Everything You Need To Do To Be In Your Dream House By Christmas 🎄

🎄🏡 Christmas might feel far away, but if you’re hoping to wake up in a new home on 25th December, September is your last chance to get started.

On average, buying a home takes 8–20 weeks — and that’s only if everything runs smoothly.

Add in the seasonal rush, mortgage checks, and unexpected hiccups, and it’s easy to see why starting now is crucial.

Here’s what you can be doing today to get ahead and make that Christmas move possible:

1. Get your finances lined up early

Your solicitor needs to run Source of Funds checks before moving your purchase forward. That means proving where your money is coming from.

Examples of Source of Funds include:

💷 Savings you’ve built up over time
🏡 Money from selling another property
💝 Gifts from family members
💼 Inheritance or other windfalls

How to prepare now:

Gather recent bank statements
Ask family members for any gift letters if they’re helping you
Keep digital copies of documents ready to send
If you’ve sold a property, keep the completion statement safe

At MSD, we use Armalytix to make this step faster and easier — no paper mountains, no delays.

2. Get your mortgage agreement in place

Mortgage lenders are busy towards the end of the year. Waiting to apply can cost you valuable weeks.

How to prepare now:

Speak to your broker or lender and get your agreement in principle
Make sure your ID, payslips, and proof of income are all up to date and ready to submit
Check your credit file and clear up any small issues (like old addresses) before applying

3. Choose your solicitor wisely

The right solicitor can keep your file moving and prevent you from missing the Christmas window.

How to prepare now:

Read reviews (look for comments on communication and speed, not just price)
Ask about their process and average timescales
Make sure you’ve provided them with your ID and initial paperwork straight away

At MSD, our focus is on clear communication, quick responses, and keeping things moving.

4. Be upfront about potential hurdles

Surveys and searches often flag issues such as:

🌱 Japanese Knotweed
🚗 Shared driveways
🛠️ Damp or urgent repairs needed
🏚️ Structural issues

How to prepare now:

If you know of anything that could raise questions, tell your solicitor before it comes up
Get quotes or guarantees in place quickly if treatment or remedial work is needed
Stay responsive — the faster you answer questions, the faster the process moves

5. Get your paperwork in order

It’s not just financial paperwork that matters — you’ll be asked for a range of documents.

How to prepare now:

Dig out planning permissions, building regs certificates, and FENSA certificates for windows
Have guarantees ready for work such as damp proofing, boilers, or roofing
Find your Title Deeds if your property is not registered at the Land Registry

Having these ready means less waiting around once the sale is underway.

6. Plan for removals early

Moving companies get busy in December.

How to prepare now:

Research and book provisional removal slots now (many will allow a flexible date)
Start decluttering so you’re not moving items you don’t need
Order packing supplies so you’re ready when the time comes

7. Keep communication flowing

Delays often happen because one party is waiting for another.

How to prepare now:

Stay in touch with your solicitor, mortgage broker, and estate agent
Respond quickly to emails and requests
Don’t be afraid to ask — we’d always rather you asked than worried in silence

The Christmas countdown starts now

If you’d like to be hosting Christmas dinner in your new kitchen, not surrounded by boxes in your old one, now is the time to start.

📅 Get in touch today and we’ll guide you through every stage, keep your file moving, and take the pressure off your plate.

👉 https://msdlaw.co.uk/contact/

If you only take one thing away, let it be this:

⏳ September is your last chance to start the process if you want to have a chance of being in your dream home by Christmas. Don’t leave it too late.

🙌 BONUS: Useful resources for buyers

“Know Before You Buy: Tip #1 – Check for Restrictive Covenants Before You Extend” → A must-read for future renovators – https://msdlaw.co.uk/what-every-buyer-should-know-before-renovating/
“The Ultimate Guide to Your Conveyancing Process” → Step-by-step breakdown of the full journey – https://msdlaw.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-your-conveyancing-process/
“How We Take Care of You During the Conveyancing Process” → Our client-first approach explained – https://msdlaw.co.uk/how-we-take-care-of-you-during-the-conveyancing-process/
“Taking Care of Yourself During the Conveyancing Process” → Stress-free tips and wellbeing ideas – https://msdlaw.co.uk/taking-care-of-yourself-during-the-conveyancing-process-a-solicitors-guide/

To find out more about how we can help, get in touch today – 01952 825050 / info@msdlaw.co.uk

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