Choosing the right month to sell a house can materially affect both the price you achieve and how quickly you secure a buyer. Buyer demand, competition levels and market momentum fluctuate throughout the year, and sellers who time their listing well often benefit from stronger interest and stronger offers.
This guide breaks down the data-backed best months to sell a house in the UK, with specific insight into London and the South East where selling conditions differ significantly from national averages. You will see when buyer activity is at its strongest, which periods typically lead to slower sales or price reductions, and how to time your sale strategically to maximise value rather than relying on guesswork.
Even in peak selling months, success depends on pricing accuracy. Sellers who understand How Much Is My House Worth? before listing are far more likely to capitalise on seasonal demand and buyer competition.
The Best Months to Sell a House (Data-Backed)
UK property portals and research firms consistently track when homes sell fastest and achieve the strongest outcomes. Across multiple datasets, early spring emerges as the most favourable period to sell.
Analysis of millions of completed transactions shows that February and March are the best months to sell a house in the UK. According to long-term sales data published by Rightmove, properties listed during this period record the highest completion rates at approximately 66.3 percent, meaning nearly seven out of ten listings successfully progress to completion.
Speed of sale is also strongest in early spring. Homes listed in February take an average of around 51 days to secure an accepted offer, significantly faster than properties launched later in the year. This combination of high buyer activity, faster sales and stronger competition makes early spring the optimal window for most sellers. Understanding How Long Does It Take To Sell a House in the UK helps put these seasonal advantages into a realistic timeframe.
| Month Listed | Average Days to Offer | Completion Rate | Buyer Activity Level |
| February | 51 days | 66.3% | High |
| March | 52 days | 66.3% | Very High |
| April | 52 days | 64% | High |
| May | 55 days | 62% | Good |
| October | 62 days | 58% | Moderate |
| August | 65 days | 52% | Low |
| November | 79 days | 48% | Very Low |
Seasonal Breakdown: What to Expect
Spring (March to May): Peak Selling Season
Spring consistently delivers the strongest buyer demand and fastest sales across the UK. March stands out as the single best month to sell a house in almost every major analysis, combining high enquiry levels with strong completion rates.
Properties typically show at their best during spring, benefiting from longer daylight hours and improved natural light, which encourages more viewings and stronger emotional engagement from buyers. Family buyers are particularly active during this period, motivated to secure a purchase ahead of the summer holidays and the next academic year.
Market data shows that sales agreed peak during spring months, with March regularly ranking among the busiest periods of the year for completed transactions. Completion rates during late winter and early spring reach approximately 66 percent, reflecting higher buyer confidence and improved transaction momentum. Increased competition at this time often results in quicker offers and, in some cases, sale prices being achieved closer to or above asking levels.
This heightened activity also shortens selling timelines when compared with quieter periods of the year. Understanding How Long Does It Take To Sell a House in the UK helps sellers set realistic expectations and plan their listing to take full advantage of peak market conditions.
Summer (June to August): Mixed Selling Conditions
Summer benefits from longer days and improved weather, but buyer activity typically softens compared with spring. The primary reason is the school summer holidays, which remove a significant portion of family buyers from the market for several weeks.
During this period, many households travel or delay major decisions, leading to fewer booked viewings and a noticeable drop in serious offers. While early June can still perform well, momentum often slows as July progresses and activity falls further in August when holidays peak.
| Summer Month | Typical Days to Sell | Main Challenge |
| June | 58 days | Early month good, late month slows |
| July | 65 days | School holidays start |
| August | 70+ days | Peak holiday season |
As a result, properties listed too late in the summer can begin to experience the same challenges commonly seen in slower markets, including reduced urgency and increased price sensitivity. Sellers encountering these issues often find themselves facing the same dynamics outlined in Why Is My Home Selling So Slowly? Market Realities Explained, particularly if pricing is not adjusted quickly.
If you need to sell during the summer months, timing is critical. Listing in early June provides a short window to capture motivated buyers before the school holidays begin, allowing sufficient exposure and enquiry levels before August traditionally becomes the quietest month of the season.
Autumn (September to November): A Shorter Second Peak
Early autumn offers a second, more condensed selling window. September through mid-October typically delivers solid buyer activity, with data showing properties listed in October taking an average of around 62 days to sell, outperforming the quieter summer months.
Buyers active during the autumn period are often highly motivated, aiming to agree a purchase in time to complete before Christmas. This urgency can translate into decisive offers, particularly where pricing is realistic and the property is well presented.
However, activity drops sharply from mid-November onwards. Properties launched in late October or November often face headwinds, as buyers perceive sellers listing at this stage to be under time pressure, which can result in more cautious or lower offers.
For sellers considering an autumn launch, early September is the optimal entry point. This allows exposure throughout the full autumn window and maximises the chance of agreeing a sale before seasonal momentum fades. Homes listed after the October half-term typically see a noticeable decline in viewings and enquiry levels.
Extended marketing into winter also carries a financial impact. Understanding How Much Does It Cost To Sell a House helps sellers assess whether waiting for a later buyer genuinely outweighs the ongoing costs of holding a property on the market.
Winter (December to February) Slowest Season, But Not Without Opportunity
Winter is traditionally the slowest period for property sales. Buyer activity typically drops from late November through December as attention shifts to Christmas, family commitments and year-end finances. Shorter days and dark evenings also limit viewing opportunities, particularly for buyers working standard office hours.
Research consistently shows that buyers are less inclined to view properties in the dark, with shorter daylight significantly reducing evening viewing slots from October through February. Industry analysis has highlighted that darker days correlate with falling buyer motivation, reinforcing the seasonal slowdown in enquiries and engagement.
That said, winter does present a hidden opportunity. Buyers who remain active in December and January are usually highly motivated. They often have compelling reasons to move, face less competition from other buyers, and are acutely aware that sellers listing in winter may be more flexible on price.
Market activity typically revives quickly after the New Year. January often sees a noticeable uplift in enquiries as buyers refocus on moving goals, and properties launched in late January are well positioned ahead of the February to March spring peak. If selling in winter, competitive pricing and strong presentation are essential, with particular attention paid to lighting, warmth and first impressions for evening viewings.
| Winter Challenge | Impact on Sales |
| Dark evenings | 54% fewer willing viewers |
| Christmas period | Near-zero activity Dec 20-Jan 2 |
| Cold weather | Properties look less appealing |
| Buyer focus elsewhere | Reduced serious enquiries |
London & Southeast Market Nuances
London’s property market broadly follows the same seasonal patterns as the rest of the UK, but with several important structural differences. Most notably, properties in the capital take significantly longer to sell than the national average, which has a direct impact on how sellers should plan timing and pricing.
On average, London properties take around 120 to 130 days to sell, compared with approximately 65 to 70 days across the UK as a whole. In inner London and parts of the South East, total transaction timelines can extend further, with some sales taking well over 200 days from initial listing to completion. This extended timeframe makes early planning essential.
| Region | Average Days to Sell | Annual Price Change |
| London | 126 days | -0.3% to +0.8% |
| Southeast | 95+ days | +0.3% |
| UK Average | 66 days | +2.8% |
| North West & North East | 27 days | +2.1-2.7% |
While UK house prices grew by 2.8% annually, London saw modest falls in some months and growth under 1% in others. The average London property price sits around £556,000-£566,000, significantly higher than the UK average of £299,892.
Spring remains the strongest selling season in London, but the effective window is slightly broader than elsewhere. February through May consistently shows healthy buyer activity, supported not only by domestic demand but also by international purchasers who are less constrained by school calendars.
The influence of overseas buyers means certain neighbourhoods benefit from year-round interest, particularly prime central locations such as Belgravia and Chelsea, as well as established international hubs like Canary Wharf.
If you are selling a London property, it is important to plan for a longer journey than in most other UK regions. March remains the best month to sell a house in the capital, but sellers should realistically expect the process from listing to completion to take three to five months, rather than the two to three months that may be achievable elsewhere.
How Timing Affects Price, Speed & Buyer Interest
Three factors ultimately determine the success of a sale: the price achieved, the speed of sale and the quality of buyers attracted. Timing influences all three, often more than sellers expect.
Impact on Price
Properties launched during peak selling months typically achieve prices closer to asking. When multiple buyers compete in March or April, competition can push final sale prices to asking or, in some cases, above. By contrast, homes listed during quieter periods such as August or November often require price reductions to stimulate interest.
Market data highlights this effect clearly. More than one million price reductions occurred in 2025, the highest level since 2019. A significant proportion of these involved properties that missed the spring window and remained unsold through the summer months. The average reduction was approximately 5.2 percent, equating to around £25,000.
Impact on Speed of Sale
The difference in selling speed between peak and off-peak months is substantial. A property listed in March may secure an offer in just over 50 days, while the same home listed in November could take closer to 80 days to achieve the same result.
Those additional weeks carry real financial implications. Ongoing mortgage payments, utilities, council tax and maintenance costs all continue while a property remains unsold. Understanding How Long Does It Take To Sell a House in the UK helps sellers assess whether waiting for a different season genuinely improves the overall outcome.
Impact on Buyer Quality
The best months to sell a house attract the most committed and financially prepared buyers. Spring buyers are more likely to have mortgage approvals in place, clearer moving timelines and realistic expectations on pricing.
By contrast, late summer and winter markets tend to attract a higher proportion of casual viewers and buyers testing the market. These buyers are typically slower to act and less inclined to submit strong offers early, which can prolong negotiations and increase the likelihood of price adjustments.
When It Might Make Sense to Sell Outside Peak Seasons
Although data consistently shows spring as the strongest selling period, there are circumstances where listing outside peak months can still deliver a successful outcome.
For sellers facing urgent life events such as relocation, separation or financial pressure, waiting for the ideal market window may not be practical. In these situations, pricing accurately and focusing on speed of sale is usually more effective than delaying in the hope of stronger seasonal demand. Following proven preparation strategies, such as those outlined in How To Sell My House Fast can help offset quieter market conditions.
Reduced competition can also work in a seller’s favour. August and December typically see fewer new listings, meaning properties face less direct competition. For distinctive homes or higher-value properties aimed at specific buyer groups, this reduced supply can help a well-priced property stand out more clearly.
Buyers active during quieter periods are often highly motivated. Winter and late-summer purchasers tend to have clear reasons for moving and are less likely to browse casually. While overall enquiry levels may be lower, the buyers who remain are often decisive and prepared to act quickly on the right property.
Property type also plays a role. Homes aimed at downsizers, retirees or cash buyers, such as bungalows or low-maintenance properties, often perform well outside traditional family-driven seasons. These buyers are not constrained by school calendars and may actively prefer quieter moving periods.
Finally, wider market conditions can outweigh seasonality altogether. Shifts in mortgage rates, changes to lending criteria or new government incentives can stimulate demand at any point in the year, creating favourable selling conditions regardless of the calendar.
The key is understanding your specific circumstances, property type and buyer profile. For most sellers, spring remains the best month to sell a house. However, in the right scenario, a well-priced and well-prepared property can still achieve a strong result outside peak seasons.
Practical Tips for London Sellers
Sellers in London and the UK face a distinct set of challenges, including higher price points, more cautious buyers, longer transaction timelines and the impact of stamp duty on buyer decision-making. Navigating these factors successfully requires earlier preparation and greater pricing discipline than in many other UK regions.
- Start Preparation Early
London properties typically take longer to sell, so preparation should begin three to four months before your intended launch. This allows time to resolve maintenance issues, declutter and make minor improvements that materially affect buyer perception. High-quality professional photography is essential in competitive London markets, as most buyers form their first judgement online. Reviewing recent comparable sales and obtaining valuations from multiple agents will also help establish a realistic pricing framework.
- Price Accurately From Day One
London properties typically take longer to sell, so preparation should begin a few months before your intended launch. This allows time to resolve maintenance issues, declutter and make minor improvements that materially affect buyer perception. High-quality professional photography is essential in competitive London markets, as most buyers form their first judgement online. Reviewing recent comparable sales and obtaining valuations from multiple agents will also help establish a realistic pricing framework. London buyers are sophisticated and well-researched. They know exactly what properties in your area sell for, and overpricing by even 10% can result in your property sitting for months. Getting an accurate understanding of how much is your house worth before listing is important.
Start with a realistic price based on recent local sales and price competitively to generate viewings in the first two weeks when your listing appears fresh.
- Price Accurately From Day One
If you are listing in spring, presentation plays an important supporting role. Gardens should be tidy and well maintained, windows clean to maximise natural light, and personal items minimised to help buyers visualise the space as their own. Professional photography taken in good light can significantly improve online engagement and increase viewing requests during peak demand periods.
- Handle Viewings Strategically
Finding the right buyer in London often requires a higher volume of viewings. Flexibility is particularly important in the first two to three weeks of marketing. Weekend availability is essential, but weekday evening viewings also matter in the capital, where many buyers work locally and rely on after-work appointments.
- Factor in Stamp Duty and Wider Market Timing
Stamp duty changes can have a pronounced effect on buyer behaviour, creating short-term surges or slowdowns in activity. Recent threshold changes led to spikes in demand ahead of deadlines, followed by quieter periods. Staying informed allows you to position your listing more effectively and anticipate shifts in buyer urgency. Understanding How Much Does It Cost To Sell a House also helps sellers budget accurately and assess the true financial impact of timing decisions.
- Work with Local and International Experts
London’s property market varies sharply by postcode, buyer profile and property type. An agent with deep local knowledge of your specific area will provide more accurate pricing guidance and stronger access to serious buyers than a broad, generalist approach covering wide territories.
However, local expertise alone is often not enough in London. International demand plays a meaningful role in many parts of the capital, particularly for higher-value homes and prime locations. An agent with genuine international reach understands how overseas buyers assess value, currency movements, market timing and investment fundamentals, and can position your property accordingly.
Ernest-Brooks International combines detailed London market knowledge with established international networks across Asia, allowing properties to be marketed to both domestic and overseas buyers simultaneously. This dual approach increases buyer depth and reduces reliance on a single demand source.
Our award recognition, including Best International Property Consultancy 2025, reflects a consistent focus on transparent advice, pricing accuracy and outcomes rather than inflated expectations. Sellers benefit from evidence-led guidance that prioritises saleability, speed and final value.Understanding How Much Does It Cost To Sell a House also helps sellers choose an agent based on overall value and strategy, rather than headline fees alone. In higher-value markets such as London, the quality of pricing advice and buyer access typically has a far greater impact on the final result than marginal differences in commission.
Navigate London’s Property Market With Expert Guidance
Ernest-Brooks International supports property owners across London with realistic pricing strategies and data-led marketing. Our approach combines deep local market knowledge with genuine international reach, connecting London properties with serious domestic and overseas buyers.
Our award-winning service has been recognised across multiple industry platforms, including Best International Property Consultancy 2025, Best Real Estate Agency – Single Office London, and Best Property Consultancy – UK. These awards reflect a consistent focus on transparency, pricing accuracy and outcomes rather than inflated expectations.
Whether you are selling in prime central London, the South East or other high-value UK markets, expert guidance can materially reduce time on market and protect final sale value. Our team provides clear advice on current market conditions, optimal timing and buyer behaviour, supported by digital tools designed to maximise exposure and momentum.
Contact Ernest-Brooks International for a free property valuation and discover how an evidence-led approach can help you achieve the best possible result in today’s market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About the Best Month to Sell a House
What is the best month to sell a house in the UK?
March is consistently the best month to sell a house in the UK. Properties listed in early spring typically secure offers faster and achieve higher completion rates, with February and April also performing strongly.
Should I avoid selling in summer?
Summer delivers mixed results. Early June can perform well, but activity usually slows in July and August due to school holidays. If selling in summer, list early or consider waiting until September when buyer activity rebounds.
Is winter ever a good time to sell?
Winter is generally the slowest period, particularly from late November through December. However, buyers who remain active are often highly motivated and face less competition, which can still result in successful sales with realistic pricing.
How long does it take to sell a house in London?
London properties take an average of around 120 to 130 days to sell, significantly longer than the UK average of approximately 65 to 70 days. In some inner London and South East markets, total timelines can exceed 200 days from listing to completion.
How EPC Ratings Affect Selling Speed and Buyer Demand
Energy efficiency has become a key decision factor for UK buyers as running costs remain high. Properties with an EPC rating of C or above are increasingly prioritised because they offer lower energy bills and improved long-term affordability.
As a result, well-rated homes often sell faster than less efficient properties, even outside peak selling months. In quieter periods, a strong EPC rating can help offset lower demand by appealing to cost-conscious buyers.
Understanding What Is an EPC and Why It Matters When Selling a Home helps sellers assess whether improving energy efficiency could broaden buyer appeal and reduce time on market.
Does timing affect the price I can achieve?
Yes. Properties listed during peak months from February to May tend to achieve prices closer to asking due to stronger buyer competition. Homes listed during slower periods are more likely to require price reductions to stimulate interest.
What if I need to sell immediately?
If you have urgent reasons to sell, such as relocation, separation or financial pressure, waiting for peak season may not be practical. In these cases, realistic pricing and strong presentation are more important than timing.
How does autumn compare to spring for selling?
Autumn is the second-best selling season, with September and early October showing good activity. However, the window is shorter than spring, as buyer momentum typically drops sharply from mid-November as Christmas approaches.
