Spring has always been called the best time to sell, and the data mostly agrees, with one twist. Rightmove's analysis of ten years of listings found that homes listed in February were the most likely to find a buyer. But the gap between the best and worst months is small, and the right price matters far more than the month.
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Key takeaways
- Homes listed in February were the most likely to find a buyer, at 68.9%.
- January is the quickest month to find a buyer, at 47 days on average.
- Even in October, the weakest month, 65.4% of listings found a buyer.
- Price matters far more than the month.
- If your house is empty, waiting for the "best" month has a real cost.
Contents
What is the best month to sell a house?
February, by a whisker. Rightmove found that 68.9% of homes listed for sale in the month going onto successfully find a buyer. January and March tied for second place with 68.8%, followed by April and May.
What is the quickest month to find a buyer?
January. MovingWorks, reporting Rightmove's analysis, gives January an Average of 47 days to find a buyer, with February close behind.
What is the worst month to sell?
October ranked lowest in Rightmove's analysis, but the difference is small. MovingWorks reports that even in October, 65.4% of listings go on to find a buyer. A good home at the right price can sell in any month.
Why is spring so popular?
Longer days, greener gardens and brighter photos all help. Robert Luff points out that listing photos do most of the heavy lifting before a buyer books a viewing, and spring light shows homes at their best. Many buyers also want to move before the summer holidays or Christmas.
What about summer and autumn?
Summer can be slower in August, when buyers are on holiday, and autumn brings a push to move before Christmas. Listing in September or October can still work, especially if you price realistically.
Should you wait for the best month?
Only if waiting costs you nothing. Rightmove's July 2026 figures put the average time from listing to completion at 216 days. If your house is empty, every month of waiting means another month of mortgage, council tax and bills. For many sellers, listing now at the right price beats waiting for February.
What if your house is empty while you wait?
Short stays can cover the costs of an empty home while you wait for the right time or the right buyer, with viewings always put first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to sell a house in the UK?
February, with 68.9% of listings finding a buyer, according to Rightmove.
Is spring the best time to sell?
Spring months perform well, but January and February do slightly better on some measures.
Is it bad to sell a house in winter?
No. January is the quickest month to find a buyer, on average.
Should I wait until spring to sell?
Only if waiting doesn't cost you much. An empty house costs money every month.
What is the worst month to sell a house?
October ranked lowest, but 65.4% of October listings still found a buyer.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal, financial, tax or insurance advice. Market figures are averages as of the date shown above and change every month. Speak to a qualified professional before you act on anything here.