Even though market conditions are putting a strain on people's finances, A&L research has highlighted that rather than wait until the Spring, 22 per cent of homebuyers move house during the festive period.
Indeed, one in twelve revealed they were willing to move during December - traditionally a month of party planning, present-buying and family visits. However more than half said that the upheaval and expense did not affect their festive budgeting.
One in ten said they had saved to cover their seasonal spending earlier in the year in preparation for the move, while 9 per cent said they had deliberately planned to cutback on Christmas during the year of their move.
Stephen Leonard, director of mortgages at Alliance & Leicester, said: "With so many people moving into their new homes during the run-up to Christmas it can feel like a rush to get the family settled and the new furniture ordered before 25 December. But it is very encouraging to see many people are planning ahead to budget for their moving costs and saving in advance to ensure it doesn't have a big impact on their Christmas. Clearly planning ahead, budgeting and saving are the key to a less stressful move."
