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If you’re planning to move in 2026, the best time to get ready isn’t when the Christmas tree comes down — it’s right now.
Most homeowners underestimate how much smoother, quicker, and more profitable a sale can be when a little groundwork happens before the New Year rush.
The homes that sell quickly in the spring are rarely an overnight success.
They’ve been quietly prepared, improved, and organised long before the “For Sale” board goes up.
Here are five intelligent moves that will put you in pole position for a successful start to 2026.
1. See Your Home Like a Buyer Would
We all stop noticing the small imperfections in our own homes. But buyers tend to notice everything.
Walk through your home as if you were viewing it for the first time.
Are the hallways dark? Could you swap bulky furniture for something lighter?
A few simple, low-cost tweaks — such as fresh paint in neutral tones, clean skirting boards, and clutter-free surfaces — can transform the feel of your home without incurring major expenses.
2. Make Your Kerb Appeal Count
Buyers often decide how they feel about a home before they’ve even stepped inside.
Take a critical look at your exterior: tidy the garden, power wash the path, repaint the front door if needed, replace tired house numbers, and check that the outside lighting actually works.
These small touches suggest that the home has been well-maintained — and that confidence can translate directly into stronger offers.
3. Organise the Boring but Brilliant Paperwork
You’ll need documents for boilers, windows, electrical work, extensions and guarantees.
Start gathering them now. When you’re ready to sell, this preparation keeps the legal process moving and avoids frustrating hold-ups later.
Buyers (and estate agents) love organised sellers — it signals reliability and trust.
4. Invite an Agent in Early
A good local agent can offer valuable advice before you list.
They’ll know what buyers are asking for right now — whether it’s home offices, open-plan layouts, or low-maintenance gardens.
They can also recommend what’s worth improving and what isn’t, saving you from overspending before marketing begins.
5. Map Out Your Timeline
If you’d like to move by spring 2026, plan backwards:
Photography and staging in December, launch in January, secure offers by spring, complete by early summer.
That’s the rhythm that keeps your move calm, not chaotic.
Final Thought:
Selling your home is a process that rewards early preparation, regardless of the time of year you decide to make your move.
A little thought and effort this side of Christmas can mean less stress, faster results, and a better price when the time comes to move.
Because when January arrives, it’s not the sellers who start preparing who succeed — it’s the ones who have already done so.
Contact us now for expert advice on every aspect of selling your home.
