If you’re thinking about selling your home, timing can play a key role in how quickly and successfully you find a buyer. New research from Rightmove suggests that February is the strongest month of the year to put a property on the market, based on the likelihood of securing a sale.
Why February Stands Out
Rightmove’s analysis, which reviewed millions of property listings over a ten-year period (2014–2024), found that 68.9% of homes listed in February went on to find a buyer. This placed February narrowly ahead of all other months, making it the most successful time to sell on average.
The research excluded 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic and 2025 to allow time for properties listed later in the year to complete their sales.
How Other Months Compare
While February took the top spot, the results show that the market remains competitive across much of the year:
- January and March were joint second, with 68.8% of homes listed in these months securing a buyer
- April (68.7%) and May (67.7%) followed closely behind, reflecting the strength of the traditional spring selling season
- October ranked lowest, yet still saw 65.4% of homes find a buyer on average — highlighting that motivated buyers exist year-round
Speed Matters Too: January Leads for Quick Sales
Although February was the most successful month overall, January was identified as the fastest month to find a buyer. Homes listed in January took an average of 47 days to agree a sale, compared with 48 days in February.
This suggests that early-year buyers tend to be decisive, often acting quickly once new properties come to market.
March: The Busiest Month in the Property Calendar
Rightmove’s data also revealed that March is the busiest month for home-moving activity. It typically sees:
- The highest number of new listings
- The largest volume of buyers entering the market
- The greatest number of sales being agreed
For sellers, this means more competition — but also a larger and more active pool of potential buyers.
What This Means for Sellers
Commenting on the findings, Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, said, "It’s a tight contest, but on average February is the best month to get your home sold, followed by further strong months during the upcoming and very important Spring home-moving season. Sellers who are yet to act but are considering a 2026 move might consider coming to market soon to take advantage of the increase in home-buyer activity.”
Thinking About Selling?
Whether you’re planning a move soon or considering your options for the year ahead, understanding market trends can help you make informed decisions. With buyer activity typically increasing from the start of the year, now can be an ideal time to prepare your home for sale and take advantage of strong demand.
Source: Rightmove property market analysis (2014–2024)
