Deciding when it’s the right time to sell your home used to be simple. Spring was best, Easter especially, and early summer was good too. Summer holidays were … iffy and, while autumn was reasonable, you had to be quick. Anything after October half term, and a move by Christmas was out of the question, putting lots of buyers off.

But things have changed over the past two year and not just because of the pandemic. There’s no denying that the lockdowns, stamp duty holiday and the property boom it generated have upended this conventional thinking. For the past two years, the normally quiet August period has seen frantic activity in the housing market. But the predominance of online in the property search process has also made an impact. Now, people can, and will, shop for new homes wherever and whenever they choose. As a result, the Christmas holiday period has started to see much more traffic to property websites than previously.

And, while there is still some truth in the conventional wisdom around when to sell, the key to answering the question, ‘when should I sell my home’ is simple – think about when it’s the best time for you. Buyers will always be out there for the right properties, though at times you may just need to wait a bit longer.

To help you work the best time to sell in South West London, we answer some of the questions we most often get asked about the best time of year to sell in the UK.

When do homes sell most quickly?

Quick sales are good. There’s no waiting and wondering, but also they tend to mean higher sale prices. In normal market conditions, the best time to sell your house is spring, by which we mean this month (February) through to June.

What is the best month of all?

According to Rightmove, figures quoted on The Advisory website, March as the best time to sell your home, closely followed by April and May. This is because people like to move by the summer.

Which is the worst month to sell a house?

The same Rightmove study says November is the worst month to sell your house. This is because buyers want to be in their new home by Christmas, and looking at properties for sale in November won’t give them enough time.

August too isn’t ideal, traditionally, as people tend to be away on holiday or entertaining young children. But, as we’ve said, recent unusual market conditions proved this isn’t always the case.

Are there other factors to consider?

Yes, and supply and demand is a big one. The impact of the stamp duty holiday and the housing boom means that demand for properties is still high, but there isn’t enough supply in the market. So, while November through to January are traditionally quiet months, this hasn’t been the case in 2021/22 with plenty of buyer interest.

Do different types of home sell at different times?

Yes, always consider the needs of your target buyer. If you’re selling a flat to first-time buyers, they tend to be looking in the new year in the hope of a new start or in September after the holiday period. Families looking for houses are likely to be chasing school place deadlines and older people after a retirement place tend to avoid house hunting in winter.

Are there good days to put my property on the market, or to avoid?

Which? says properties listed on Mondays sell best. For Rightmove it’s Tuesdays at 9pm – very precise. We’d suggest you avoid coming to the market before big sporting events or elections.

What is the benefit of selling in spring or summer?

Selling in peak season means plenty of buyers and therefore lots of interest in your property, if it’s the right one. This time of year means light evenings and warm weather (hopefully) so people are more motivated to get out and view properties.

And of selling off-peak?

Out of season there’ll be fewer other homes on sale so you won’t have much competition. There’ll be fewer buyers too, but remember that whatever the time of year, someone will always be moving due to changing jobs or life circumstances.

What else should I consider?

Local conditions are key, so find out how the market is performing in your neighbourhood. Factors like planning applications can give buyers the jitters so waiting for a big decision or project completion may be worth it if you can.

Ultimately though, the right time to sell is when it’s right for you whether you’re looking at an immovable deadline or just need more space or a change of scene.

Anything else I can do?

Whenever you choose to sell, remember there are other factors at play, which you can control, such as your pricing, your marketing strategy and how you present your home – as well as the reach and knowledge of your real estate agent.

If you’re thinking of selling in Battersea, Wandsworth, Clapham, Balham or Tooting Bec, talk to us. We’d be delighted to help you make your decision.