How you can speed up the sale or purchase of your home to beat the pre-Christmas rush

go further up Property considered a ladder An exciting time for buyers and sellers But paperwork and slow estate agentsMortgage brokers and carriers can add unnecessary stress and delays.

According to property platform OneDome, based on research by property technology firm Moovly, the average time for exchange of property transactions ranges from 15 weeks to 179 days after the sale is agreed.

But the risk is that the longer the sale takes, the more likely the buyer is to change his mind, looking elsewhere on the property Or even their mortgage offer expiring.

Falling property sales are costing consumers £560 million a year and the UK economy up to £1.5 billion, research from Centro warned this week.

Efforts are being made to improve the home buying process. Estate agents and mortgage brands such as Connell, Yopa, HSBC and Lloyds Banking Group have recently signed an industry charter committing to 28-day closing times while promoting more upfront information.

But this is only guaranteed to work if every property professional in the chain has signed up.

So what steps can you take as a buyer and seller to give your transaction the best chance of moving forward smoothly and quickly?

organize your finances

You can show that you are serious about buying a property by arranging your finances.

Having a mortgage in principle or even agreed upon can give you a better chance of getting your offer accepted, plus it will save time if you don’t have to wait for approval.

Stephanie Daly, director of partnerships at mortgage broker Alexander Hall, said: “Preparation is everything when it comes to expediting a sale and being proactive with your mortgage is one area you can make a big difference.

“Sellers should put themselves in the strongest position for their further purchases.

“This means getting your finances in order to determine what price can be realistically accepted, while also factoring in costs such as tax, legal fees and surveys.”

Having all the necessary documents ready in advance, from ID and bank statements to proof of income, helps avoid unnecessary delays, and a good advisor can guide you with answers to any questions.

Sellers also need to be proactive if they want the process to move quickly.

Mark von Grundhar, director of Benham & Reeves, said: “This means instructing your solicitor as soon as possible, signing and returning paperwork without delay, checking in weekly with both your solicitor and estate agent and avoiding holidays at key stages.”

Importance of advance notice

The more information a seller can provide in advance about any risks or defects in their property, the less the risk of delays and disputes.

Sellers and estate agents are expected to disclose any material information that may influence a buyer’s decision to make an offer.

Adam Day, head of estate agency brand EXP UK, said the most common cause of delays is waiting too long for a property search request.

He said: “The speed at which results are returned depends entirely on the local authority and their current workload, which can vary considerably. Searches have to be paid for in advance and the fee is not refundable, so some buyers hold off until they receive their mortgage offer or survey.

“However, both of these can be time consuming, and delaying searches inevitably slows down the entire process. If you can afford to lose fees if the transaction is completed, instructing your conveyor to process searches as quickly as possible can save weeks.”

He also suggests instructing a surveyor as soon as possible, adding: “Surveyors can be instructed immediately after receiving the memorandum of sale, and removals can often be booked in advance, with flexible arrangements if the date changes”

According to Grundhar, flexibility is important for sellers. He said: “Whether granting viewings, completing repairs, or agreeing a time frame for move-ins, sellers who are adaptable to changing circumstances and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate are more likely to engage buyers and see their transaction progress smoothly.”

Make sure the presentation and price are right

Research from Zoopla shows that a property that requires a price reduction often takes 2.4 times longer to sell, so it’s important to get the pricing right at the outset to attract buyers.

Shepherd Ncube, chief executive of Springbok Properties, said: “Presentation and marketing are key when it comes to accelerating sales. Arranging, cleaning and organizing your property can make it more attractive, while professional photography and detailed floorplans prove to attract more interest.

“Sellers of older homes also need to be realistic that what they find characterful may appear outdated to today’s buyers, requiring either some level of modernization or a greater willingness to negotiate on price.”

Choose your conveyor wisely

Buying or selling property is possibly the most expensive transaction you will ever be involved in, so don’t skimp on the legal aspect.

It is worth paying for a good conveyancer as they can be vital in sorting out issues with the property you are buying, such as any restrictions on land or leasehold charges.

Check online reviews or ask friends for recommendations.

Grundhaer said: “A good solicitor or conveyancer is absolutely vital when it comes to accelerating the sale of your property.

“Overworking a lawyer can slow down progress, so it’s important not to choose based on price alone. The cheapest options are often the busiest, and homeowners One should also be cautious about automatically using conveyancers recommended by large national or hybrid estate agencies, as these partner firms may have a bad reputation.

Consider an auction

If you’re struggling to find a buyer or just want a quick sale, do this Might be worth considering an auction,

Ncube said: “Auction platforms and quick home buying companies allow you to sell your home in its current condition, and although this may mean adjusting your price expectations, these methods can be effective in guaranteeing a fast sale.

“They are often used to solve time-sensitive situations, such as saving a chain-break, where speed is more important than maximizing the last pound of value.”

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