There is still time to sell your home by Christmas and here's how

Data from HomeOwners Alliance’s Find an Estate Agent also offers insight into the time it takes to sell a residential property.

In 2021, properties took on average 52 days to sell, making it the speediest year ever and the trend is continuing in some areas due to the lack homes for sale.

Over the past seven years, homes have taken an average of 63 days to sell.

Commenting on the data, Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of HomeOwners Alliance, which runs the esate agent comparison website, said: “The speed of sale in 2021 and year to date 2022 has been much faster than in recent years.

"This is likely due to a shortage of homes for sale. Still, to agree a sale by Christmas, you need to list your home by November 2 at the latest.”

"Homeowners worried about rising mortgage rates may wish to move sooner rather than later and take advantage of the stamp duty cuts recently announced.”

Here are some HomeOwners Alliance tips for speeding up your sale:

*Appoint a great estate agent. Try Find an Estate Agent, which ranks your local estate agents by how successful they are at selling quickly and securing the asking price.

*Set up your solicitor. Instruct a conveyancing solicitor early and start pulling paperwork together now if you want to secure a quick sale.

*Get your house sale ready. If there are any issues that might come up in a survey and delay the move, consider fixing them now and, as the winter months approach, make sure your home doesn’t look too dark, Create light with lamps, candles and mirrors.

*Let your estate agent lead viewings and tackle any tricky questions and let them advise on negotiations.Going to sealed bids to secure the best price is an option if your location is a sellers’ market.

*Choose the right buyer. Everyone wants to get the best price, but if you want to sell quickly opt for a chain-free buyer who isn’t relying on selling their home to buy yours.