Purchasing a property comes with nuances – no two deals will ever be the same.
However, you can often presume a fairly predictable timeline order.
The search. The sell. The settlement. The move.
If you have your heart set on being in a new home by Christmas time is of the essence to search, settle and secure.
Spring selling season is upon us which not only signals a renewed energy in the market but also earmarks the beginning of an important timeline for buyers wanting to make a purchase before the end of 2026.
An important timeline to secure a sale.
Witheriff Group Sales Associate Rocco Rachiele says September is the best time to kickstart the buying process to ensure you see a sale this side of the year.
Taking into consideration engaging professionals, standard settlement terms and managing personal affairs, this month should be the jumping off point for motivated buyers.
“By September you definitely need to be pre-approved and get an understanding of where you’re at financially,” says Rachiele.
“At this point you also need to be doing your research and then start to become active in viewing properties. This month is promising to be very active and should be a busy time for buyers who want to be in their new home by Christmas this year.”
Once you’ve got your finances in order, the timeline then moves into the process of finding a property and making moves on securing the deal.
“By the time you’re finding the property that you think is suitable you then need to be negotiating on price and getting contracts reviewed by solicitors, which can all take weeks to complete,” says Rachiele.
“Standard contract and settlement terms are 6 weeks. But depending on an individual’s situation you may need even longer by the time you move your belongings or if you’re trying to sell your home or get the property live to market.”
Make moves before the festive shutdown period.
Rachiele cautions buyers about the shutdown period over the festive season which should be a big consideration in a buyer’s timeline.
“Towards the end of November and certainly by mid-December we see things starting to shut down,” he says.
“That includes all legal services, banks and even removalists. Individuals are also often busy during that time, so capacity becomes very limited.”
For motivated buyers there is a real incentive to take advantage of the market conditions now before the year is out and 2027 begins.
If you’re on the fence about whether to make a purchase before or after the holiday period, Rachiele says in such a fluctuating market, buyers should take advantage of the current conditions.
“There’s an opportunity now for buyers to get great prices,” he says.
“We’re seeing majority of our homes being sold under replacement value. Looking at 2027, we don’t know what the first quarter is going to look like.
“However, if you move now, you could actually get a great deal in 2026.”
If you’re looking to move into your dream home by Christmas, get in touch with the team at Witheriff Group today.
