Ever wondered about the optimal time to list your home for sale? Delving into extensive data from millions of property listings since 2012 (excluding the tumultuous year of 2020 due to the pandemic), Rightmove have identified the months that stand out for securing a buyer promptly and efficiently.

Enter February, the unsung hero of the estate agency calendar. With an average of just 51 days to secure a buyer, it not only leads in swiftness but also in successful closings. As we gear up for the bustling spring season, February sees heightened seller activity, coinciding with prospective buyers, now free from festive commitments, eager to set their moving plans in motion.

How is the housing market looking right now?

Transitioning to the current state of the housing market, the aftermath of Christmas 2022 and early 2023 witnessed a relatively subdued period. Elevated mortgage rates following the mini-Budget and uncertainty regarding their impact on the property market prompted many buyers and sellers to temporarily suspend their plans.

However, this year unfolds with encouraging signs. Those who opted for a wait-and-see approach in 2023 are now entering the market, reflected in an 8% increase in buyers contacting agents about available homes and an 11% rise in newly listed properties.

According to property expert, Tim Bannister, the optimal timing for a move aligns with individual circumstances. Although life moves are seldom predictable, historical data consistently highlights the beginning of the year as a robust period for real estate transactions.

Beyond the general uptick in market activity during this season, February stands out as the month with the highest volume of property viewing requests from home-hunters, on average. Historically, it's the period with the most buyers making inquiries to agents. So, if you're considering selling, ensuring your listing is in place, your marketing is innovative, and your pricing is competitive is crucial amidst the heightened buyer interest.

Source: Rightmove