Christmas Shopping…For a New Home

It may not be the most obvious time of the year for house hunting, but thinking smart might just pay dividends at this traditionally quieter time of the year. With most out shopping for Christmas presents, you may find yourself one of only a few buyers looking to purchase a property in December.

With less competition from rival buyers, you may find it easier to secure that must have pied-à-terre or country home. Those who are selling at this time of year are often doing so through circumstance not choice. Drivers such as job moves for the New Year, could mean a motivated seller, who may be more willing to be flexible on price, will wish to secure a buyer before Christmas and fit in with their onward move.

Having the right contacts can also prove beneficial as many would be sellers can be tempted to ‘test the market’ with a one off viewing from a motivated and flexible buyer. If you can find these ‘pre-market’ opportunities and secure them from any competitive bidding, you could be buying yourself a property at a competitive price. But be warned, whilst a seller may be willing to agree a sale before Christmas, many will want a delayed completion to find and secure their next property…worth waiting for?

In many instances the answer is ‘yes’, the seller has certainty of sale and can start looking for their next opportunity, you have secured yourself a new home and can spend time planning that kitchen extension or garden landscaping, a perfect start to the New Year all round.