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Why Listing Your Home Early in the Year Can Secure a Competitive Edge in the Housing Market
Date Posted: 29 January 2024Late spring and early summer have traditionally been the preferred seasons for selling a house. However, savvy homeowners are realising that listing their properties at the beginning of the year can yield substantial benefits, providing a competitive edge in the UK housing market.
Positive Shift in 2024 Market Dynamics 🏡
The market dynamics in 2024 have shown a positive shift, marked by a drop in inflation and a continuous decline in mortgage rates. According to Rightmove, there was a 26% surge in property listings on Boxing Day compared to 2022, breaking records and setting an optimistic tone for the year ahead.

Confidence Boost in Property Sellers
Property sellers appear to have commenced the year with increased confidence, as RightMove reports a faster-than-usual rise in asking prices for January. Rightmove further suggests that February is one of the prime times of the year for homeowners looking to sell their property as buyer demand begins to rise.
Less Competition, More Opportunities 🎉
The new year may also be an opportune time to list your property, as there is less competition compared to the traditionally busier spring period. Seizing this window may offer advantages in terms of visibility and buyer attention.
Consideration of Costs
If you're contemplating selling, it's crucial to factor in the associated costs. These can include estate agent fees, legal fees, stamp duty tax, and capital gains tax. If your motivation to sell is to free up some money, carefully weigh whether the financial gains justify these expenses.
Personal Decision-making
Deciding whether it's the right time to sell your home is a deeply personal choice. Consider a multitude of important questions, both financial and lifestyle-based, before putting your home on the market. If you need to sell due to reasons like relocation, don't let speculation over property prices delay your decision. The future of house prices is uncertain, so prioritise what is right for you.
Determining the right time for you...
When faced with the question, "Should I sell my house now?" there is ample research you can undertake to determine if now is the right time.
Check the Local Competition:
- Examine platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla from a buyer's perspective.
- Analyse the competition for your home, including prices and marketing duration.
- Observe whether prices for similar homes are being reduced.
Consult Local Estate Agents:
- Gauge the demand for a property like yours by consulting local estate agents.
- Enquire about the average sales time in your area.
- Utilise the Land Registry sold prices checker to examine local sold prices.
Making an informed decision regarding the timing of your property sale involves considering both market dynamics and personal circumstances. If you need to sell your house, such as because you need to relocate, then don’t let speculation over property prices delay you making this decision - you need to do what is right for you.
Looking for an agent to help you sell your home faster?
At HRT we work hard, taking the stress out of moving to give you more time for what matters most. Get in touch for a free market appraisal.