Buying or remortgaging a home in December might feel chaotic, but it is more common than you think. Many families and soon-to-retire couples decide to start the process during the festive season because they finally have the time and headspace to focus on it.
If you are thinking about buying a home or reviewing your mortgage over Christmas, here are the essentials you need to know.
The festive season feels like the worst time to deal with mortgages
You might be thinking:
- “Everything slows down in December, so nothing will happen.”
- “Solicitors and lenders will be closed, so it will take forever.”
- “I will wait until January when life is calmer.”
But here is the catch. Waiting until January is exactly what everyone else does, which means longer wait times, more competition, and often higher stress levels.
Delaying your mortgage could cost you more
Whether you are buying or remortgaging, the risks of waiting can be surprising:
- Your lender may move you onto their Standard Variable Rate, which can be hundreds more each month.
- Rates can change at the start of a new year, and you could miss a better deal available now.
- Property competition increases in January, as many buyers who “waited until after Christmas” all crowd the market at once.
- Paperwork delays build up, because everyone tries to get appointments at the same time.
December might look busy, but it can actually be one of the smartest times to get ahead.
Here are the 5 things you need to know if you start now
1. December can be a quieter and easier month to secure a mortgage appointment
At Willow Tree Financial Services, our mortgage diary stays open throughout December.
You often get faster appointments and more one-to-one support because the rush has not yet hit.
2. Some estate agents reduce pressure at year end
Sellers who list in December are often motivated.
This can give you more space to negotiate, ask questions, and take your time during viewings.
3. Lenders and solicitors may operate reduced hours, but the process still moves
Most lenders continue to process applications up until their final working day before Christmas.
If you start now, your application can be prepared, submitted and ready to progress when offices reopen.
4. Your remortgage window might be closing faster than you realise
If your fixed rate ends in January or February, starting in December gives you time to secure a new deal without paying a variable rate.
Many homeowners wait too long and end up paying avoidable extra interest.
5. You can lock in a rate now and complete later
This is especially useful if you want to enjoy the festive season without big decisions hanging over you.
You can secure a mortgage offer in December and complete early in the new year once everyone is back and refreshed.
Buying Your First Home? December can actually help you stand out
First time buyers often make strong offers because they are chain free.
Around Christmas, that becomes even more powerful because sellers want a smooth transaction.
Having an Agreement in Principle ready now can put you ahead of buyers who wait until January.
If you need help, our free Guide covers:
- budgeting
- documents you need
- viewing checklists
- fees and surveys
- mortgage myths
- what not to do during the process
It is perfect if you want to start the journey without the overwhelm.
Download Your Free First Time Buyer Guide Here
Download Your Free Buying a Home Guide Here
Remortgaging? Download our free Remortgaging Guide
Our brand new guide covers:
- when to remortgage
- how to avoid paying your lender’s Standard Variable Rate
- how to check your loan to value
- the real costs to be aware of
- protecting your home and income
- why your EPC rating now matters
If your rate ends in the next six months, this guide is essential reading.
Download Your Free Remortgaging Guide Here
Final Thoughts: Start now, even if it is small steps
Buying or remortgaging at Christmas does not have to be stressful.
A quiet conversation now can save you thousands next year and give you a sense of control before the January rush begins.
If you want calm, clear and supportive advice, we are here to help.
Book your mortgage review or download your free guides today from our resources page.
At Willow Tree Financial Services, we offer personalised advice on Financial Planning, Mortgages, Investments, Pensions, Personal & Business Protection, and Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning, all tailored to your individual goals and circumstances.
Call us on 01323 436680, get in touch here, or book an appointment here to get started.
We’re based in Polegate, East Sussex, and support clients across the South East and beyond.
Stay in touch with us on social media:
http://facebook.com/willowtreefinancialservices
linkedin.com/in/rachael-panteney
http://instagram.com/willowtreefinancialservices.uk
Plus, visit our YouTube channel where you can lots of helpful financial advice videos:
http://www.youtube.com/@willowtreefinancialservices
Willow Tree Financial Services is a trading style of Rachael Panteney who is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
The value of investments and pensions, and any income they produce, can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Will writing is not part of the Quilter Financial Planning offering and is offered in our own right. Quilter Financial Planning accept no responsibility for this aspect of our business.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate wills, trusts, estate planning, and lasting power of attorney.
