For families across Scotland, summer isn’t just about holidays, ice creams and weather that can’t make up its mind – it’s also the prime time for packing up and moving house before the new academic year.
If you’re hoping to be in a new home before the school bell rings, the clock is ticking – but don’t worry, it’s still doable.
Whether you’re upsizing for more space, relocating for a better catchment area, or just fancy a fresh start, selling your home before term-time can be a smart move. In this article, we’ll give you our tips and tricks for making it happen, without the stress.
Why Summer Is a Smart Time to Sell in Scotland
If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that summer tends to be the peak season for buying and selling. It’s an ideal time to act, especially if you’re hoping for a swift sale.
Activity typically ramps up from late spring, with Registers of Scotland and ESPC data showing a clear rise in homes coming on the market and transactions increasing during the warmer months. By mid-summer, the market is in full swing, with plenty of motivated buyers and sellers looking to make their move. Plus:
- Families are on the move: School holidays give parents the flexibility to view homes and relocate without disrupting term-time routines.
- Homes look their best: Gardens are in bloom, natural light fills your rooms, and kerb appeal gets a summer glow-up.
- Buyers want to be settled before school returns: A strong motivator for a quicker sale and faster decision-making.
Set Your Timeline: What Needs to Happen (and When)
To beat the bell, timing is everything. Here’s a rough guide to the ideal timeline:
- Early summer: Get your home valued and on the market.
- Mid-summer: Accept an offer and begin conveyancing.
- Late summer: Complete the sale and move into your new home.
At the time of writing, the average selling time in Scotland is around 3–6 weeks (depending on location), but being prepared can significantly speed up the process.
If you find those figures disappointing, don’t be too discouraged. In areas like Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders, the median time for a property to go under offer recently was under a month. So, depending on where you’re looking to move to, you could be in for a speedy sale. For up-to-date figures on different areas, speak to an expert local estate agent, like MOV8.
And remember: in Scotland, once the missives (contractual letters between solicitors) are concluded, the deal becomes legally binding. This typically makes the Scottish system quicker and more secure than in England and Wales, provided your documents and solicitor are ready to go.
Step 1: Get Organised (Before the Holidays Take Over)
First things first: get your ducks in a row. If you want a smooth move, prep work is key.
- Book a free property valuation with a trusted local estate agent like MOV8 to understand your home’s current market value.
- Instruct a solicitor early. Waiting until you’ve accepted an offer can delay the legal side of things. Starting early gives your solicitor time to assemble the necessary information – and with MOV8’s expert in-house conveyancing team, everything is under one roof, making the process faster and more straightforward.
- Gather your documents, including title deeds, EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), and mortgage details.
- Clear the clutter: Tidy spaces feel bigger and more inviting to buyers, and it’ll save you time later when you’re boxing things up for the move.
Step 2: Make Your Home School-Ready for Buyers
When you’re marketing your property to other families, it’s worth highlighting features that appeal to parents.
- Flexible spaces: Showcase any rooms that could work as home offices, playrooms, or teenage dens.
- Storage solutions: Think built-in wardrobes, sheds, lofts. Basically, anywhere you can stash lunchboxes and PE kits.
- Outdoor space: Families love a secure garden for playtime and pets.
Top tip: If you’re in a popular school catchment area, make it clear in your listing. It’s a major selling point for many buyers. Schools like Jordanhill School in Glasgow, James Gillespie’s in Edinburgh, and Banchory Academy in Aberdeenshire are known to drive up demand in their surrounding areas.
To find out which school your home is zoned for, check your local council’s catchment map or visit the Scottish Schools Online directory via the Scottish Government website. A quick search could reveal a hidden gem of a selling point!
Step 3: Price It Right & Act Fast
Summer can be competitive, but pricing your home realistically is what helps it stand out from the crowd.
Partnering with a good local estate agent will:
- Provide comparative valuations based on recent sales in your area.
- Help you set a fair asking price that reflects demand and your timeline.
- Market your property quickly and effectively, including professional photos, floor plans and listings on high-traffic portals.
In Scotland, remember:
- Offers Over pricing is common and can encourage strong interest if pitched right.
- Buyers need to submit a Note of Interest before making a formal offer, so the sooner your home is on the market, the better.
Step 4: Line Up Your Next Move
If you’re buying as well as selling, you’ll need to keep both processes moving in tandem.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Get a mortgage Agreement in Principle so you’re ready to offer when the right place comes up.
- Start viewing properties early, especially if you’re targeting areas with top schools.
- Be open to temporary solutions, such as short-term rentals, if your sale completes before your purchase is finalised.
And remember, school terms start at varying times across Scotland, so keep those local calendars in mind.
Step 5: Plan for the Big Day (& the First Day Back)
A well-timed move doesn’t just mean getting the keys in time – it means settling in so your family can hit the ground running come term-time.
Here’s a back-to-school moving checklist:
- Pack an “essentials” box for each child (uniforms, stationery).
- Register with your new school well ahead of the term starting. Remember: some councils require proof of address.
- Don’t forget your furry family members! Update microchip details and register with a new vet.
- Update addresses for everything from your car insurance to your Amazon account.
- Schedule viewings strategically: The summer holidays can make daytime or evening appointments easier, especially when kids are off school and you’re not juggling homework or packed lunches.
Missed the Window?
Don’t panic – there are still benefits to selling in early autumn. The Scottish market tends to stay active well into October, and fewer homes on the market might mean less competition for your listing.
Plus, you’ll be better positioned for a move over the festive season or early in the new year.Thinking of Selling Your Property?
If you’re thinking of selling your property, our team of experts is here to help you get the best possible price in the quickest possible time. With decades of experience under our belt, we’ve seen all possible market conditions over the years and are perfectly placed to help you navigate the current property landscape. Get in touch today!
Fill in our free online home valuation form here
Call us on 0345 646 0208 (Option 1)
or email [email protected] to organise a free valuation of your home or to get a full, transparent breakdown of the costs of selling your home.
Thinking of Buying?
Our specialist Purchasing Team helps thousands of buyers every year to get the best deal on their next dream home, while our friendly and expert lawyers will guide you step-by-step through the Scottish buying process until you have the keys in your hand.
Get a quote for buying online here
Call us on 0345 646 0208 (Option 2)
or email [email protected], and we’ll be delighted to help.
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