The best month to list a home for sale revealed

February is the best month to list a home for sale, according to new data from Rightmove.

The data reveals on average homes listed in February typically find a buyer the quickest, as well as being most likely to be marked sold subject to contract.

The data also reveals that March is another strong month for sellers to get their home on the market.

Homes listed in February have taken 51 days to find a buyer

The 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.

On average, homes listed in February have taken 51 days to find a buyer – 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February listings are also the most likely to go on and finalise a completion of sale, and the least likely to be withdrawn by the owner from the market.

Start of the year has been particularly strong

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert said: “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 are able to 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.”

Ready to sell at the start of spring

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.