More people moving at Christmas

Around 22 per cent of homebuyers get the keys to their new property in the 12 weeks leading to Christmas.

That is according to new research from Alliance & Leicester, which says that the Christmas period is not as quiet as some people may assume.

Traditionally, the housing market slowed markedly in the run up to the festive period, with financial constraints being the main factor behind this.

However, Alliance & Leicester says that buyers have become much better at managing their money, meaning they can move around the Christmas holiday.

"With so many people moving into their new homes during the run-up to Christmas it can feel like a rush to get the family settled and the new furniture ordered before December 25th," said Stephen Leonard, director of mortgages at the firm.

"But it is very encouraging to see many people are planning ahead to budget for their moving costs and saving in advance to ensure it doesn’t have a big impact on their Christmas," he added.

According to the research, 53 per cent of Christmas movers said that they budgeted well enough to ensure that the move did not infringe on their festive spending.

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