Home for Christmas? What buyers and sellers need to know about year end transactions

July 7, 2026

Thinking of buying or selling a property before Christmas? As 2026 draws to a close, many buyers and sellers will be keen to complete before the festive break. But with potential delays, tighter timescales, increased demand, what do you need to know to keep your transaction on track?

The holiday season is fast approaching, which leads to many buyers and sellers beginning to ask, ‘Is there still time to move before Christmas?’ Although a pre-Christmas completion is likely to be possible, the answer largely does depend on how well the transaction progresses or whether any unexpected delays arise along the way.  

Property transactions involve several moving parts, including mortgage approvals, searches, enquiries, surveys and, in many cases, an entire chain of linked transactions. Each stage can affect the overall timeline, and activity often increases as more people aim to complete before the holiday period.

Whilst there is no guarantee that every transaction will complete before Christmas, early preparation, realistic expectations and proactive communication can significantly improve your chances of spending the festive season in your new home. If a pre-Christmas move is your goal, the best time to start preparing is now.

When should you tell your solicitor you want to complete before Christmas?

When instructing your solicitors, ensure that you communicate as early as possible regarding a possible completion before Christmas. Early communication allows the solicitors to prioritise key stages of each transaction, identify any obstacles early on and work proactively with other solicitors/agents involved. By ensuring your intentions are clear from the outset, your solicitor can advise on the next steps required to maximise the chances of achieving a pre-Christmas completion, however without an exchange of contracts this cannot be guaranteed. This will significantly improve your chances of spending the festive season in your new home.

How to prepare for a house move before Christmas

For buyers, ensuring your finances are in order from the outset can make a huge difference. Securing a mortgage in principle and obtaining your mortgage offer as early as you can and providing the requested documentation promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays. Buyers should also ensure that searches are ordered as soon as appropriate, as local authority search turnaround times can vary significantly and may impact the overall transaction timetable.

Similarly, sellers can improve their chances of a year-end completion by preparing the property information forms, gathering all supporting documentation and responding to enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitors quickly will speed up the transaction time.

Providing accurate and comprehensive information from the beginning of the transaction if you are a buyer or seller can help significantly reduce the need for further enquiries and can keep the transaction on track.

How seasonal delays affect conveyancing and Christmas completion timelines

Those hoping to complete before the festive break should also be mindful that lenders, local authorities, surveyors and removal companies may experience increased demand towards the end of the year. Acting promptly at every stage of the process can help maximise the likelihood of meeting your target completion date.

How property chains can delay moving before Christmas

It is also important to consider the wider chain. Even where one buyer and seller are ready to proceed, the transaction can only move as quickly as the slowest link in the chain. Regular communication with your conveyancer and estate agent can help identify any potential issues and manage expectations as key dates approach.

Christmas and New Year conveyancing deadlines and office closures

Whilst many solicitors’ firms will close or operate reduced hours over the festive period, being aware of their Christmas and New Year closing dates, as well as any deadlines set by your mortgage lender for requesting and releasing funds, can help you plan effectively. Establishing these key dates at an early stage allows all parties to work towards a realistic completion target and can reduce the risk of last-minute delays that may otherwise impact your move before Christmas.

Ultimately, the best way to improve your chances of being home for Christmas is to start early, stay organised and maintain clear communication throughout the transaction. While there are no guarantees, proactive preparation can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving a successful year-end completion.

If a pre-Christmas move is your goal, the best time to start preparing is now.

How can Herrington Carmichael Help

If you are dreaming of being in your new home by Christmas, now is the time to start planning. Our residential conveyancing team is on hand to guide you through the process and help you move before the festive period. Please contact us to find out how we can assist.

Zoe Morris
Senior Solicitor, Residential Property
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This reflects the law and market position at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought in relation to a specific matter.

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