Property dos before Santa arrives

Ongoing deals

For those in the middle of deals, the 24th of December deadline looms large.  As time goes on, many solicitors, banks, local authorities, etc, will begin to operate with limited staff in the final few weeks of the year.

If you are hoping to complete before Christmas:

1. Ensure all parties are aware of the cut-off dates for mortgage offers, searches, and completion funds.
2. Check with your counterparts whether completing before Christmas is realistic for them.
3. Be on hand – this is not the time to drop out of communication.  Be available to move monies and sign documents when possible.

I hate to break it to you, but if heads of terms are not agreed upon now, your deal may not get done in 2025.

Landlords/Owners

For landlords and investors, now is a good time to get your house in order:

1. Are your documents for your properties, such as EPCs, fire risk assessments, and asbestos surveys, all up to date?
2. Are your properties in good maintenance?  Try to resolve any repair issues before the winter months bite properly.  Preventive maintenance now could often save you time and money in the future.
3. What rent reviews do you have coming up in 2026? Consider seeking advice now to get ahead next year.

Tenants

1. If you are in a property and your lease is up next year – do you want to stay or do you want to go?  If the former, contact the landlord immediately to see if they would be willing for you to stay, and if so, on what terms.  If not, you may want to start looking for a new home sooner rather than later.
2. If you are looking for your first property – get a property agent instructed as they will have contacts with available properties and will (hopefully) have a good grasp of the market. That being said, look for an agent who works in your specific market (e.g., retail or hospitality) who will know what you should look for.

The pre-Christmas period may feel like a race to the finish line, but it’s also a time for preparation (and some relaxation at some point).  Whether you are hoping to complete a deal before the Christmas break or position yourself for a strong start to 2026, taking practical, proactive steps now can make all the difference.