When is the best time of year to sell a home?

Putting your home up for sale can feel putting a brand new life chapter in motion. But the big question – when to do it? Our latest research shows that February and March are the best months to list your home, with the highest number of homes listed in these months making it to completion. In fact, nearly seven in ten homes (66.3%) listed during these months have gone on to complete, which is the highest success rate of the year.

Homes listed in February also find buyers most quickly on average, taking an average of 51 days. This is the joint fastest time of the year alongside January, with March and April close behind (52 days).

What’s happened in the housing market so far this year?

The 2025 housing market has been busy so far, with buyer demand up by 8% compared to the same period last year, and the number of sales being agreed rising by 15%. More buyers in the market means more opportunities for sellers to find the right match for their home.

Our Chief Data Officer, Steve Pimblett, says: “These insights should make for encouraging reading for anyone thinking of listing their home for sale soon, as well as anyone who has already come to market this year. The Spring selling season is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for agents, and the signs of buyer activity we’ve been seeing are setting the scene for a positive one this year.”

If thinking of listing your home for sale soon, what can you do to make sure you’re in with the best possible chance of finding a buyer? Ben Hudson, Managing Director at Hudson Moody in York, shares some expert tips to help sellers make the best possible first impression: “It’s really important to present your home at its best. It may sound obvious, but clean up, de-clutter and make sure any obvious defects are put right before the photos are taken and viewers start coming round.

“Kerb appeal is very important, as when people arrive to view your property, or even when walking or driving past, they’ll likely form a first impression of your home. The more attractive you can make it look on the outside, the more likely people are going to want to come inside”, he adds.

Small touches like tidying up the front garden and mowing the lawn can send out the message that your home is easy to maintain and well-kept, which will delight some buyers who might not have the time to spend on household chores.

The obvious things such as putting on lights to show the house well, putting the heating on, and making sure it smells fresh and clean is also important for comfortable viewings, leaving potential buyers with the right impression.”

Take a look at mistakes to avoid when selling a home

If you’re thinking of moving soon, an instant valuation can give you a quick estimate of what your home is worth, while checking sold house prices shows you how much homes in your chosen postcode have sold for. Or take a look at our guide to selling a home, which takes you through the process in 12 simple steps.

The header image for this article is provided courtesy of Hudson Moody, York City Centre

READ MORE: 2025 housing market forecast: 5 things you need to know