A Practical Timeline to Be Market-Ready this Easter
In this article, we share a practical, Reading-specific checklist to help you plan ahead, avoid last-minute pressure and position your home for a successful spring launch in 2026.
If you’re aiming to have your property live on the sales market by Easter 2026 [beginning of April this year], here’s a realistic and proven timeline many successful sellers follow:
Planning Early (Now – Mid February)
Agree your ideal moving goals and timescales
Rather than fixing rigid dates at this stage, it’s more helpful to define your ideal outcome, while allowing room for flexibility as the process unfolds.
A useful exercise is to split your thinking into three clear areas:
- Must-haves / non-negotiables (e.g. minimum sale price, location, completion window)
- Nice-to-haves / preferences (features or timings you’d like, but could adapt)
- Definitely nots (things that simply won’t work for you)
This approach helps you stay focused during negotiations while remaining flexible enough to keep momentum if circumstances change.
Arrange a market appraisal based on recent local sales
A strong valuation isn’t about national averages or generic pricing tools - it’s about what buyers are actually paying on your road and nearby streets. Rather than relying on broad national figures or automated valuation tools, which don’t reflect the nuances of individual streets or buyer demand in Reading, take a look at:
- Which properties similar to yours have sold recently
- Which agent handled those sales
- How long they took to sell
- Whether prices were achieved, reduced or renegotiated
Agents who are actively selling in your immediate area will have the clearest insight into achievable pricing and real buyer feedback, not just what’s being advertised.
Start preparation before marketing begins
Begin decluttering, minor repairs and general presentation before photography or video is arranged. Buyers respond best to homes that feel well cared for and ready to move into, and good preparation makes a noticeable difference to marketing quality.
This early work reduces last-minute stress and allows your home to be presented at its best from day one.
Late February - Early March
This is where presentation and marketing come together.
- Finalise your asking price and launch strategy
- Review marketing materials and imagery
- Complete final styling, repairs or cosmetic improvements
- Ensure paperwork is in order to avoid delays later
At this stage, small details can make a big difference to first impressions.
Mid March - Easter Shaping the Launch
Review marketing materials first
Once your home is prepared, review the visual elements that will introduce it to the market:
- Photography
- Floorplans
- Video or virtual tours (if appropriate)
Strong visuals create the first impression and should always come before finalising how and when your property launches.
Agree your launch strategy
Every property benefits from a considered launch plan, tailored to the home and the target buyer.
This might include:
- A quiet introduction to registered buyers
- A “Heads Up” approach via email or social channels
- A launch day strategy
- Or a direct portal launch
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach - the right strategy depends on demand, pricing and the type of home you’re selling.
Get paperwork ready early
Having paperwork prepared helps avoid delays once an offer is agreed. This may include:
- Title documents
- EPC
- Any guarantees, warranties or planning paperwork
- Your Property Information Form (TA6) - this is one of the most important pieces of paperwork sellers are asked to complete. Many homeowners won’t remember the name, but it’s a key document that underpins the entire conveyancing process.
The TA6 form allows you, as the seller, to provide information that only you would reasonably know about the property. This includes details such as:
- boundaries and any shared access
- parking arrangements
- disputes or complaints (past or present)
- council tax banding
- alterations or building works carried out
- guarantees or warranties
- services such as drainage and utilities
- environmental matters, including flooding risk or Japanese knotweed
The purpose of the form is to help buyers make an informed decision and to reduce unnecessary back-and-forth once solicitors are involved. When completed accurately and early, it can significantly cut down on delays later in the transaction.
While the Property Information Form isn’t technically required by law, it is strongly recommended by the Law Society and widely used by conveyancers. In fact, the latest version of the TA6 form (updated October 2025) will become mandatory for Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) solicitors from March 2026, making early preparation even more important.
Accuracy matters. Sellers are expected to answer the questions honestly and to the best of their knowledge. The form doesn’t replace a buyer’s survey, but incorrect or misleading answers can cause issues further down the line, including delays or renegotiation.
For leasehold properties, additional forms are also required, including:
- TA7 Leasehold Information Form, covering service charges, ground rent and management details
- TA10 Fixtures and Contents Form, confirming what is included in the sale
Getting these documents started early helps keep momentum once an offer is agreed and reassures buyers that the sale is well organised.
Launch & Viewings (Mid March > Easter)
Put the agreed launch plan into action
By this stage, everything should be ready to go live in line with the strategy you’ve agreed. A well-prepared launch creates early interest and sets the tone for the entire sale.
Be as flexible as possible with viewings
Flexibility helps maximise exposure and encourages serious buyers to engage early. The easier it is to view your home, the wider the pool of potential buyers you’ll attract.
Offers handled with care and clarity
When offers are received, it’s not just about the number on the page.
- A good agent will assess:
- Buyer proceedability
- Chain position
- Mortgage readiness
- Timescales and certainty
This is often where conversations with a trusted mortgage adviser can add real value, helping to confirm affordability and reduce the risk of issues later in the transaction.
Why Pricing and Presentation Are Still Key
In today’s market, buyers are informed and selective. Homes that sell well are those that are accurately priced and professionally presented from day one. Overpricing remains one of the most common reasons a property struggles, often leading to longer marketing periods and reduced negotiating power.
A realistic valuation, grounded in recent Reading sales and buyer demand, gives your home the best chance of attracting competitive interest early on. Online valuation tools can be a useful starting point, but they can’t replace local insight or an understanding of how buyers are behaving right now.
Thinking of Selling This Spring?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Easter sounds ideal, but I’m not sure where to start,” that’s exactly where we come in.
At White Knights, we help Reading homeowners plan their move with clarity and confidence, from initial preparation through to completion. Whether you’re a few months away or just exploring your options, an early conversation can make all the difference.
Get in touch with us for a no-obligation valuation and a tailored plan to position your home for the spring market. A little preparation now can lead to a smoother, more successful sale later.