Why February and March Are Two of the Best Months to List Your Property for Sale
While the best time to sell your property ultimately depends on your circumstances, listing in February and March offers several advantages. The combination of increased buyer activity, favourable weather conditions, and reduced competition makes these months a strategic choice for home sellers. Read on to find out why...
When it comes to selling your property in the UK, timing is crucial. While you can sell your home at any time of the year, February and March stand out as the optimal months to list your property for sale. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this trend and provide valuable insights into why these early months of the year offer distinct advantages for home sellers.
Spring Awakening:
For most of the northern hemisphere, the spring months are usually March, April and May, and so by this definition spring starts on 1 March.
This is because meteorologists tend to divide seasons into periods of three whole months based on average monthly temperatures, with summer as the warmest and winter as the coldest.
For the purists out there, astronomically, the arrangement of the planes of the orbit of the Earth and its equator are such that the planes intersect at two times, the Equinoxes, when the length of the day and night are equal. Mid-way between these are the solstices, when the Sun is at its highest and lowest in the sky at mid-day. These times can be determined very accurately and, as they occur near the times when the seasons are changing, have been used to indicate the start of each season.
So, for us in Europe, Spring is deemed to start at the Vernal Equinox; on 20 March.
Anyway, let's assume that February and March mark the beginning of spring in the UK, a season associated with renewal and fresh starts. As the days grow longer and the weather starts to improve, potential buyers are more inclined to venture out and explore properties. The natural beauty of blooming gardens and brighter days can make your property more appealing.
Increased Buyer Activity:
Historically, these months witness a surge in buyer inquiries and activity. Buyers who have been planning to make a move often kickstart their property search in the new year. This increased demand can lead to quicker sales and potentially better offers.
Beating the Summer Rush:
Many sellers opt to list their properties in the summer months. By listing your property in February or March, you can get ahead of the competition. With fewer properties on the market, your listing can stand out and attract serious buyers.
Optimal Viewing Conditions:
The transition from winter to spring provides excellent viewing conditions. Daylight hours extend, and properties appear more inviting in natural light. Buyers can better envision themselves living in your home when they visit during these months.
Planning for the School Year:
Families with children often prefer to move during the summer holidays to minimise disruption to their children's education. Listing your property in February or March allows families to plan their move, making your property attractive to this demographic.
Faster Sales:
Statistics show that properties listed in February and March tend to sell faster than those listed in other months. The shorter time on the market can save you money on holding costs and reduce stress.
According to Rightmove, homes listed in February take an average of 51 days to find a buyer, with around 66.4% of them finding buyers. March is a close second, taking an average of 52 days to find a buyer. This data is based on an analysis of millions of properties listed for sale since 2012, excluding the year 2020 due to the pandemic. Tim Bannister, Rightmove's property expert, suggests that the start of the year historically sees the most buyer enquiries, making it an ideal time to list a property for sale.
So, if you are considering a home sale in 2024, the next couple of months might just be the time to 'get moving'.
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