August has been the most popular month to move home for the last 12 years, HomeOwners Alliance‘s analysis of more than 650,000 removal quotes reveals.
Around 1.9 million moves per year occur, the equivalent of more than 5,000 per day.
However, this year, the data suggests there will be more than 20,000 moves in just one day, making it the busiest day to move.
Popular times to move
Meanwhile, September and July are the second-most popular months, both recording 10% of the annual total of movers deciding to move home in those months, the research found.
Some 32% of moves happen in the late summer and the early autumn. While 29% of people choose a Friday to move home, the second-most popular day is Saturday at 15.7%.
Wellness and wellbeing holidays: Travel insurance is essential for your peace of mind
Out of the pandemic lockdowns, there’s a greater emphasis on wellbeing and wellness, with
Sponsored by Post Office
The two least popular days are Sunday at 5.1% and Tuesday at 9.7%.
Avoid popular times for removal cost savings
With moving home being one of the most stressful things that can happen in life, it is helpful to be armed with this data.
This is because – while it is too late for those moving today – it is best to avoid the busiest times of the year for those who have yet to book a removal van.
This is not least because savings will be possible at quieter times, as one in five removal firms are willing to negotiate on price.
And always choose a removal firm that can talk you through what would happen if a delay occurred.
For example, ask them if they have any emergency storage facilities and whether there are any issues that may impact the cost of your move, such as access.
Setting deadlines for key release
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “We’ve been tracking this trend for more than 12 years and were a little surprised to find that this year, we think homeowners are still favouring the end of August weekend to move, despite it not being a bank holiday this year.
“Conveyancers will be super busy so homemovers need to make sure they understand the process and what happens on the day of completion.
“Ensure everyone up and down the chain aims to complete and have keys released by 1pm so you have enough time to get moved.”
There is a lot to remember when you move home, including what you need to do once an offer has been accepted, what to do between exchange and completion and what you need to do on moving day.
Plan of action
Once your offer has been accepted, you’ll need to get a conveyancing solicitor to deal with the legal side of buying and selling a property.
You’ll also need a survey done on the property, which can help you to negotiate the price depending on what the survey reveals.
It is worth considering homebuyer’s protection insurance, which can protect you financially in the event of being gazumped if the seller changes their mind.
It can enable you to claim back some of the conveyancing fees, survey costs and mortgage valuation fees in the event of the purchase falling through.
