Can you still move into your new home before Christmas?
As the countdown to Christmas begins, the question many buyers and sellers ask us every year is the same, is there still time to move before the big day?
The short answer: possibly. But timing is everything.
While some say it takes around 12 weeks from offer to completion, the truth is it can be shorter or longer, depending on your circumstances. As a rule of thumb, if you want to be unboxing decorations in your new living room this December, aim to have everything finalised by mid-November. Leave it too late, and you’ll likely find things start to slow as the festive season takes over.
Once December rolls around, conveyancers, surveyors and removal companies begin to wind down, and many transactions pause until the New Year. But for those who plan ahead, it’s still possible to make your Christmas move a reality.
Why people love a pre-Christmas move
It’s no surprise that many people dream of moving before Christmas. A larger kitchen for festive cooking, an open-plan living room for family gatherings, or simply a hallway big enough for that showpiece Christmas tree, there’s something special about settling into a new home just before the holidays.
That said, it’s important to stay realistic. There’s no universal cut-off date for completing a move before Christmas, as it depends on your individual circumstances. However, for most legal and moving services, the cut-off tends to fall between mid-December and early January, as many firms close for the holiday break.
Key factors to consider
Conveyancing firms
Many solicitors have a pre-Christmas completion cut-off around the first or second week of December. After that, you may find transactions are pushed into January as offices close for the festive period.
Removal companies
These get booked up quickly in December, so it’s best to secure a date as soon as your completion looks certain. Availability is limited, and not all removal teams work between Christmas and New Year.
Completion dates
If your expected completion date falls after mid-December, prepare for a possible wait until early January before you can move.
Packing and shipping
If you’re relying on shipping or courier services for moving items, book well in advance. Black Friday and Christmas deliveries can cause widespread delays, even for important documents sent by post.
Our advice to help you stay ahead this winter
“Every year, we speak to buyers and sellers who want to be in their new home before Christmas, and with good planning, it really can happen,” says Simon Dews, Head of Sales at Thomas H Wood.
“The key is to act early, keep communication open with your solicitor and agent, and stay realistic about what’s achievable. Once you reach mid-December, many conveyancers, mortgage lenders and removal firms begin winding down for the holidays, so it’s best not to leave things until the last minute.
“If you’re already in the process, or even just thinking about starting your property journey, now’s the perfect time to talk to us. We’ll help you understand your timeline, manage expectations and give you the best possible chance of getting those keys before the big day.”
Simon’s advice? Plan early, stay flexible, and keep everyone in the loop. Here’s how to make that happen:
Plan ahead
Start organising and booking services as early as possible, ideally six weeks before your target move date. The sooner you prepare, the smoother your move will be.
Keep communication flowing
Stay in regular contact with your solicitor, estate agent and removal company. Ask about their holiday schedules and what’s achievable before Christmas.
Expect the unexpected
The festive season can bring delays due to reduced staffing, postal backlogs and office closures. Build in extra time to avoid last-minute stress.
Factor in personal circumstances
Every move is different. Some sellers may not be ready to complete before Christmas, while others are eager to do so. Flexibility and open communication will help ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Whether you’re buying, selling or simply exploring your options, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way. Call us on 029 2062 6252, visit thomashwood.com, or pop into our Whitchurch or Radyr branches and let’s see if we can make this Christmas the one you celebrate in your new home.