Late-winter listings edge ahead of the traditional spring rush on the likelihood of finding a buyer.
4th Feb 20260 491 1 minute read Simon Cairnes
February is the best month of the year to list a property, narrowly outperforming the traditional spring peak, according to Rightmove’s property expert Colleen Babcock (pictured).
The portal examined millions of homes listed over a ten-year period between 2014 and 2024, excluding the Pandemic-affected 2020. In a tightly contested result, 68.9% of homes listed in February went on to successfully find a buyer – the highest rate of any month.
Strong springJanuary and March tied for second place, with 68.8% of homes listed going on to find a buyer. April followed with 68.7%, and in May the figure was 67.7%, revealing the ongoing strength of the spring market.
Only small margins separate all the months, though. Even October, which ranked last, still had 65.4% of homes listed going on to find a buyer.
January was the quickest of all the months to find a buyer, with homes taking an average of 47 days. February was not far behind at 48 days. March was the busiest overall month for home-moving activity, recording the largest number of new listings, the highest number of buyers entering the market and the greatest number of agreed sales.
It’s a tight contest, but on average, February is the best month to get your home sold.”
Babcock says: “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.”
Mary-Lou Press, President of NAEA Propertymark
Mary-Lou Press, President of NAEA Propertymark adds: “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.”
TagsProperty Listings Data 4th Feb 20260 491 1 minute read Simon Cairnes Share Facebook X LinkedIn Share via Email