It may feel far too early to think about Christmas, but moving home takes longer than many sellers expect. Starting in July can make the journey calmer and more controlled.

It takes an average of 62 days to find a buyer and 154 days from agreed sale to completion in Britain. And that’s just an average – in some parts of the country it’s much longer. This is according to a new Rightmove analysis. See Beaumont Gibbs' tips on how best to prepare your property for sale

As school holidays approach, family buyers often become more focused. For sellers with space, gardens or flexible rooms, July can be a useful moment to attract motivated movers.

Rental growth has eased, but tenants are still searching carefully and landlords need to stay on top of pricing, compliance and property standards as the summer moving season continues.