When is the Best Time to Sell a House?

Selling your house is often all about the timing. Especially if you decide to sell via a traditional estate agent. Leave the sale for a week, and you might have missed the most active time in the market. Go too early, and you could be waiting a long time until the market clicks into gear. So, when is the best time of year to sell a house? Spring (March to May) is often seen as a great time. The summer holidays aren’t yet upon us, the weather isn’t too bad, and your kerb appeal works its magic as the garden comes into bloom and wows passers-by.

There is a little more to it than that though, and in this blog, we’ll take a look.

When is the best time to put a house on the market?

This can be looked at in two ways. There are certain times of year when house sales tend to be more common than others, but we should also consider how the market is performing and the availability of property. The Zoopla HPI report indicates that, as of the end of August 2025, buyer demand is up 4% on the prior year, and agreed sales are 5% higher than they were at the same point in 2024. Prices have also risen by 1.3% year-on-year. Price growth has slowed, but average earnings are rising faster than property prices, making homes more affordable and allowing more people to dip into the market sooner than initially planned. Fearful of market shifts, many may consider a sale now, outside of the typical peak times.

That being said, there still seems to be a consensus that some months, or periods, fare better than others when it comes to selling a house.

Spring

Starting the sales process in Spring puts you in a great position to sell more quickly than people who hold off until later in the year.

• Longer days and improved weather. Ideal to help accentuate the good points of your home and encourage viewings over a longer portion of the day.
• More buyers are looking. Families want to get the buying out of the way so they can enjoy the summer break. Securing a new home in the spring means that completion should line up perfectly with the summer.
• Increased demand. With heightened demand, buyers may be more inclined to make higher offers to stave off competitors. This then means you can sell faster too.

Spring is also a great time to put your house on the market as outdoor areas come to life and become more vibrant. Kerb appeal plays an important role in a buyer's property decision, so it shouldn’t be ignored. If you can show off your garden and other external features, you might have edged yourself closer to an offer.

Summer

Summer is among the most difficult times of year to sell a house. Despite the encouraging figures from the Zoopla HPI report, they must be taken with a pinch of salt. Trends can change quickly. Typically, summer sees a slowdown in sales as families juggle holidays with childcare, putting thoughts of selling or buying property far down the list of priorities.

Autumn

Autumn can be a good time to sell. Buyers regain their focus after summer, and with good timing, a move can be in place in time for Christmas. The nights in the early stages aren’t too dark either, meaning you can squeeze in evening viewings.  Some properties look especially cosy and welcoming with the autumnal skies and scenery too. There aren’t any major school holidays either, so families aren’t as occupied, meaning your pool of buyers should remain strong.

Winter

Winter is similar to summer in the housing market. The number of buyers is greatly reduced as the festive season takes hold and nights draw in. Property viewings don’t deliver the same impact at 4 pm when it’s dark either. That being said, January can often be a good month to put your house on the market as people start planning for the year ahead.

Could I sell my house in Summer or Winter?

Spring and Autumn can be among the best times to sell a house, but deciding to sell at “off-peak” times can have advantages.

• Lack of competition. With most people trying to sell in spring or autumn, you have the advantage of being “one of the few.” With fewer properties on the market, yours has a better chance of standing out. With less competition, serious buyers who need to move only have your house and a few others to choose from. Price it right, make it look good, and your home could be the one.
• Determined buyers. If a buyer has relocated for work, has had to move due to divorce, or has been trying to buy for a long time, they may be determined to secure a home quickly. With a reduced number of properties available, yours could be the one that ticks their boxes.
• Perfect for your property. Whilst many homes sell well during spring and autumn, some properties stand out during summer and winter. A lovely home with spacious outdoor areas, a garden room and great ventilation may sell well in the summer. An older property with a wood-burning fireplace and a more rustic feel could be perfect for the winter months.

What if I’m not ready at the best time of year to sell a house?

Don’t do anything. Just wait until you are ready. If you want to sell with an estate agent and rush into things, you could find yourself paying for services long before you are in a position to sell. That could then have your home sitting on the market for a long time, and see buyers assume it’s an unsellable house, not worth their time.

What if I need to sell quickly? What is the best time of year to sell a house then?

If you need to sell your house fast, your best option is a cash house buyer. That way, the time of year has no bearing on whether your home will sell. At Bettermove, for example, we purchase houses, flats, and bungalows throughout the year. We don’t charge you either, meaning you can sell your house for free and take the full amount from the sale. The entire process is built around you, too. Meaning you sell on your terms, when you want to. Need a winter sale? No problem. Want to shift it in the summer? We make it happen. Contact our team now to sell your house fast.