What Is The Best Time Of Year To Sell Your Home?

Buying and Moving
July 7, 2025

You’ve outgrown your space and spotted your ideal next move, but there’s one big thing standing in the way – selling your current home. Now you’re racing against the clock, asking yourself: “How can I sell my house fast?”

When it comes to selling your home, timing really does matter. At Wain Homes, we know that picking the right moment to put your property on the market can make a big difference in how quickly it sells and in the price you get for it. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sell your house, breaking down the benefits of selling at different times of the year,  sharing practical tips to help you decide when the time is right, and answering some common questions, like “How much does it cost to sell a house?” and “How to sell my house fast?”

Why timing matters when selling your house

The housing market tends to follow familiar seasonal patterns, and knowing when to list your home can make a real difference. The time of year you choose to sell can influence how many people see your property and how likely they are to make serious, competitive offers.

A recent buyer study looked at millions of listings since 2012, and the results are clear: timing matters. Homes listed in February and March have the best odds of selling, with nearly seven out of ten sellers finding a buyer. January and April also perform well, giving sellers a great window to hit the market in the first few months of the year.

Aside from the usual seasonal ups and downs, bigger market factors like changes in interest rates, how many homes are available, and the overall economic climate also play a big role in how buyers behave. The latest figures for 2025 look promising for sellers: buyer interest is up by 8% compared to this time last year, and agreed sales have jumped 15%. 

Knowing how these trends line up with the seasonal market cycles helps you list your home at just the right time. Getting your timing right could add thousands to your sale price and help your property sell faster.

Spring into action in February & March (if you want to sell your house fast)

When it comes to selling your home, early spring is the king. February and March are the best months to list your home, with more buyers actively looking and homes selling faster. As the days get longer and gardens begin to bloom, homes naturally look their best. Homes put on the market in early spring see the highest success rate, with 66.3% going on to sell – more than any other time of year. February listings also find buyers quicker, averaging just 51 days to go under offer.

March and April are both strong months to bring your home to market, with impressive completion rates and quick turnaround times of about 52 days. June tends to keep this momentum going, with families keen to get settled before the school term kicks off in September. However, as July transitions into August, the market typically slows down as holiday plans take priority over house hunting.

September to November is often seen as the second-best time to sell in the UK. Once the school holidays are over, committed buyers come back with a goal: to move before Christmas. Homes spend less time on the market in autumn than in winter, with October consistently showing high completion rates. And with fewer new listings compared to spring, your property is more likely to stand out.

Winter can be tricky, especially in December, which sees the fewest transactions of the year. But January bucks the trend, performing just as well as April when it comes to success rates, sitting just behind February and March. It also ties with February for the fastest average time to find a buyer: just 51 days. That new year, new home mindset clearly has an impact!

How to sell your house quickly

“How to sell my house fast?” is a question thousands of homeowners type into Google every month – here are some tips to help you do just that.

First impressions count, so start by giving your place a proper tidy. Clear out the clutter, fix anything that’s broken, and make sure everything’s looking clean and well cared for. Don’t forget the outside, either. A neat front garden, swept paths and a freshly mown lawn can make a big difference before a buyer even steps through the door.

You don’t need to splash out on big renovations, but small updates go a long way. A lick of paint, clean carpets and working light fittings can all help your home feel fresh and move-in ready. When it comes to viewings, little touches make a big impact. Turn the lights on, make sure it’s warm, and keep things smelling clean and inviting – it all helps people picture themselves living there.

Good photos are essential, too. Most buyers start their search online, so professional pictures (and maybe a virtual tour) will help your listing stand out and attract more serious interest.

Finally, price your home right from day one. Listings that hit the market with a realistic price tend to sell faster and attract stronger offers. Choosing a good local estate agent with a track record in your area can make a real difference – especially if your home is unique or high-value.

For more information, check out our guide on what to look for when buying a new home, which has plenty of tips you can use to maximise the value of your home.

How long does it take to move house?

Knowing what to expect time-wise can really help when you’re planning a move. On average, it takes about two months to find a buyer in the UK – but that can be quicker or slower depending on where you are, what kind of property you’re selling, and how the market’s doing. 

Once you’ve accepted an offer, the conveyancing process (which covers all the legal checks, paperwork, and transferring of ownership) typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks to complete. So, from putting your home on the market to handing over the keys, you’re generally looking at roughly five to six months altogether.

How long to sell a house with no chain?

If you’re not part of a chain (so you’re not buying or selling another property at the same time), the whole process often moves much faster. Without the delays that chains can cause, chain-free sales can sometimes be completed in just 8 to 10 weeks after accepting an offer – which includes the conveyancing stage.

To speed things up, it helps to have a solicitor in place before you list and to get all the essential paperwork ready in advance – things like title deeds, your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and any planning permissions. Plus, if you’re flexible with your completion date, that can make your property even more appealing to serious buyers. For more details, check out our blog post: How long does it take to move house?

How much does it cost to sell a house?

Selling your home comes with several costs, and being aware of them upfront can help you plan effectively. So, how much does it cost to sell a house? Let’s break it down.

  • Estate agent fees: Usually 1%-3.5% of the sale price (inc. VAT). For a £285,000 home, expect around £4,000. Online agents can be cheaper but may get lower offers.
  • Conveyancing (solicitor/legal fees): Legal fees typically range from £610-£950, plus about £300 extra for leasehold properties. Get several quotes to compare what’s included, and read our guide for more information.
  • Mortgage exit fees: Check your agreement for early repayment charges or admin fees if you’re paying off your mortgage.
  • EPC: A valid EPC is required. If expired, a new one costs £60-£120.
  • Repairs & improvements: Small fixes and cosmetic upgrades can boost appeal and reduce price negotiations – much better than major renovations.
  • Removal costs: Moving a 3-bed house 50 miles away averages £1,350. Packing services may add £400. Flexible dates and multiple quotes help cut costs.

Remember, these figures are averages, and actual costs can vary. Getting a few quotes and planning ahead can really help keep things under control during your move.

Tips for a smooth moving process

It’s worth getting plans in motion as soon as your sale is agreed, rather than waiting for contracts to be exchanged. Start by working backwards from your hoped-for move date and book your removal company around four to six weeks in advance – especially during busy periods like school holidays. Begin packing non-essentials early and label boxes by room to make things easier at the other end.

Make sure to notify utility companies, the council, and other service providers about your move at least two weeks before completion, and set up mail redirection with Royal Mail to catch anything you might miss. On moving day, have a box of essentials ready: kettle, mugs, snacks, phone chargers, loo roll, toiletries and any medication you might need. And don’t forget to take final meter readings (and photos) before you lock up for the last time!

At Wain Homes, we know that selling your current home is often the first step towards making your move into one of our high-quality new builds. Our team is here to offer advice on the market and the best timing for your sale based on your circumstances. 

If you’d like help with selling your property or want to find out more about our latest developments and news, just get in touch  –  we’re always happy to help!

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