Found a property you like the look of? Before you arrange a viewing, there's one important step worth taking: getting a mortgage agreement in principle.

Selling a property doesn't always happen as quickly as you'd hoped. You might have had a good level of interest initially, a few viewings and perhaps even some offers, but if things have gone quiet, it can be frustrating trying to work out what to do next.

If you're thinking about moving next year, you don't need to wait until you're ready to put your home on the market before you start preparing.

With Christmas just around the corner, you might be wondering whether to put your property on the market now or wait until January.