We hear it all the time: “December isn’t the right time to move.” Then January hits and it becomes “Let’s wait until spring.” Before you know it, months have passed and so does opportunity.
The truth is that the property market doesn’t pause for the calendar. Serious buyers and motivated sellers don’t wait for warm weather. When the crowds thin, the conversations get real, the competition drops and the best opportunities often appear.
So, if you’ve been holding back because the timing doesn’t feel right, here’s your reminder: the perfect moment rarely arrives on its own. Whether it’s December or July, opportunity shows up when you do.
Here the property experts at egg partner Niksen Property in Edinburgh share 5 top tips to consider.
1. Start the conversation early
“There is no obligation when you chat with an estate agent. But it can help to make things clearer,” explains Claire Barrett, Valuation Specialist at Niksen Property Estate Agency Edinburgh. She adds, “a simple conversation can help you make sense of timelines, market conditions and the exact steps involved. Understanding your home’s worth is also important, this allows you to know how much you can realistically put towards your onward purchase. You might be surprised.”
2. Preparation adds value
“Small improvements can make a massive difference to how a property is perceived. We will advise on the areas worth tackling prior to coming to market,” says Claire.
She continues, “Sometimes staging, a tidy exterior or a few repairs can transform the response you receive. If the to-do list seems exhaustive, then lean on Niksen who will help connect you with teams who can take care of everything from decluttering to mortgage planning, legal advice and removal firms. The goal is to take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on making confident decisions.”
3. December can deliver strong deals
“Sellers in December are often highly motivated. Having a ‘done deal’ before heading into the New Year can be an enormous relief. We would also urge buyers to consider that behind every sale is a motivation which isn’t always driven by the highest bid. It is crucial that buyers do not fill in the narrative themselves and decide that the seller will not accept their offer - you never know! The market is full of individual cases. Ask the question, you've got nothing to lose. Make timing a part of your negotiating strategy. Niksen are happy to assist with negotiating on your behalf.
4. Put yourself in a strong, desirable position
“Even if you are not ready to list immediately, preparing in December shows that you are serious. Appointing an estate agent, having your Home Report carried out, photographs taken, floorplan drawn and text written creates a foundation that lets you act quickly when the right property appears. We will happily vouch for you with other agents as to the saleability of your home. Being open and honest with sellers will give them great comfort when accepting your offer.”
5. Know where to look and when to act
“The main property portals such as Rightmove and OnTheMarket will keep you updated but building a relationship with your local estate agent can give you a real advantage. We often know about upcoming listings before they go live, so if a property suits you, you’ll be top of mind when it comes onto the market.”
Claire goes on to say: “If you see a property and want to make an offer, chat with the estate agent. We are happy to do the initial negotiations. Once the deal has been agreed, you can make it official via your solicitor. Don’t ever feel like you have to wait for a closing date. If you like a property, put your best foot forward and make an offer, the squeaky wheel gets the grease after all!”
“Niksen are here to guide you through the process with clarity, calm, and that straightforward people-first approach we’re built on. If you’re wondering when the right moment to move might be, or what your home could be worth in today’s market, we’re always happy to talk, no pressure, no jargon. Sometimes, taking a moment to pause is exactly what the market needs. And sometimes, it’s exactly what we all need too.
egg partner Niksen are an Edinburgh-based estate agency. For an exclusive 10% off Estate Agency fees with Niksen, email [email protected] and quote "egg".
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