When the countdown is on for Christmas and you're hoping for a quick move, you may worry about the busy festive season holding you up. We always try our best to make the sales progression run smoothly but there are times when this cannot be achieved. But this isn’t always a bad thing! Our Founder and Managing Partner, Deborah Richards, shares her insight into the realities of moving this time of year.

Practicalities to exchanging just before Christmas

There is a dreamy allure to enjoying this festive, family centred time in your new home, taking time in the holiday season to get unpacked and settled. However, moving just in time for Christmas does also come with its drawbacks. Here are a few things to consider:

  • You’ll be emptying the freezer instead of stocking it, so gone are the early food bargains.
  • What do you do with all the presents? And when and where do they get delivered?
  • When do you head out for the Christmas tree dash and start decorating?
  • Will Santa get your change of address for the little ones?

Will you have enough time to get settled in

You don’t want to be spending Christmas surrounded by boxes, unable to find that special serving dish you love to use. So, remember that getting fully unpacked in your new home always takes time, and more than you think.

Do your household appliances work?

If your new home is not a new renovation, then you might find your new oven will not be the familiar old friend you have just left. What if you cannot get online (my children would certainly never forgive me!), you don’t understand your new heating system, or worse – and you need urgent repairs? Bear in mind that many trades are not available over the festive period, so check all of these in good time.

Consider seeing out the year in your current home

If your exchange hasn’t happened and the excitement of buying your new home in time for Christmas has fizzled out, then perhaps consider a different view. Maybe…

  • use the extra time to relax and recharge with your family,
  • toast the old house for the good times it has provided,
  • get organised and packed, ready for a fun start to the new year in your new home.

What a way to start 2023! 

We do our utmost to help our buyers in and around Tunbridge Wells achieve their Christmas property purchase and have many happy clients over the years. However, if this doesn’t end up happening for you, don’t worry, moving in over Christmas isn’t as always as it seems. We hope your search for your dream home is a success and we would be delighted to help you in any way we can.