"For those who can be a bit more flexible about when they decide to sell, the data shows typically the start of the year has been particularly strong"
- Tim Bannister - Rightmove
Rightmove's latest analysis looked at millions of properties listed for sale since 2012 and the trends linked to the month of listing, excluding 2020 due to the pandemic.
According to the research, February is the best month to list a home, with homes listed in the month typically finding a buyer in 51 days – just ahead of March’s 52 days, and level with January.
In addition, an average of 66.4% of homes listed in February have gone on to find a buyer – the best chance of finding a buyer alongside April – just pipping second-placed March’s 66.3%.
February listings are also the most likely to go on and finalise a completion of sale, and the least likely to be withdrawn by the owner from the market.
With March also coming very high on the rankings, the data highlights that those getting ready to sell at the start of spring are also putting themselves in a strong position to get moving in 2024.
In the year so far, the number of buyers contacting agents about homes for sale is 8% higher than last year, while the number of new properties being listed by sellers is 11% higher.
Top tips to help your sale happen
Don’t forget the driveway
Vaughan Schofield, Owner at Belvoir Wrexham, says: “I firmly believe that a viewer will make their minds up about whether the property is potentially the "one" within the first 20 to 30 seconds of the viewing.
"With this in mind, the front driveway, condition of the garden, external paintwork and condition of the front door are far more important than many people realise - in some instances, you might have lost your prospective buyer before they are even inside the property.”
Hannah Towers, Partner at Armitstead Barnett in Lancashire agrees, adding: “First impressions really do count. Some healthy spring plants, a clean-up of your front lawn, and clean drive and exterior will go a long way to helping viewers visualise your property as their dream home.”
Don’t think of it as a sales transaction
Lee Koffman, Director & Head of Residential Sales at Robert Irving Burns in London, says: “It might sound obvious, but people are looking for a home, not a business or just a ‘property’, so make sure it doesn’t just feel like a transaction. Having the heating on from the entrance hall and throughout the house for example can help potential buyers imagine living in a new home they can settle down in. There’s nothing worse than opening the door to a cold home.”
Don’t cut corners on decluttering
Lee Koffman, Director & Head of Residential Sales at Robert Irving Burns in London, says: “Invest in some temporary storage and make sure the home is clean and tidy for viewings – you want potential buyers to focus on the home and space, not your mess.
"Also, make sure to decorate the home in line with the season, to help potential buyers to visualise themselves living there. Carrying out viewings in the spring or summer? Buyers are going to pay extra attention to any outdoor space you have, so make sure the garden is presentable.”
Hannah adds: “People want to see the bones of the property. Make sure everything is hidden away when the photographers come – not only will viewers see your home as close to a blank canvas as possible, but it will also make the space look bigger.”
Don’t have your pet roaming around
Donald Young, Consultant at James Agent in the Scottish Borders, says: “Unfortunately, it’s a big no to pets and we recommend to sellers to keep them out of the way for viewings. Your potential buyer may not be a fan and could be put off by the thought of animal hair around the house.
"Even if they love your pet, the potential buyer will end up playing with them and not focusing on your house! We even had one viewer ask us, “Is that the house with the black labrador?”
Don’t overhaul the home, but do fix issues
Lee says: “If there’s something simple that could do with fixing or updating, I’ll often ask the seller to do this before we take the photos and host viewings. It might be a minor issue – but potential buyers can get transfixed on a particular detail, and it can sabotage a sale. Don’t risk potentially losing thousands off the asking price, because you didn’t do a hundred pounds worth of repairs.”
Donald adds: “By all means, if something needs replacing, do that. But please don’t spend loads of money on expensive new kitchens or bathroom fittings just before selling. The purchaser may end up changing them anyway, and it may not add much to the final price.”
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert concludes: “The best time to get moving is the time that’s right for you – we can’t always plan or predict when a life move is needed. However, for those who can be a bit more flexible about when they decide to sell, the data shows typically the start of the year has been particularly strong.
"It’s also when we’ve historically seen the most buyers sending enquiries to agents, so it’s a great time for those looking to sell to make sure they are listed, their marketing is strong and they’re pricing attractively enough against other sellers.”
