Planning to Move in Early 2026? Here’s When to List Your Home
If you’re aiming to move in 2026 around Brighton, Lewes or Shoreham, start planning now to stay ahead of the busy new year market.
If you’re hoping to move in the first half of 2026, it’s worth getting a head start now.
The Sussex market may feel a little quieter as we head into winter, but the next few months are crucial if you’d like to be unpacking boxes by spring rather than still waiting on completion when summer arrives.
Why Timing Matters More Than Ever
As we move through autumn 2025, many homeowners across Brighton, Lewes and Shoreham are having their homes valued but holding off from listing until the new year. It’s understandable, life gets busy before Christmas, and not everyone wants viewings when the lights are up.
But if your goal is to move by spring 2026, waiting until January to get started could already set you back.
On average, sales in Sussex take around 14 to 18 weeks from “under offer” to completion, sometimes longer if there’s a chain involved. So, if you’d like to be in your new home by March or April, it’s wise to have your sale agreed before Christmas. That way, your solicitor can start the legal work in January while the market is still waking up. Leave it until the new year to list, and your completion may slip into late spring or early summer.
The Benefits of Listing Before Christmas
Getting your home on the market before the festive lull can work in your favour in several ways. For one, buyers looking in November and December tend to be serious. Whether they’re London commuters hoping to secure a Brighton base before spring, or families moving locally within Lewes or Shoreham, they’re usually ready to act once the new year begins.
Your home will also photograph beautifully this side of Christmas. The autumn light is soft and flattering, gardens still have a bit of life, and homes along the coast look particularly inviting when the skies are crisp and bright. By January, the light is harsher and gardens can look bare, so it’s often trickier to capture that same warmth online.
And finally, there’s the post-Christmas surge. Many would-be movers spend the quiet days between Boxing Day and New Year’s browsing online portals, dreaming about their next chapter. Homes listed in December often see a noticeable boost in views during that period — it’s one of the busiest times of the year for online property searches.
If You’re Planning a Spring or Summer 2026 Move
If your move is a little further off, perhaps you’re aiming for April through June - it’s still worth preparing now. Early 2026 is likely to see an uptick in new listings across Sussex, so being ready early gives you a competitive edge.
By arranging your valuation and photography before the decorations go up, you’ll be poised to launch your listing in early January when buyer activity begins to climb again. You’ll also avoid the post-holiday scramble to declutter and get the house camera-ready.
The 2025 market has remained steady but price-sensitive. Mortgage rates have eased slightly compared with last year, and affordability is improving, but buyers are still selective. The sellers getting the best results are those who price realistically, present well, and are ready to move when the right offer comes along.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
The best advantage you can give yourself is time. By preparing early, you control the pace of your sale rather than the market controlling you.
So, if you’re aiming to move by spring or early summer 2026, now’s the time to start planning. Book your valuation, gather your paperwork, and get your home ready for photography while the light’s still good. Even if you don’t plan to list until January, you’ll be perfectly placed to launch just as buyers return to the market.
If you’re considering a move in the coming months, we’d love to help. Get in touch to arrange your valuation. We’ll guide you through the ideal timing for your plans and help you make the most of the early 2026 market across Brighton, Lewes and Shoreham.