Key Date to Sell Property Before Christmas

A key date is looming for landlords with buy-to-let homes to sell before Christmas.

Property sales data suggest that homes take 58 days to sell a home - which slates October 23 as the final day to list with a good chance of the sale completing before the Christmas and New Year holiday shutdown.

However, location is important for property sales, and average selling times do vary according to where they are in the country.

Five regions offer a below average chance of completing a sale before Christmas, seven are above average, with homeowners in the South-West faring the worst with a 71-day sales period.

By city, Sheffield is the fastest place to sell a home, with an average turnaround of just 41 days.

The data comes from an online tool called the Best Estate Agent Finder

Paula Higgins, chief executive of HomeOwners Alliance, which maintains the tool, said:

"With the leaves falling and Christmas ads already creeping onto our screens, it may feel early to mention the big day - but if moving home is on your wish list, the clock is ticking. The last day to list your property to be in with a chance of an agreed sale before Christmas is October 23.

"That doesn't mean you'll complete the sale of a home by the end of the year -- there are still plenty of hoops and hurdles along the way, but having a sale secured will put you in a strong position to finalise the sale in the New Year."