By Isle of Wight Observer
December is a popular month to move, but with the Christmas countdown starting, you might wonder how a busy festive season may affect your property transaction.
Christmas shut down
The average transaction takes about 10-12 weeks, but this is sometimes longer, particularly if the property is leasehold or there is a long chain. It’s always worth letting your conveyancer know from the outset if you are looking for a pre-Christmas completion. Completion can take longer to achieve over the festive period because most firms of solicitors and third parties involved close between Christmas and New Year.
At Biscoes each lawyer’s caseload is carefully monitored to ensure they have the ability to progress your matter without delay at all times. Also we have a dedicated in-house locum who provides cover during peak periods to ensure continuity of our high service levels.
Our Christmas cut off for completions this year is December 18. By having a cut off, we allow for a few extra days to deal with a delayed completion and any issues experienced when moving.
Removals and weather
Whilst some removal companies might offer off-peak deals when moving over Christmas, some companies put their prices up, so make sure you shop around. As the great British weather can pose a challenge, particularly in December, it can be a good idea to involve a professional removal company as they will be used to making allowances for the weather.
Christmas may not be traditional
Some people live for the Christmas tree, decorations, lights and festivities, so living out of boxes or renovating may not be on their Christmas list. We will do our best to minimise the stress of the move where we can, but inevitably the additional pressure of Christmas will be a lot for you to consider. However, with a little planning, it is still possible to achieve a smooth move and have a Christmas to remember (in a good way).
If you would like to speak to a member of the Biscoes Residential Property team please contact us on 01983 533938.