When is the Best Time to Sell a House?

Whilst there are busier and quieter times in the property market, the answer to “when is the best time” is usually “now” for many people. There are usually personal factors that are driving the sale (new job, family reasons, health, financial) that mean the seller has made the decision it is time to sell.

Once you’ve made the decision to sell, it can be really tempting to put your house on the market right away and get moving with the process. As great as it is to be proactive, the first few weeks when you put your house up for sale are the most important, so, to give yourself the best chance of selling, you need to pick your moment to sell. 

In our handy guide, you can find out when the best times to sell a house are, and how to make sure you’re ready to get that property on the market. 

Is now a good time to sell a house?

Before you put your house on the market you should assess what repairs, redecorating or cleaning is needed so you are showing off your property to it’s best potential. . Touching up paintwork, cleaning and general decluttering all make a huge difference when someone comes to visit. 

You want your house to stand out from the local competition and ignoring this can mean you risk losing the interest of potential buyers. Houses that have been up for sale for some time can cause doubt in buyers minds: “what’s wrong with this one, why has it been on the market for so long?” So, make sure your house is ready before you put it up for sale.

The best time of year to sell a house

If you can afford to wait then Spring is usually the best time to sell a house. House selling data consistently shows the property market is at its most buoyant at this time with lots of new houses listed for sale and plenty of potential buyers looking. This can be a double edged sword for a house seller as there is usually more competition and you need to make sure your property is well presented and well-priced to attract buyers.  

September and October are also popular with buyers as people want to complete their house sale/purchase after their summer holidays, before schools restart and before the winter evenings draw in. 

When is the best time to sell a property?

Property trends differ depending on your location. Your best bet is to speak to an estate agent to understand more about your local market. They’ll have insight about your area and current market conditions, so they’ll be able to help you make an informed decision. 

Ideally, you want to sell your home when there is high level of demand and low level of supply, meaning that your property has lots of interest and buyers feel compelled to make a decision quickly due to lots of competition.

You can easily assess how busy your local market is by visiting Rightmove or Zoopla and seeing how many properties like yours are up for sale in your local area. If you then include those that are Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) you will be able to see how competitive things are locally – for example there might be 40 properties for sale locally, and another 60 that are SSTC. This means that 60% of properties like yours are sold. 

A higher SSTC rate indicates a market that is competitive and selling well. A lower rate indicates one where a property may take longer to sell, or will sell for less money. 

The best month to sell a house

On average, March tends to be the month when houses sell the most quickly. With the new year in full swing and spring on the way, this is a great time to make a change. For many, spring is also a time of new beginnings, which means many are ready for a fresh start. Spend the dark evenings of winter making those updates and adjustments and you will be ready for viewers in the warmer months. Don’t forget to do that all important garden tidy up before you put it on the market!

The worst time of year to sell a house

The end of the year is typically a poor time to put your house up for sale. With the majority of people, and especially families, preoccupied with Christmas, this tends to be a period where most buyers have other priorities.

If you are selling a larger, family property, don’t forget that August means summer holidays, so most parents will be either away or trying to keep children occupied. Wait until September when kids are back at school and parents are looking to make a change as we move into autumn. 

Sell your property quickly with us

If you are looking to sell your house quickly, without the hassle of estate agents and fees, or redecorating or decluttering, or having to worry about when’s the best time, speak to the House Buyer Bureau. Whatever your reasons for selling, we can help, and we buy property in all conditions. We won’t hard sell or pressure you, and will always be open, honest and discreet. Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation chat about your options.