Analysis of a decade of listings points to early-year window for completions
The month of February offers the highest likelihood of a property finding a buyer, Rightmove’s new research based on analysis of 10 years of listing and sales data suggests.
The property portal reviewed millions of homes put up for sale between 2014 and 2024. The year 2020 was omitted because of pandemic disruption, while 2025 was excluded as many properties listed last year may still be in the process of securing a buyer or completing.
Across the period analysed, 68.9% of homes first listed in February went on to secure a buyer, the highest success rate of any month.
January and March were close behind, with 68.8% of properties listed in each of those months successfully finding a buyer on average. January typically marks the resumption of activity after the Christmas slowdown, while March remains a traditional focal point for the spring market.
The figures underline the strength of the early spring window, a period many sellers target if they wish to complete their move before the following Christmas. Assuming an onward purchase, Rightmove’s data indicates that the process from listing to completion can take around seven months.
April ranked next, with 68.7% of homes listed in that month going under offer on average, followed by May at 67.7%, reinforcing the concentration of activity in the spring moving season.
“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 homemoving season,” said Colleen Babcock (pictured right), property expert at Rightmove.
“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 homebuyer activity.”
At the other end of the scale, October had the lowest share of successful sales, but still saw 65.4% of listed properties secure a buyer. The relatively narrow spread between the highest and lowest months suggests that timing remains a secondary factor to seller readiness and buyer motivation.
In addition to success rates, Rightmove assessed how quickly sellers typically find a buyer. On this measure, January came out ahead, with homes listed in that month taking an average of 47 days to secure a buyer over the 10-year period. February followed at 48 days.
March emerged as the busiest month overall for market activity. It recorded the highest volume of new listings, the largest number of new buyers entering the market and the greatest number of sales agreed on average across the year.
“Many people are clearly preparing for a house sale before more people flock to the housing market once winter is over and the busier spring months begin,” said Mary-Lou Press, president of industry body NAEA Propertymark.
“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.”
For brokers, the data points to a front‑loaded pipeline. Buyer activity, new listings and agreed sales peak between January and March, so enquiry volumes and case submissions are likely to be highest then. Firms should align marketing, staffing and service capacity to Q1, plan for faster decisioning, and prepare to support more first-time buyers as pricing and sentiment gradually improve throughout the year.
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