern, energy-efficient homes.
4. Be the first to view
Starting your search in November or December sets you up to take advantage of fresh listings that are due to appear early in the New Year. Sellers planning to list in January often start the process in December, giving proactive buyers an early look at upcoming properties.
5. Lock in savings by exchanging contracts before the New Year
Buyers who are in a position to agree on a sale quickly and exchange contracts before the Christmas break hold a significant advantage. This commitment can be highly attractive to sellers, as it provides peace of mind that their property is secured, even if completion doesn’t occur until the new year. For buyers, this means locking in an ‘end-of-year’ price, yet enjoying moving in, in the prime new year/spring market.
6. More genuine buyers in the run-up to Christmas
It’s known that the conversion rate of viewings to offers and sales is much higher in the November/December period, as those looking in this time of the year are genuine and not getting caught up in the festive period but are prioritising finding a home. Therefore, those selling will find a far better opportunity to convert a viewing into a sale running up to Christmas.
7. Picture your new home at its best
Viewing homes during the festive season can help you picture them at their most welcoming. Properties often look more inviting when decorated for Christmas, giving you a clearer vision of how your future home could feel during special and memorable occasions.
Paul Beresford, CEO of Beresfords Group, said: “November and December offer unique advantages for homebuyers that shouldn’t be overlooked. With less competition, motivated sellers, and the chance to plan your move ahead of the January rush, this could be the perfect time to make your property move. By considering these factors, homebuyers can maximise their opportunities and find themselves settled into their new homes just as the new year unfolds.”
