There are two ways to look at this question. Is now the right time of year to sell or is now the right time in relation to the market? The first is a lot easier to answer looking back at historic evidence. The second is all about your situation and why you want to move. Every house move is different so not all advice is valid in all situations, talking through your options, in this case, is the most important thing to do. 

Market Peaks and Troughs. 

During the year there are changes in the market and being aware of the cycle will help you make the most of the opportunity, but don’t forget this doesn’t take into account your own reasons for wanting to sell or yearly changes. 2020 taught us a lot about expecting the unexpected. 

New Year New Home?

Historically people see the New Year as the best time for a fresh start following on from the Christmas season, making this a popular time to start searching for a new home. Activity in the buyers’ market picks up usually around boxing day and grows into the peak of spring according to Rightmove. This is often the start of the search and people may take several months before they have seen enough properties to start making decisions. (How many houses I should View, Coming Soon) 

Autumn

The increase in activity in this period is boosted due to the end of the holiday season and opportunities to get into a new home in time for Christmas. Summer holidays can also highlight family needs for bigger houses/gardens, and autumn offers the time to search. Those leaving education tend to start jobs in early autumn and this cycle carries through to people in more established jobs.

Winter

Unsurprisingly this is a poorer time to try to sell. Buyers are preoccupied with Christmas preparations; the nights have closed in and the properties tend to view less well in the winter light. The motivation of buyers is decreasing, except for those looking to try and find bargains by completing a purchase in time for Christmas.

Spring 

Properties will start to view better as daylight gets longer, summer is around the corner and gardens start to come back to life with pops of colour. Finding a property in spring means that you will most likely be able to get into your new home by the summer which ties in well with families looking to get settled before the next school year. Bank holidays in this period allow people more time to view but in the same breath mean viewings can dip due to school closures. 

Summer 

A slowdown of activity in the market often occurs during the summer as people focus on holidays. Knowledge that it may take several months to complete a sale, families will look earlier in the year to ensure they are settled in their new home before starting new schools.

All in all the important factor is your situation, what you need from the sale and potential purchase. Feel free to contact me to discuss this in more detail.