Are you considering selling your house, but you’re not sure if it’s the right time? Many homeowners face this understandably tricky decision. There are many factors at play. Markets fluctuate, costs rise and fall, new government schemes are launched, and local demand can also have an impact.
You may be wondering, is it a good time to sell a house? If that’s the case, you’re in the right place. This article will take a deep dive into the best times to sell a house in the UK (including the best and worst months to sell a house). We’ll also explore important considerations you may need to make based on your needs and your individual situation, because everyone’s circumstances are unique.
When is the best time to sell a house ?
Seasonality and the real estate market
Generally, spring and early summer are the best seasons to sell a house for several reasons.
- The weather improves (finally!), and plants start to grow. Let’s be honest, homes and gardens look better and are more enticing in warmer weather (picture a pretty spring garden or a house bathed in bright morning sunlight). Also, the ability to open doors and windows to air the property out helps it seem fresh and clean. Winter can make the space feel smaller as very few windows and doors are open.
- Families with children will often want to start looking in spring so they can be in the property before the next school year. They may also want to move into a catchment area to secure a place in a local school. You can’t underestimate wanting to find the perfect house in the catchment for a desirable school!
- On a practical level, the better weather in the summer makes the process of moving house much easier. After all, who wants to be lugging boxes back and forth in the middle of a bitter UK winter? Plenty of school holidays also make it more convenient for buyers to view prospective properties.
- The increase in demand and more buyers can drive prices up and put you in a strong position. However, this also means that buyers have plenty of opportunities to find an alternative property.
The late summer and early autumn months also often see a second peak in interest as people are back from their holidays, the kids are back at school, and many people suddenly decide they’d like to move before Christmas. Those in a rush to get in their home before the mayhem of Christmas are often willing to accept a less desirable deal.
January may also see another rise in interest as people are ready to look for a new property after Christmas, especially projects or rental homes. However, local market conditions can affect this, and the shorter days with bad weather don’t always showcase properties to their fullest.
What is the best month to sell a house in the UK?
The best month of year to sell a house (or put your house on the market) is March to May. Why? Strong demand and favourable selling conditions offering plenty of advantages. After the winter comes to an end, people feel in a better position to sell.
March is potentially the best month to put your house on the market. Buyers are often in a better financial position at this time of year without the pressure of purchasing Christmas presents and spending on summer holidays. Families tend to start looking from around March in an attempt to move before the next school year starts.
Secondly, September and October can also prove fruitful. The autumnal weather makes for pretty viewings (think of all the pretty autumn colours in gardens).
What is the worst month to see a house in the UK?
July and August, as well as late November and December, are considered the worst months to sell a house in the UK. This is because in July and August, a lot of people are away on their summer holiday. Christmas seems to send everybody into a spin and the weather in the midst of winter makes viewings a challenge. Plus, people don’t want to spend long outdoors in the cold viewing outdoor spaces.
What is the best day of the week to list your home?
Monday is considered the best time to list a property for sale as people are often busy on weekends. In fact, Which? conducted a survey in 2017 that found houses listed on a Monday took an average of 176 days to sell. The worst day to list a property is Sunday, taking an average of 213 days to sell.
In 2014, Rightmove found that Tuesday evenings are the peak time for people searching for properties. Knowing the little details like this can make all the difference!
Selling in a Recession or Buyer’s Market
Is it a good time to sell a house in a recession? Well, the answer is… it depends. Recessions are traditionally seen as buyer’s markets, with lower house prices and less demand treating them favourably.
However, as many people choose to sit tight during a recession, there are usually fewer properties on the market, potentially putting the seller in a good negotiating position. Traditionally, desirable properties are less affected by recessions, and you may have less competition from other sellers. Local market conditions, the type and price range of your property, and your urgency to sell will all affect whether a recession is a good or bad time to sell a house.
Preparing your home for sale
Regardless of the time of year, there are lots of things you can do to increase the value and desirability of your property. These include small things such as redecorating, fixing the garden or removing clutter, and large projects such as upgrading the boiler, fitting a new kitchen or bathroom, or even replacing the windows. For more information, refer to our guide about how to add value to your home.
Documents you need to sell your home
Having your documents together and in order is vital to selling your home quickly and without hiccups. You can see our Full List of Documents here, but they include things like:
- Proof of ID
- Title Deeds
- Energy and Safety Certificates
- Mortgage Details
- Receipts
Do you want to sell your home quickly?
Sometimes, people need a quick sale for a whole host of reasons. Many home owners consider selling home privately to avoid agent fees and to have more control on the process.
We will buy your home quickly, in any condition, with cash, and in as little as 7 days at any time of the year. We understand that selling your house can be stressful, and we’re here to make the process as hassle-free as possible.
To find out more, learn how we work, call us for free on 0843 221 1111 or fill out the form to Get a Free Cash Offer.