Moving house can sometimes feel like a drawn-out, stressful undertaking. But it doesn’t have to be. By being proactive and working with agents and solicitors who have your needs at heart, it’s perfectly possible to sell and buy a property in under two months. If you want to sit down to Christmas dinner in a new home, here’s how you can expedite the moving process.

Find your perfect home – fast

Just because you want to move quickly doesn’t mean you have to compromise to get the home you want. If you don’t know the area you’re moving to, do your research early. The internet is great for general research but nothing beats getting out on the streets and checking out the local amenities.

Here are our top three tips on finding and securing your perfect home:

• Get your finances and paperwork in order. Having an agreement in principle from a mortgage lender and a sale agreed on your property puts you in a strong position when you’re making an offer on your dream home.
• Build a relationship with your agent. Make sure they’re clear on what kind of property you’re looking for, in what area and where you’re prepared to compromise. Having a good relationship with your agent means you’ll be the one getting the first call when a new property comes onto the market.
• Research with your head but buy with your heart. Most buyers have a checklist of needs and wants when looking for a new home. This can be useful when narrowing down a list of properties, but when it comes to viewing leave the checklist behind and go with your heart – it won’t let you down.

Get the top price for your property

Selling fast doesn’t mean you have to accept a low offer. Hire an experienced agent and prep your property before putting it on the market to get a quick sale at a good price.

Good presentation will encourage offers at or above your asking price. De-clutter (put items into storage if necessary), get minor repairs fixed and give your home a full spring clean. If you want to really impress, a house doctor service can advise on how to best show off your home and win the hearts of prospective buyers.

Research the local market so you have an idea of what a realistic sale price is for your property. Appoint an agent you trust and respect, not just the one who offers you the highest valuation. A good agent will vet buyers on your behalf and help you get the right price and the right buyers for your home.

Reduce the risk of being down-valued

Down-valuations – where a mortgage provider’s surveyor decides your home is worth less than the buyer has agreed to pay – are on the rise in certain parts of the country. If you’re on a tight schedule this can be a stumbling block, and, in extreme situations, could mean your buyer pulls out of the sale.

Using an experienced agent with knowledge of the local area can help reduce the likelihood of your property being down-valued. They’ll be aware of what comparable properties have sold for and can discuss any discrepancies with your buyer’s surveyor. They’ll also set out clear expectations with the buyer to avoid minor price renegotiations and be able to advise you on a realistic selling price for your home based on the current market.

If your property does get down-valued, being flexible can help prevent unnecessary delays. For example, you could offer to sell midway between the surveyor’s valuation and the agreed sale price. Or throw in extras that you were going to charge for, such as curtains or furniture, for free.

Be ready to move

Good removal companies get booked well in advance, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, so don’t leave it too late to book. Putting items you’re not going to need into storage can help declutter your home and reduce the stress of packing everything up at once.

And finally, don’t forget to inform Santa of your new address!