Homeowners wanting to sell before Christmas need to list their property by 23rd October, research from HomeOwners Alliance showed.
Data from the Best Estate Agent Finder tool revealed it takes an average of 58 days to sell a home, with times ranging from 32 days in Northern Ireland to 71 days in the South West.
Cities like Glasgow saw the fastest average at 22 days, while London and Nottingham averaged 65 and 66 days.
Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, said: “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.
“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 – there are still plenty of hoops and hurdles along the way, especially if you’re yet to find where you want to move to.”
Higgins added: “But having a sale secured will put you in a strong position to plan your move in the New Year.
“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.”
She said: “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.”
The research set out six tips to speed up a sale.
These included finding a strong local estate agent, setting a realistic asking price, securing the best deal on agent contracts, instructing a solicitor early, preparing the house for sale and choosing the right buyer.
