New Year New Home

"Twixmas" typically refers to the period between Christmas and New Year's Day and is the time many clients find their next home after a period of sofa surfing between eating the leftover turkey and taking down the tinsel.

This past year has been exceptionally busy for our residential conveyancing solicitors. We’ve worked with clients all over the UK and helped over 400 people either sell their homes or make their next move.

During the festive period last year, Rightmove recorded its busiest ever festive period for home-mover activity, with demand up by 23% compared to the same period last year

Boxing Day is a big day for browsing, up by over 21% and it seems sellers get more motivated in the New Year by requesting home valuations, getting ready to put their home on the market, and then instructing a solicitor.

“Traditionally January is when people turn their attention from turkey to plans for the forthcoming year, and often we see those moves come to fruition by spring,” said Pearson Solicitor and Head of Residential Conveyancing, Victoria Marshall.

“Obviously interest rate changes and uncertainty in the marketplace have played their part this year, but people still need to move for a variety of reasons and we expect a busy start to the New Year.”

The Pearson Conveyancing team have some timely tips for those thinking of making a move in 2024:

Take Advantage of Reduced Competition

Whilst browsing might be up, committing to a house is a wholly different matter. Many people postpone major decisions, including buying or selling homes, during the holidays. This can work to your advantage, as there may be fewer buyers in the market. Sellers might be more motivated to close deals.

Be Mindful of Holiday Decorations

Homes are often beautifully decorated at Christmas. While this can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, it's important to look past the decorations and focus on the property's structural aspects, layout, and potential issues.

Check for Winter-Specific Concerns

Winter weather can reveal different aspects of a property, such as heating efficiency, insulation, and potential issues like drafts or leaks. Pay attention to how well the house is insulated and heated, as well as the condition of the roof and windows.  Also, don’t forget to ask about Japanese Knotweed, as the roots are buried deep in winter but can affect your mortgage and future property resale.

Research Solicitors

If your house hunt doesn't yield results during Twixmas, use the time to plan for the upcoming year, research property solicitors, get recommendations from family and friends and check the price quoted for the job will be the actual price you pay. Does the quote include the cost of search results, stamp duty, advice on mortgage offers and gifted deposits?

A qualified solicitor will deal with every aspect of your sale or purchase, from search results to mortgage offers, gifted deposits and money laundering, as well as the actual title of the property.

And some final advice from Victoria:

“Speak to your solicitor before marketing the property. By instructing your solicitor before marketing the property they can be preparing the house for sale so once you have found a buyer you are already one step ahead.”

Remember, while Twixmas can offer unique opportunities for house hunting, it's essential to approach the process with a balance of enthusiasm and pragmatism.

How can we help?

For legal advice and a quote on buying or selling your property contact our residential conveyancing solicitors on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk.

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.