One of the most common questions I hear in property.

Timing matters more than most people think. But it’s not always what people assume.

Why Summer Isn’t the Golden Window

Many homeowners assume summer is the prime time to sell, the weather’s better, gardens look great, people are out and about. But in reality, July and August are some of the quietest months for property sales across the UK.

Why?
Because buyers are distracted. Families are on holiday, kids are off school, and weekends are spent at BBQs or beaches, not at viewings. The major national portals data consistently shows a dip in sales agreed over the peak summer holiday period.

The Boxing Day & January Surge

Selling homes, you want momentum and the market really comes alive at the end of December into January.

• Boxing Day is one of the busiest days of the year on property portals, with Rightmove reporting a 200%+ spike in traffic compared to an average December day.
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Why?

• Buyers start browsing with intent... “new year, new start” plays a big part.
• Separations (unfortunately) play a part also in January

January consistently records some of the highest levels of enquiries and agreed sales.

This makes December a smart time to prepare your home for market, ready to catch that surge over the festive period.

The Power of Spring

The other big peak? Spring...particularly March and April.

This is when:

• Homes show at their best with lighter evenings and blooming gardens.
• Families looking to move before the school summer holidays or by the time they start next term of school start their search.
• Overall optimism is higher, which naturally fuels buyer confidence.

Zoopla’s market analysis has shown March is often the busiest month of the year for agreed sales, year after year.

Does Timing Really Matter?

Yes...but not as much as preparation.

A well-presented, realistically priced home will sell in any market. The key is:

• Accurate pricing – Buyers are savvy these days. Overprice and you’ll lose the best opportunity to sell (your first 8 weeks).
• Quality marketing – Honest photography (no wide-angle misleading nonsense), strong online presence, and detailed listings make all the difference.
• The right agent – You don’t just want someone who gives you the best (lowest fee) and lists it online and waits. A proactive agent will push, chase, and negotiate hard for you.

Too often, sellers obsess over finding the cheapest commission. In reality, you get what you pay for. A proactive, skilled agent can save you months of stress and thousands of pounds.

My Thoughts...

So, when’s the best time to sell your home in the UK?

• End of December (before boxing day)
• Spring (March–April)

But the real answer is: the best time is when you’re ready. Selling a home is a big decision, and the right time is whenever the right time is for you. My best advice would be focussing on using the RIGHT agent, and stop focusing on fees. Find out how much reach they have on socials, what portals they use, how does their team work together (or not), what their average selling times are, what their average percentage of asking price is and this will give you the best chance at selling and make/save you thousands alongside the stress.

Want to work with me, invest with me or book me to speak? Contact me on charlie@charliepanayi.com now