An analysis of a decade of market data reveals homes listed in February are marginally more likely to find a buyer than those listed in other months.
The analysis by Rightmove found that seven in 10 (68.9%) homes listed in February went on to secure a sale, compared to 68.8% of homes listed in January and March, 68.7% listed in April and 67.7% listed in May.
October was at the bottom of the list, with 65.4% of homes listed for sale going on to find a buyer.
However, March came out as the busiest month in the property market overall, with the largest number of properties newly listed on the market for sale, the most buyers coming to market on average across the year, and most overall sales agreed on average.
“Spring is typically known as the peak buying and selling season,” Rightmove said.
“With it taking a lengthy seven months on average to find a buyer for a home and complete an onward purchase, many aim to progress moves here to try and get in a new home before Christmas.”
Rightmove analysed millions of properties listed for sale over the 10-year period between 2014 and 2024, but excluded 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic on the housing market. Homes listed in 2025 were also excluded to account for those that came to market later in the year and may still be waiting to find a buyer.
In other metrics, January was the quickest month to find a buyer, with an average of 47 days, although it was marginally outperformed by February as the most successful month to sell. Homes listed in February found a buyer in an average 48 days.
Commenting on the data, Mary-Lou Press, president of NAEA Propertymark, said market conditions have strengthened compared to previous years.
She explained:
“Compared to the previous few years, the conditions for buying and selling a home seem to be improving. Many estate agents are reporting a busier market compared to this time last year, the Bank of England’s base rate is improving, the UK government is proceeding with homebuying and selling reforms that will help improve the process for millions of consumers, and banks are offering more affordable mortgage products, especially for first-time buyers.
“All of these factors should result in 2026 being a buoyant year for the UK’s housing market.”
