Estate agents hoping to get homes sold before Christmas are being advised to encourage sellers to list their properties by Thursday 23 October, according to new analysis from the HomeOwners Alliance.

Using data from its Best Estate Agent Finder tool, the Alliance found that it currently takes an average of 58 days to sell a home — putting the third week of October as the key cut-off for sales to complete before the festive break.

However, time to sell varies widely by region, ranging from 32 to 71 days, highlighting the need for local market awareness and early action.

Paula Higgins, chief executive of HomeOwners Alliance (HOA), which hosts the Best Estate Agent Finder tool, said: “With the leaves falling and Christmas ads already creeping onto our screens, it may feel early to mention the big day – but if moving home is on your wish list, the clock is ticking. The last day to list your property to be in with a chance of an agreed sale before Christmas is 23rd October.”

HOA is currently advising homeowners thinking of selling their home to get ahead of the game by inviting three top-performing local estate agents to value their home.