February stands out as the optimal month to list your home for sale, as per findings from Rightmove. An examination of house sales data shows that 68.9% of properties put up for sale in February successfully secure a buyer. Following closely behind, January and March share the second spot with 68.8% of listed homes finding buyers on average. April claims the third position with 68.7%, trailed by May at 67.7%.
In contrast, October ranks lowest on the list, with 65.4% of homes listed during this month eventually being sold. On average, it takes approximately seven months to finalize a sale and complete the subsequent purchase of a property.
The analysis by Rightmove scrutinized millions of properties listed for sale from 2014 to 2024, excluding 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Properties listed in 2025 were also omitted to accommodate those that may still be awaiting buyers.
January emerges as the swiftest month for securing a buyer, with an average time frame of 47 days, closely followed by February at 48 days. March witnesses the highest number of newly listed properties and the most overall sales agreements on average.
According to Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, February typically proves to be the most favorable month for selling homes, with strong performance expected during the upcoming Spring moving season. Babcock advises potential sellers eyeing a 2026 move to consider listing their properties soon to capitalize on heightened home-buyer activity.
Steve Reed, the Housing Secretary, emphasizes the importance of streamlining the buying and selling processes to expedite transactions, reduce fall-through rates, and alleviate unnecessary stress for individuals transitioning to their dream homes.
John Baybut, Managing Director at Berkeley Shaw Real Estate in Liverpool, highlights the current robust conditions in the UK property market, attributing them to declining interest rates. He notes that despite economic discussions, the UK property market has demonstrated consistent performance over the years, with properties continuing to appreciate in value in the long term. Baybut underscores the significance of February as a peak period for new property listings, urging serious buyers to be prepared with finances and existing property sales in progress to secure their desired homes promptly.
Mike Sharman, Group Managing Director at Sharman Quinney, underscores the active nature of the January market, with vendors gearing up for their moves in the upcoming year. He notes that February and March typically witness a surge in new property listings, driven by the onset of early spring. Vendors usually enter the market during this period after evaluating market trends, exploring various properties, and committing to selling.
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