The Best And Worst Times Of Year To Sell Your Home

When it comes to selling your home, timing can make a world of difference. The time of year you list a property not only influences how quickly it sells but can also impact the final sale price. Seasonal trends, buyer behaviour, and local market conditions all play a role in determining the best and worst times to put your home on the market.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key factors that affect home sales throughout the year, from the busy housing market in spring to the challenges of winter sales, you’ll gain insight into how timing affects your chance of success. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just exploring your options, understanding the highs and lows of the real estate calendar can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Key Takeaways:

• Best Times To Sell Your Home
• Worst Times To Sell Your Home
• Local Market Factors: Understanding the UK Housing Market
• Impact of Economic Conditions on the UK Housing Market
• Maximising Results Regardless of Timing

Best Times To Sell Your Home

Spring: The Peak Selling Season

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, buyer activity surges. Spring is widely considered the best time of year to sell a home, with the season bringing life to gardens and clearer skies making homes visually more appealing. Families also often prefer to move during this time, aiming to settle into a new home before the summer holidays and the next school year.

Statistically, homes listed in spring tend to sell faster and at higher prices, partly because the increased competition among buyers can drive up offers. To make the most of this season, focus on curb appeal by refreshing your landscaping, adding pops of colour with flowers and plants, and ensuring your home looks bright, fresh and inviting both inside and out.

Rightmove revealed that in the spring of 2024, the average asking price of a home in Great Britain reached a new record in May — rising by 0.8% to just above £375,000.

The research also revealed that the number of offers accepted for larger properties, before the sale is legally bound, in the first four months of the year increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2023. For the market as a whole, offers initially accepted between buyer and seller are up by 17%.

The rise in high-value property sales, and the interest from more affluent buyers or those looking to upsize, were particularly in demand. For homeowners considering selling, spring presents a prime opportunity to maximise a property’s value and attract serious offers.

Early Summer: Last Minute Moves

The start of summer is typically the last time to push a sale before the school year ends. As the weather is generally better, making your property look its best in photos, June to mid-July is another prime time for selling. Many people find early summer a great time to move, but in particular, families are eager to finalise their move before the new school year begins in September, motivating them to make offers quickly.

The longer days in summer can expose the property to more people, providing more flexibility for house viewings, while the warm weather can encourage buyers to explore different locations. However, by mid-July, the market may start to slow as temperatures rise uncomfortably and school holidays take over. If you’re listing during this period, highlight family-friendly features like nearby schools, parks, or garden space to attract your target audience – whether they have a big family or just want a beautiful outdoor space to tend to!

Autumn: A Golden Opportunity Before Winter

Although spring and early summer dominate the real estate calendar, autumn offers a second chance to sell your home successfully. In September and October, the weather can still be somewhat pleasant, keeping buyers motivated to explore properties.

Homes tend to feel cosier and more inviting in autumn, too, especially with seasonal touches like warm lighting, autumnal decorations, and an inviting fireplace if you have one. With a little effort, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that helps buyers picture themselves settling in just before the festive season comes around.

Buyers may also be more motivated to close a deal if they missed out on the peak season or had offers declined. Additionally, the market typically sees fewer listings in autumn, which means less competition for your property.

Worst Times To Sell Your Home

Late Summer: When the Heat Slows the Market

As the summer progresses into late July and August, the housing market tends to cool down. The humid heat across the UK, coupled with the peak of travel season, often leads to a decline in buyer activity. Families wanting to move before the school year starts have usually finalised their purchases, leaving fewer active buyers in the market.

During this period, homes may sit on the market longer, which can result in price reductions to attract offers. If selling during late summer is unavoidable, focus on making the property as appealing as possible—consider staging indoor spaces to feel cool and inviting, emphasising features like air conditioning or shaded outdoor areas to combat seasonal challenges.

The Festive Season: Distractions and Limited Buyers

The Christmas period, especially December, is one of the most challenging times to sell a home. Many potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday celebrations, travel plans, and end-of-year work commitments, leaving little time or interest in house hunting. Additionally, homes may not look their best during this time due to colder weather, bare landscaping, and shorter days limiting natural light.

During the winter months, the number of new homes listed for sale drops significantly, impacting the choices available for potential buyers. Recent research highlights that in December, the stock of newly advertised homes was 18% lower than the annual average, reflecting a seasonal slowdown. This decline becomes even more pronounced in January, with listings plunging to 48% below the yearly average. For sellers, this reduced competition could offer an advantage if their home stands out, but it also means fewer active buyers.

That said, selling in December isn’t impossible—serious buyers do exist and are often highly motivated to close deals quickly, such as those relocating for a job, going through break-ups and family stresses. Therefore some may be looking to sell their home fast, no matter the busy festive period. Sellers in this situation should adjust their strategy by highlighting cosy, festive touches and pricing competitively to attract the right buyers.

Last year, visits to the Rightmove site nearly doubled between Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and the number of enquiries sent to estate agents surged, more than tripling (+273%) in just 24 hours. This surge in buyer interest was 17% higher on Boxing Day compared to the previous year. These surprising figures suggest that Boxing Day could become a key moment for potential buyers to start or reignite their property search, making it a clever time for sellers to list homes and capture this increased demand.

Winter: A Slow Start to the Year

January and February are typically challenging months for real estate. Buyers who postponed their search over the holidays are often slow to re-engage at the start of the new year, particularly in areas with harsh winter weather. Snow, rain, and freezing temperatures can make it less appealing for buyers to attend showings or move forward with purchases. 

Many people are returning to work, or dealing with the January blues, often making it an uninspiring time to sell a home or look to buy. 

According to The Times, the February lull is common as families focus on recovering from seasonal expenses after Christmas, and late-winter blues, leaving fewer people ready to take on the commitment of moving.

However, the start of the year can bring new opportunities and resolutions, and for some, by late winter they are ready to get back on the market. 

Sellers can also make homes look more inviting on drab winter days by staging them with winter décor that isn’t Christmas-related, such as warm lighting, candles, cosy throws and winter foliage. Additionally, offering flexible viewing times and accommodating buyer schedules can help attract interest despite the seasonal slowdown.

Local Market Factors: Understanding the UK Housing Market

In the UK, local market conditions can vary significantly, with aspects like regional demand, property type, and seasonal preferences influencing the best time to sell. While the national market often follows predictable seasonal patterns, local factors can create unique opportunities or challenges for sellers.

London and Major Cities

In urban areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, the housing market tends to remain active all year round. These cities attract a diverse range of buyers, including professionals relocating for work and international buyers over for business. While spring and early summer are still peak times, high demand and a constant flow of new buyers mean properties can sell successfully even during less favourable seasons. For example, during winter, city apartments often remain attractive to professionals looking for proximity to work.

Rural and Coastal Areas

In rural or coastal regions of the UK, the housing market usually aligns closely with seasonal trends. Properties in picturesque villages or seaside towns often see heightened demand in the spring and summer months, as buyers are more likely to visit and explore these areas and potential holiday homes in good weather.

In contrast, it can be tougher to sell properties in winter as poor weather and shorter days make long-distance property viewings less appealing and accessible.

Sellers in these areas should focus on their property’s charm by emphasising any standout outdoor features and, of course, any scenic surroundings during the warmer months!

Tourist Hotspots

For homes in UK tourist destinations, such as the Lake District, Cornwall, or the Scottish Highlands, timing can depend on the type of buyer. Other than those who live in these areas all year round, holiday homeowners or investors also often search for properties in spring or autumn—planning their purchases ahead of the peak tourism seasons. Marketing a home’s potential as a holiday rental or seasonal retreat can attract these buyers, especially if the property boasts features like close proximity to popular attractions, scenic views, or unique charm.

Impact of Economic Conditions on the UK Housing Market

Economic conditions play a pivotal role in shaping the UK housing market, by influencing buyer confidence, affordability, and demand. Factors such as interest rates and inflation have a huge impact on how likely people are to buy or sell a property. For example, when interest rates are raised, borrowing becomes more expensive, putting off potential buyers reliant on mortgages.

The UK housing market has seen fluctuating mortgage approval trends in recent years. According to recent research, mortgage approvals hit a record low in May 2020 following lockdown, increasing significantly towards the end of the year.

However, approvals have since stabilised. Notably, October 2024 saw a 42% increase in mortgage approvals compared to the previous year, and only a 3% rise from September 2024. Despite economic uncertainties, this recent growth indicates improving buyer confidence, suggesting that the market is regaining momentum heading into the end of the year.

Economic uncertainty—whether due to political shifts like new changes in the government—can make buyers hesitant, especially in areas more vulnerable to economic shifts. Sellers should stay informed about national and local economic changes and discuss issues with estate agents to adjust accordingly during economic change.

Maximising Results Regardless of Timing

Selling your home successfully, even in less favourable seasons, is possible with the right strategy. Presentation can be everything, whether it’s ensuring your home looks bright and inviting during the dark winter months or emphasising attractive outdoor spaces in summer. Small improvements, like a fresh coat of paint, decluttering, or upgrading fixtures, can really enhance your property’s appeal without requiring a significant investment. Additionally, high-quality photos and virtual tours are great for attracting online interest, especially during seasons when fewer people are out viewing homes and locations.

Selling your home can be a monumental decision, and timing can play a crucial role in how quickly your property sells and at what price. While spring and early summer often offer the best conditions for sellers, the right approach can help you succeed even during slower seasons. Understanding how local markets and economic factors impact buyer behaviour will allow you to tailor your strategy for the best results.

Whether you’re taking advantage of the peak spring market or navigating the quieter winter months, a well-planned approach will help you make the most of your property sale!