Buying and selling properties can be a stressful process. Taking a holiday and getting away from it all can have a strong appeal! But there are downsides too, like managing the sale remotely and not being on-hand to provide paperwork and answer questions. 

Houses are put on the market for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes we don’t have a choice about when we sell and have to put property on the market even when we have other commitments. 

In this blog, we explore the pros and cons of going on holiday while your house is on the market. 

Planning a holiday around a house sale

Buying and selling property is rarely a quick process. Even if everything runs smoothly, it will still take 3-4 months. And if this period goes across the school summer holiday, for example, you might have no choice but to go away during the selling process or miss out completely that year. And if the holiday is already booked but circumstances dictate that you need to sell a property, you could end up doing both at the same time. 

Some sellers choose to go away during the house-viewing period. The estate agent will handle all the viewings and only contact the seller when an offer is made. Remember, you don’t have to be at home during a viewing. In fact, it can help potential buyers relax and imagine themselves moving in if the current owners aren’t there. 

You could go away during the conveyancing process, but this is only a good idea if you are confident you have provided all your paperwork and the solicitors won’t have lots of questions for you. 

Cancelling a holiday because you’re selling your house is also a gamble. You might decide to stay at home to deal with matters arising from the house sale, and then find that nothing needs your input after all. 

Advantages of going on holiday while you’re selling property

1.        You get a break! Buying and selling property is often stressful, but having some time away will help you recharge your batteries and stop the house sale taking over your life.

2.        Any necessary building work or redecoration can happen more quickly if you’re not living in the house while it’s going on. 

3.        Good estate agents have the experience to manage the sale while you’re away so you might as well go and enjoy yourself! Leave clear instructions about what they can contact you about and what can wait until you get back. 

Disadvantages of going on holiday while you’re selling property

1.        You might get interrupted with offers and questions while you’re trying to relax with family and friends. 

2.        If solicitors need copies of letters, permissions etc while you’re away, you won’t be able to provide them until you get back. This could delay the sale. 

3.        With all the additional costs of moving house (conveyancing, removal firms etc), paying for a holiday might put you under too much financial pressure. 

If you’re considering going on holiday while your house is on the market, we hope you’ll take these points into consideration and make the best decision for your circumstances. 

Buying and selling property in Guildford

The Cobbles team are all highly experienced estate agents – we can manage the sale for you while you’re away, and follow instructions about whether to contact you or await your return. To have a chat about this and any other aspect of selling property in Guildford, please get in touch on 01483 457 000 – we’d love to hear from you.