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.

Scrolling property portals is useful, but registering with an estate agency can give buyers a more personal, proactive search experience, especially when the right home is about to come to market.

A deadline of 2035 sounds comfortably distant. But landlords are being warned that the reformed Decent Homes Standard — which will apply to every privately rented property in England for the first time — is a far bigger undertaking than many realise, and that those who delay could find compliance slipping out of their control.

August does not have to be a quiet month for your property search. With the right financial preparation and viewing strategy, summer buyers can uncover opportunities others may miss.