February emerges as the optimal month for listing your property for sale, a recent study by Rightmove indicates. Analysis of house sales data reveals that 68.9% of homes listed in February successfully secure a buyer, surpassing January and March, which tie at 68.8%. Following closely are April at 68.7% and May at 67.7%.
Contrastingly, October ranks lowest on the list, with 65.4% of listed homes eventually selling. On average, it takes seven months to secure a buyer and finalize a home purchase. The research, spanning from 2014 to 2024 (excluding 2020 due to the pandemic), also omits 2025 listings still awaiting buyers.
January proves to be the fastest month for securing buyers, averaging 47 days, closely followed by February at 48 days. March stands out for the highest number of newly listed properties and overall sales agreements.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, suggests February as the prime month for selling homes, with upcoming spring months also promising strong buyer activity. Housing Secretary Steve Reed affirms ongoing reforms to expedite the buying and selling process, aiming to reduce stress and transaction failures.
John Baybut, Managing Director at Berkeley Shaw Real Estate, notes the UK property market’s resilience, especially with favorable interest rates. February, known for a surge in new listings, demands prepared buyers with finances in order to secure desired properties.
Mike Sharman, Group Managing Director at Sharman Quinney, elaborates on the active January market as vendors plan their moves for the year ahead. February and March typically witness a flood of new property listings, driven by the onset of spring.
Overall, the property market outlook remains robust, with experts advising potential sellers to act promptly to benefit from the current market dynamics.
