When’s the best time to sell a house in the UK?
Timing your house sale can make a real difference — both in how fast your home sells and the price you achieve. While buyers are active throughout the year, some months consistently perform better than others. Knowing when to list can give you an edge, whether you're chasing the best price, aiming for speed, or simply want a smooth transaction.
Certain months in the UK property market bring stronger buyer interest, faster sales, and better pricing outcomes. Here’s a snapshot:
- Spring (March to May) is the best time to sell — high demand, stronger pricing, and homes look their best.
- Autumn (September and October) is also strong, especially for motivated buyers wanting to move before Christmas.
- Summer and winter are slower, with fewer buyers and more distractions.
Local demand and personal circumstances should guide your final decision, even if seasonality suggests otherwise.
Here’s how well homes sell each season
Spring: The top-performing season
March, April and May are widely considered the best time to sell. Homes look brighter, kerb appeal improves with better weather, and buyer activity surges after winter.
- March is the fastest-selling month, with homes often going under offer in around 57 days.
- Gardens and natural light help showcase homes in the best way.
- Families begin searching in spring to secure a move before the new school year.
That said, spring is also the most competitive. With more homes hitting the market, yours needs to be priced accurately and well presented to stand out.
Summer: Slower, but with potential
June to August can be mixed. Early summer may still see strong results, but buyer activity often dips by late July due to school holidays and travel plans.
- Viewings and urgency drop off in late summer.
- Homes that linger may require a price adjustment.
- Properties in holiday hotspots may perform better during this window.
If you're listing in July or August, expect longer sale times and potentially more negotiation — unless your home has standout features or is chain-free.
Autumn: A strong second window
September and early October bring renewed interest. Buyers who paused over summer return motivated, and the desire to move before Christmas creates urgency.
- Fewer listings mean reduced competition.
- Properties can sell quickly, particularly if they’re move-in ready.
- Listing by mid-October is ideal — interest tends to slow from November.
Winter: The quietest season
From November through February, the market slows. Cold weather, shorter days and the holiday period mean fewer active buyers.
- Expect longer sale timelines and increased price flexibility.
- Buyers who are active tend to be serious and motivated — such as downsizers or those relocating.
- Boxing Day sees a spike in online browsing, making it a good time to prepare your listing even if viewings won’t pick up until January.
How does the time of year affect your selling price?
It’s not just about speed — seasonality also affects how much your home might sell for.
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What does Rightmove say about the best time to sell?
“Spring is the most popular time to list your home, with activity peaking in March and continuing strongly through May. Autumn also brings renewed interest as buyers return from holidays and many want to move before Christmas. While the New Year sparks fresh searches, those buyers are often early in their journey and may take longer to decide. Conversely, winter tends to be slower, with fewer motivated buyers and properties not showing at their best due to shorter days and poor weather.”
Source: Rightmove - Is now the right time to sell?
Does weather kerb appeal and value?
Buyers form first impressions quickly — often before they step through the front door. Weather can shape how appealing your home looks and how well it’s perceived:
- Spring and summer show your property at its best, from blooming gardens to brighter interiors.
- Winter can dull kerb appeal, but outdoor lighting, clean pathways and a freshly painted front door can still boost value.
- Landscaping matters — even in colder months. Hardy plants and neat gardens can add up to 10% to your property’s value.
- Weather-proof features such as insulated windows, clean render, and maintained roofs suggest long-term care and comfort.
- External lighting during darker months helps your home stand out in photos and evening viewings.
What if you can’t sell in the ideal months?
You might be selling due to personal reasons — such as divorce, inheritance, redundancy or relocation — and can’t wait for March or September.
That doesn’t mean a successful sale is out of reach. You can still achieve a good outcome if you:
- Present your home in a clean, tidy, and well-lit condition.
- Price it realistically for your location and season.
- Target the right buyers — such as first-time buyers or cash buyers.
Need a quick, certain sale without relying on market timing? A direct sale might be your best option.
When is the worst time to sell a house?
While homes do sell all year, some windows are consistently more challenging:
- Mid-December to mid-January — Holidays and winter weather reduce activity.
- Late July to August — Viewings slow as families go on holiday.
In both cases, expect fewer enquiries, slower responses and increased negotiation. If you do need to sell during these periods, it helps to price competitively and work with a proactive agent or buyer.
Should you wait or sell now?
That depends on your goal. If you're aiming for the highest possible price, spring or early autumn offer the strongest conditions. But if you're looking for certainty, speed, or flexibility, waiting for the perfect month may not be realistic — especially in today’s market.
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- No legal fees if you use our partner solicitor.
- A smooth, chain-free process from start to finish.
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