There are typically seasonal peaks and troughs in activity in the property market throughout the
year. Spring is typically the busiest time, with more buyers out looking but also more properties
for sale, so there’s increased competition for sellers. The market then generally quietens down
over summer when a lot of people go on holiday, and then picks up again in September. It
remains relatively busy until late November/early December when things slow down again for
Christmas. So, most people assume that spring is the best time to put a property on the market.
Whilst it is true that there are usually more buyers looking for properties at this time of year,
there are also a lot more properties coming to the market. Therefore, if you put your property on
the market at this time, you will be competing with lots of other properties all trying to attract
buyers. This can result in sellers undercutting each other on price and ultimately achieving a
lower sale price if supply outstrips demand.
One of the reasons spring is a popular time to think about moving house is that the days are
getting longer and the weather is improving, but bad weather can stall the market. In spring
2023 we experienced a cold snap and snowfall in March, which meant the traditionally busy
property market was delayed.
Many people avoid putting their homes on the market in wintertime because there are fewer
buyers around, the weather is generally worse, days are shorter and people are preoccupied
with Christmas. All of these are valid reasons, but also bear in mind that, with fewer properties
coming to the market, the buyers who are looking in winter – and there are always some buyers
looking, because people need to move all year round for a variety of reasons – will have fewer
properties to choose from, meaning they could be more likely to view your property and fall in
love with it. Also, buyers who are looking for a property in winter tend to be serious buyers who
need to move house, so whilst we conduct fewer viewings in winter, those viewings are more
likely to result in a sale.
Rightmove reports that there is a general slowdown in property searches in December, and
searches are at their lowest on Christmas Day, but many people are surprised to learn that there
is a spike in searches on Boxing Day, so if you are thinking of putting your property on the
market in winter, a Boxing Day launch is good idea. And it’s worth remembering there are lots of
other external factors that are difficult or impossible to predict that have an effect on the property
market, such as weather, the wider economy (including changes in interest rates), political
events (for example, a general election), public holidays (for events like coronations or jubilee
celebrations) to name a few. So, there are pros and cons for every time of year, and the best
time to put your property on the market is when it is right for you and your own individual
circumstances.