If you are thinking of putting your house on the market in 2021, it is ‘time to get your skates on’ because March is the best month in the year for getting your property listed, as you will sell your property faster and for a better price, than in any other month.
Research into the analysis of properties sold on Rightmove, expecting the best-selling time to be April/May but March definitely came out top! The average time it takes for properties that go on the market in March to reach ‘under offer’ is just 57 days – compared with 58 days in April and 60 days in May.
The slowest period is 14 October- 14 November when it takes on average, 79 days. Which day of the week that you get your house listed can also have an impact, with Monday and Tuesday being the best days.
Good Prices – Fast
House prices naturally rise and fall throughout the year and another bonus for getting your property listed in March, is that this is a month for higher prices, because demand is greater than supply at the start of the season.
Get ahead of the competition and get your house listed in March when there is plenty of interest in property. This is reflected by the fact that the average house price is 6% higher during March.
House buyers often start looking for a property in early spring so that they can move into their new home in the summer. This is popular with older people because of the warmer weather and parents because of the long school holidays. Studies have shown that house sellers have 14% more viewings during the month of March – especially if their property is competitively priced.
What Makes March Special?
March heralds the beginning of spring and puts everyone in a good mood. It is traditionally a popular time for house buyers to start getting out and about to view properties as the weather is much better for doing so!
You may of also heard of the stamp duty holiday that ends on the 31st of March 2021. Normally you have to pay Stamp Duty Land Transaction Tax on properties over £125,000 or £300,000 for first-time buyers. On July 8th 2020, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a temporary stamp duty holiday for all properties £500,000 or under to 0%. This is encouraging record number of sales in the property market! The deadline may be extended but at the time of writing, there is a clamour to complete sales in time.
Top Trick for House Sellers
Because the better weather is what encourages house buyers to get out house hunting, it is a fact that house sellers can use to their advantage.
The big question is – does your property have kerb appeal? If you can really spruce up the exterior of your house and the garden, it will pay dividends as house buyers will find it more attractive if your house is looking its best.
If the paintwork on your house looks tired, it will be off-putting. Maybe a really good clean will make the difference, but if not, a fresh coat of paint certainly will!
If your garden is looking overgrown and dull, spend some tome cutting the lawn and pruning any hedges. Dig the flowerbeds and get rid of any weeds and plant some ‘instant colour’ spring flowers. If you have a hanging basket, fill it with winter pansies. Tidy the drive and weed it too and if you have a gate, ensure that it looks good and oil the hinges.
The time you spend doing these jobs will not be wasted, as prospective buyers love a house where they will be able to move in straight away as everything is in good order. Those who are happy to buy a property that needs work doing, expect this to be reflected in the price tag.
If you are planning to sell your property in 2021, think carefully about getting it listed in March because when you put your house on the market definitely impacts how long it takes to find a buyer – and at what price. House Buy Fast can offer you a quick sale with our ‘we buy any house‘ service.
