Planning to Move in Early 2026?
Thinking of moving in 2026? Let’s get your plan in place before the January rush.
Book your free valuation now - and we’ll help you move with confidence.
Why Now Might Be the Best Time to Act
If you're hoping to move home during the first half of 2026, now is the time to start thinking ahead. The market might feel a little quieter as we head into winter and await budget news at the end of November, but getting your timing right over the next couple of months could make all the difference between a smooth spring or summer move.
Why timing matters more than ever
In Reading, at this time of year, we get to speak to homeowners who are considering a move, but who feel tempted to wait until January to get their home onto the market. It’s completely understandable, life gets busy, days get short, the Christmas holidays are speeding towards us, and marketing a home with your decs up doesn’t appeal to everyone.
But if your goal is to move by March or April, waiting until January to even get in touch and start the process could already be too late. The average length of time from "under offer" to completion in the UK is around 14 to 18 weeks - and that’s when things go smoothly - which sadly, is only 2/3rds of agreed deals. So, if you want to be packing your moving boxes in spring 2026, then you ideally need to be under offer before Christmas.
The advantage of listing before the festive break
There are a few reasons why November and early December can be a smart time to get your home in Reading listed on the market:
- ✅ Serious buyers are still looking. Those applicants who are house-hunting at this time of year tend to be really motivated and ready to move quickly, giving the longer break between Christmas and the New Year or over Easter [5th April ‘26 weekend] as their ideal moving dates.
- ✅ Your home photographs better. Honestly, autumn colours, soft natural light, and dew or rain gives clarity to your marketing photos. It is important to get those autumn leaves cleared though, as a well-presented garden can really help your home pop.
- ✅ You’ll catch the Boxing Day bounce. Online activity surges on Boxing Day every single year - this is when buyers are browsing listings and planning their next move, so by launching your property just before Christmas, you're positioned perfectly for this wave of interest.
If you're aiming for a spring or early summer move
Even if you're not planning to move until April, May or June 2026, it still makes sense to prepare now.
- Having your valuation and photography done before the decorations go up means you can launch in early January while others are still getting themselves organised.
- During the first few weeks of January, we usually see a spike in buyer activity - being ready means you’re ahead of the competition.
- The market in 2025 has been steady but price-sensitive. Realistic pricing, strong presentation, and good prep are still the order of the day!
Planning ahead gives you control
The best thing you can give yourself right now? Time.
By laying the groundwork early, by which we mean organising your valuation, getting your paperwork in order, and prepping your for marketing [declutter, touch up the paintwork, get those little household niggles sorted] you’ll be in control of your timeline rather than letting the market dictate your pace.
Thinking of moving in the next few months?
Let’s chat. I’m happy to pop round for a no-obligation valuation and help you map out a plan that suits your goals - whether you want to list before Christmas or be first out of the gate in the new year.
Rob Milne, MD