In September this year, the number of buyers returning to the UK property market increased by 12% compared with August.* Whether you are wishing for snow this Christmas or a new home, the good news is that more buyers are returning to the UK property market. So, if you are thinking of moving, now is the time to start your search as more properties appear on the market.

The snowball effect creates more sellers
As more buyers get on the move, they bring with them a choice of interesting properties to the market. Many homeowners are downsizing as their families have flocked the nest. Some younger buyers, having stayed at home to save a deposit, have now moved out and bought their first properties. Finally, Mum and Dad have their chance to downsize or use some equity to buy a holiday home. This gives you the chance to find a property with a bit more room. More and more homes appear on the market as home movers exchange contracts.

Home movers are acclimatising to the new normal level of interest rates
Interest rates in the past have been far higher than those of today. And it’s no secret that in recent years we have been spoiled with super low rates. Buyers are now realising that rates today still represent a good deal. Affordability levels are still good. As home movers and households adjust and accept that their mortgage costs are a bit higher, many are choosing to carry on with their home moving plans.

Christmas home-moving flurry
Being in a new home in time for Christmas is a very appealing idea, and many movers are already well into their home-moving journey. More bedrooms for your growing family or a place for everyone to sit at the table in a larger dining room. A magical winter garden tastefully embellished for the holiday season or just because you finally create your vision of an awesome outdoor space. There are so many great reasons to move.

A better year
You may be moving because you want a better work-from-home space, or your motives are based on a new location for work or to live closer to your family. And getting it done in time to start the new year is arguably better than rushing around in time for Christmas. Starting the new year in a new property is like making a fresh start. And the impact the right home can have on your sensory and emotional well-being is extraordinary. Feeling like you are revitalised for all that the year brings in a happier home is a great way to live.

Navigating the property market
In a fragmented and increasingly complex property market, it’s vital that you find the right agent who truly understands your property’s market. Fluctuating prices and an air of insecurity are still in the minds of some homeowners, thanks to so many negative news stories that often overlook the positive aspects of today's market. The reality is that each home-moving story is unique. Agents' databases are filled with individuals who have a specific vision for where they want to live. Your home may be central to this. With an overall shortage of properties relative to high demand, pricing your property accurately has never been more critical.

Book your expert face-to-face valuation today.

Take a look at your credit report
Having a good credit score is key to getting a mortgage. Make sure you are on the voting register. You may have a perfect credit history, but without it, you will fail. On that subject, make sure you pay any credit agreements you have on time. If there are some you can clear, perhaps this will increase your levels of affordability. Any credit cards that you don’t use could affect the amount you could borrow, so if you don’t need them and you have more than one, think about cancelling them.

The bigger your deposit, the better
Perhaps you are already living at home with parents or a relative and saving rapidly. It may not be ideal right now, but a bigger deposit will not only increase your chances of success but also reduce your monthly repayments. Then, when you finally get the keys to your very own home, your newfound freedom will feel even better.

Buy with your friend, partner, or family

Buying with your partner is an obvious choice for many, and moving to your own place is exciting as you furnish it and decorate it to the tastes of whoever has the final word! If you are not ready for such levels of commitment, then why not buy with a friend? Some lenders will allow you to buy with up to four people. Maybe you could pitch the idea to your parents as a property investment for them and move out more quickly!

Don’t change your job too often
If you are thinking of applying for a mortgage in the near future, changing your job is not a definite guarantee that you will not be successful. Having said that, your lender is looking for consistency. They want to see that you have been in employment for a decent amount of time, usually about three years, depending on the lender.

Get in touch with a mortgage advisor
A good mortgage advisor is worth every penny. Experts in understanding the market, they will have lots of tips and access to ways of buying your home. From improving your credit score to finding a tailored solution from the thousands of products that are available. If you are happy with your existing mortgage deal, you may decide to port your mortgage, which allows you to move with your existing mortgage. There are interest-only options for lower payments, guarantor mortgages, flexible mortgages so you can overpay or underpay, and buy-to-let options for investors. Offset mortgages allow you to link your savings to your mortgage by offsetting the value of your savings against the value of your mortgage amount. The right mortgage advisor can make a big difference in helping you get the keys to the home you want.

Your perfect is different from that of the next person. So how you prepare for the Christmas holidays is your call, but there is nothing like mixing a bit of tradition with some fresh ideas to keep Christmas feeling as festive as possible.

Christmas greetings
Are you up for going all out and adorning the front of your home with an intricate arrangement of lights that can be seen from the stratosphere, or do you prefer to decorate with an air of subtlety? Whatever you decide, create that gushy feeling that makes passersby and guests feel welcome. It’s all about doing it your own way, choose a ribbon, a wreath or a singing snowman, let your imagination do all of the hard work for you.

Stock your cupboards
Christmas is an expensive time of year. Start stocking your cupboards now with items that have a long best-before date. Maybe you have already made your Christmas cake or ordered your pudding. Planning ahead can make for a more delicious Christmas. Making edible decorations like chocolate reindeer also helps! But you could always grace your front room with mince pies, garnish them with a bit of holly, and suddenly they too become edible decorations.

Add some authenticity
Maybe you would prefer to just blow up some balloons, or you are going to go for it by creating your own grotto out of wood. Somewhere in between is a good place to start. A bowl full of chestnuts, or get crafty and make your own baubles. If you need guidance, buy a DIY kit.

The scent of Christmas
With the aroma of great food mingled with the pines of a real Christmas tree and maybe a good punch—the scents of Christmas are everywhere. But if you want to enhance this and stretch it out in the buildup to the holidays, think about scented candles, scented sachets of soap, fragrance oils, or even infusing your bathroom with herbs!

The sounds of Christmas
Christmas songs are sometimes sources of contention. Some people love them, others do not! But there are other ways to add atmosphere to your home without involving carol singers. Talking reindeer or snowmen, will help create an atmosphere of magical Christmas memories, for all the family.

A wonderful outdoor area
A miniature Christmas tree placed near your outdoor dining area within reach of a characterful outdoor stove and nice lighting could even warm Scrooge this Christmas. Add a festive theme with holly placed under the pagoda or use it to simply complement outdoor candles. Hang nice LED lighting in case you love carol singers and want an exclusive performance from the comfort of your outdoor living area, with a nice glass of good punch.

Celebrate the past, but don’t dwell on it
Saying goodbye is important, and how you choose to do it is up to you. Maybe you are emotionally detached, and a simple walk around your home as you close the door for the final time will suffice. On the other hand, you may want to build up to this process over time, saying goodbye over a period of weeks. Savouring so many nice memories is important, but there will also be a big part of you that can’t wait to move. Especially if you are moving to a bigger and better home.

Keep yourself busy
This is the secret to moving on with most things in life, and moving home is no different. Write an action plan for moving. Break it down into categories. Include everything from moving day to things to do in your new home. Bring the vision of your new life to reality by starting new traditions. Think about the details of how you can make your new home the best version of itself while getting to know your home's new location. Begin the de-cluttering process of your current home now; it will reduce your stress levels significantly.

Accept that change is good
The ability to change is hard-wired into most of us and a natural part of life, so you will be more adept at coping with it than you realise. Embrace the exciting emotions that a new home brings by looking forward to the great memories you will make in the future. Your home will inspire so many positive feelings, from how it makes you feel to its improved energy efficiency or location. Look forward to your first sleep in your new home and allow the vision of your new outdoor space, bedrooms, or kitchen to take over.

Remember, your agent is human
Good estate agents help you understand the buying process. This makes your entire moving journey less hassle, so you can plan each step. Because of this, your friendly estate agent can be a great source of emotional support. Putting your mind at rest with a thorough understanding of your big move. And connecting you with good mortgage advisors and conveyancers, guiding you on asking and selling prices and preparing your home for sale, your estate agent is your rock when moving.

Conclusion
In today’s world, with increasing automation and the advent of artificial intelligence and online-only agents, it’s easy to forget the importance of the human element, which offers so much support. Moving home does not have to be complicated, even if we humans are!
Are you looking forward to saying hello to a new home? Get in touch today.