Worst month to sell a house in the UK

The decision to sell your home is not one to be taken lightly. There are a multitude of factors to be considered, including the state of the market, the asking price, and the time of year in which you choose to sell.

The worst month to sell a house in the UK is typically December, as it coincides with the holiday season and many people are focused on other things. Additionally, the weather can be a deterrent for potential buyers.

While the UK property market may be thriving in many respects, there are certain months when selling your home may prove to be particularly challenging.

In this blog, we will dive into the question of what the worst month to sell a house in the UK is, and explore the reasons why this may be the case. Whether you’re a homeowner considering putting your house on the market, or simply curious about the nuances of the UK property market, read on to discover more.

The importance of choosing the right time to sell a house

When it comes to selling your house, choosing the right time to put it on the market is crucial. Most sellers want to get the best price possible for their property, and timing can play a big role in achieving this goal.

According to data from ATTOM Data Solutions, late spring and early summer are generally the best times of year to sell a house in the UK. Specifically, May is considered the best month to sell, with homes sold during this time fetching a 12.6 percent seller premium (above the home’s market value).

Other months that rank highly include June, July, and April. However, market conditions can vary greatly depending on the location, weather, and other factors.

Considering these variables, it is important for sellers to consult with qualified estate agents to determine the best strategy for selling their property. With the right timing and approach, sellers can maximize their returns and make the most of their investment. [1][2]

Selling during the worst month

It’s possible to sell your property at any time of year, providing you target the right audience. When we think about selling properties, we usually focus on homeownership. However, it’s important to consider another potential buyer group: property investors.

Investors often look to broaden their product portfolio. While some may register with a couple of estate agents, the true professionals work with specialists like Landlord Sales Agency.

One advantage of using a specialist agency is that they can sell any property, regardless of its condition. This overcomes a common challenge when trying to sell to someone who wants to move into a home immediately.

Specialists can often overcome the factors that create difficult selling periods, but what causes these issues? Let’s take a closer look.

The impact of the season on the housing market

The season plays an important role in the housing market, affecting both supply and demand. Historically, the best time to sell a house has been in the spring and summer months when the weather is good and families want to move before the start of the school year.

This usually results in more buyers actively looking to buy, which can lead to higher sale prices. On the other hand, the winter months are commonly seen as a less favourable time to sell due to colder weather and fewer buyers in the market.

In some situations, selling during the winter months may actually be more successful due to less competition from other sellers.

It is important to note that the impact of seasonality can vary depending on the region and property type. Places with milder temperatures may not have a big difference between busy and slow seasons, but regions with more extreme temperatures will see more variation.

Additionally, the type of property being sold can also play a role in determining the best time to sell. Understanding these factors and consulting with a knowledgeable estate agent can help homeowners make informed decisions about when to put their property on the market. [3][4]

The role of supply and demand in determining the best time to sell

When it comes to selling a house, the fundamental factor that determines the best time to do so is supply versus demand.

In other words, the optimal time to sell a house is when demand is high and supply is low. A high demand with low supply drives prices up and allows sellers to get a better deal.

However, finding the right time to sell can be challenging. Statistics from the estate agents’ industry association NAEA Propertymark show that supply is typically lower during the winter months.

Therefore, conventional wisdom dictates that the best time to sell is during the spring and early summer when gardens are at their most attractive.

However, this may not always hold true, as the data from Rightmove shows that properties listed in autumn can take significantly longer to sell. An astute seller must take into account the fluctuations in demand and supply for their particular area and price point. Keeping a close eye on these metrics is crucial for finding the ideal time to sell a house and maximizing the selling price. [5][6]

Analysis of the best and worst months to sell a house

The best months to sell a house in the UK are usually spring and early summer. This is because the weather is good, and families want to buy before the school year begins. However, there are other factors at play.

August and December are often considered the worst times of the year to sell, as many people are away on holiday or focused on Christmas festivities.

Additionally, the type of property being sold can impact the ideal selling timeframe. For example, a holiday home may sell best during peak holiday periods.

March is considered the best month to sell a house quickly, with properties taking an average of 57 days to go under offer.

If you can pick when to sell, it’s a good idea to know the best and worst times of the year to get the most money in the least amount of time possible.

Homeowners can sell their homes quicker and get the best price by picking the optimal time to sell and paying attention to external factors.[7][8][9][10]

The impact of weather and outdoor space on house sales

Weather and outdoor space both play a crucial role in property sales. Spring and summer are the ideal seasons to sell a house. The property looks more attractive with a lush garden and better lighting, providing potential buyers with the chance to spend more time outside and explore the space.

Many buyers value a house’s outdoor space, and selling in the warmer months is a great way for homeowners to show it off.

It may be more convenient for sellers to make property improvements during certain seasons prior to listing their home. Winter sales may result in lower prices due to the uninviting appearance of outdoor spaces in cold weather. Selling in winter may bring down the prices as the outdoor space looks uninviting due to the cold weather.

Therefore, anyone thinking of selling their house should take into account the impact of weather and outdoor space to get the highest price possible. [11][12]

School holidays and their impact on family home sales

During school holiday periods, many parents are preoccupied with looking after their children and may not want to take them on viewings, meaning that the number of potential buyers decreases.

This can result in a longer sale process or lower offers. As a result, it is generally best to avoid selling during school holiday periods if possible. However, this can vary depending on the location of the property and the demographics of potential buyers.

For example, if the property is located in an area with a strong tourist industry, school holidays may be a prime selling period. Additionally, if the property is aimed at a demographic without children, the impact of school holidays may be less significant.

Ultimately, it is important to consider individual market variations and to seek advice from experienced estate agents who can provide tailored advice on the best time to sell based on your specific circumstances. By taking these factors into account, sellers can ensure that they are maximizing their chances of securing a quick and profitable sale. [13][14]

Other factors to consider when choosing when to sell

When considering when to put a property on the market, it’s essential to think about more than just the time of year. Other factors that can influence the sale process include the condition of the property, the local property market, and the type of property being sold. For example, a property with a garden may sell better in the spring and summer months when the outside looks its best.

Meanwhile, a property targeting young professionals may be better marketed in the autumn when many people start new jobs. Another crucial factor is the local property market, which can vary significantly depending on the location.

Even within different parts of the same town or city, the local market may be active or stagnant, with different trends influencing buyers’ behaviour.

To make the right decisions, it’s important to get personalized advice from a qualified real estate agent who has sold properties similar to yours. You can also consult with experts like the Landlord Sales Agency. Working with an expert can help sellers customize their approach to selling and improve the chances of a successful outcome.[15][16]

Final thoughts

In conclusion, timing is an important consideration when selling a house. Although there are months when sales are typically higher, we should take into account the current market situation and local conditions.It’s important to have a skilled real estate agent who can give you customized advice for your property and situation.

To get higher prices, sellers should list their houses when there are more buyers than available homes. This creates a competitive environment that can drive up prices.

March has been identified as a particularly good month to sell, while August and December are typically slower months. However, this may vary depending on the region and other factors.

When trying to sell a house, it is also important to focus on presenting it in the best possible light to attract potential buyers. This could involve making repairs, decluttering, and staging the home. In addition, sellers should be prepared to price their home competitively and consider offering incentives or negotiating to close a deal.

Ultimately, while understanding broader market trends can provide valuable insights, seeking tailored advice is crucial to making informed decisions when it comes to selling a house. [17][18]

By doing your research, working with a trusted agent, and taking steps to make your home appealing to buyers, you can maximize your chances of achieving a successful sale at the right price. [19][20]