There are 243 homes across the UK named “Christmas Cottage”, each adding a festive note to the property map. From a £1.37m sale in Buckinghamshire to values sitting above the national average, these homes show that even a name can carry a seasonal premium and a story of its own.

A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.

Selling a family home is about more than moving, it’s about managing a transition with clarity, care and confidence. Here’s how to approach your move in early 2026 with less stress and more ease.

New Year, fresh goals, if moving home by spring 2026 is on your list, now’s the moment to plan. Understand how long properties took to go under offer and complete in 2025, and the key steps you need to hit your timeline. Read on to map out your best move ever.