Here’s What to Plan Now
There’s a particular kind of move that always picks up speed in May. The kind where buyers want to be unpacked, settled, and have the kids in their new bedrooms before the autumn term begins.
If that sounds familiar, this is the moment to start planning.
From the day a property is listed to the day you collect the keys, the average move in England takes around 12 to 16 weeks. Work backwards from a September start date and you’ll see why early May is the sweet spot to begin. Leave it until July and you’re cutting it fine.
Be clear on why the school calendar matters to you
August moves take many shapes, and the timing isn’t always about catchments.
You might be moving closer to an independent school in Battle, Bexhill or further into Kent so the daily run is shorter and mornings feel calmer from day one.
You might be a teacher yourself, hoping to be unpacked over the summer holiday and ready to walk into a new term in September.
Or you could be planning further ahead, getting into the right area before state school applications open in the autumn. Those applications run from September through to mid-January (or the end of October for Secondary School), and the address you’re living at on the deadline is the one that counts.
Knowing which of these applies to you makes setting a realistic target completion date much easier.
Get your finances in order
Speak to a mortgage broker now, not later. An agreement in principle can happen fairly quickly once your paperwork is together, and it gives you a clear budget before the first viewing.
If you’re selling first, ask your agent for a realistic valuation and a marketing timeline. If you need to sell your property be be able to move remember that this timeline also needs to match.
Be ready to view at short notice
Good family homes in Hastings, Rye and Northiam often go quickly at this time of year. Have your shortlist of features you want drawn up, your must-have questions written down, and a flexible diary ready for viewings.
Don’t underestimate the legal side
Conveyancing is the part that catches most movers out. Instruct your solicitor early, ideally before you’ve found a property, and gather your ID, proof of funds and supporting documents in advance.
Saving a fortnight here can be the difference between completing in August and still waiting in October.
Start the conversation early
A summer move with children takes a bit of coordination, but it’s absolutely doable when you begin in good time. The families who land their dream home before September are usually the ones who started the conversation in spring.
If you’re thinking about a move before the new term, we’d be glad to talk it through.
