Properties listed in February have the highest likelihood of finding a buyer, according to analysis of UK property portal data spanning a decade.
Rightmove examined millions of homes listed between 2014 and 2024, excluding 2020 due to pandemic disruptions. The data shows 68.9% of homes listed in February successfully found a buyer, marginally ahead of other months.
Narrow margins across the year
January and March recorded identical success rates of 68.8%, whilst April followed at 68.7%. May properties achieved a 67.7% sale rate. The differences between months remain minimal, with even October, the lowest-performing month, recording a 65.4% success rate.
Properties listed in January sold fastest, taking an average of 47 days to find a buyer. February listings averaged 48 days. March recorded the highest volume of activity, with the largest number of new listings, buyer enquiries and agreed sales.
Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, stated: “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.”
Market outlook for 2026
Mary-Lou Press, President of NAEA Propertymark, noted increased activity compared to the previous year. She cited improving Bank of England base rates, government reforms to the homebuying process, and expanded mortgage product availability for first-time buyers as factors supporting market conditions.
“All of these factors should result in 2026 being a buoyant year for the UK’s housing market,” Press said.
The data suggests the traditional spring selling season remains the strongest period for property transactions, though the marginal differences indicate sellers may find success throughout the year.