The festive season is fast approaching and for many Kiwis, the idea of celebrating Christmas in a new home is an appealing one. But with only a few weeks left in the year, can you really buy and move before the holidays?
The short answer is yes. With careful planning, clear communication and a little flexibility, it’s entirely possible. Here’s how to make it happen.
1. Understand your timeline
December can be one of the trickiest months for property transactions. Solicitors, banks and moving companies all operate on reduced hours from Christmas Eve through to early January, meaning settlements need to be organised early.
If you want to move in before Christmas, aim to have your sale settled by mid-December at the latest. That allows enough time for paperwork, payments and packing, without running into holiday closures.
2. Secure your finance early
If you haven’t already, get pre-approval from your lender as soon as possible. End-of-year demand can slow bank processing times, so being financially ready helps you act quickly when you find the right property.
Buyers with pre-approval in place often have an edge in negotiations, as sellers prefer offers from buyers who can move quickly and with certainty.
3. Stay flexible with settlement dates
Timing is everything in December. Some sellers want an early settlement so they can move out before Christmas, while others prefer a delayed date in January to avoid the stress of a holiday move.
Being open to different settlement options can make your offer more appealing and help both parties achieve their goals. Discuss your preferences with your agent, they can help structure a deal that works for everyone.
4. Book your movers and services now
Moving companies, cleaners and tradespeople are in high demand at this time of year. Once your purchase is unconditional, lock in your bookings immediately. It’s also wise to double-check when your solicitor, bank and insurance provider will be available to complete the final details. An overlooked closure date could delay your settlement until January.
5. Stay organised and realistic
Buying and moving in the lead-up to Christmas can feel rushed, but it’s manageable with good communication and planning. Create a checklist of tasks, confirm key dates with your agent and lawyer and keep expectations practical.
Even small details, like redirecting your mail or confirming power connections, can make your transition smoother.
6. Why now can be a great time to buy
Late spring and early summer can be an ideal window for buyers. Sellers are often motivated to finalise deals before the holidays, which can create opportunities for buyers to negotiate favourable terms.
At the same time, market conditions across New Zealand remain steady, with slightly more listings than this time last year and renewed confidence thanks to easing borrowing costs. For many, that combination makes November and December a surprisingly good time to purchase.
Buying and moving before Christmas requires focus and preparation, but it’s entirely achievable. By organising your finances, acting decisively and working closely with your agent, you can enjoy your first summer in your new home.
If you’re ready to make a move before the year ends, don’t wait for January. The right property could be waiting now and there’s nothing quite like spending the holidays in a place you can call your own.
Contact your local LJ Hooker office to explore available homes and get expert advice on buying and settling before Christmas.
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