When Is the Best Time to Move House?

 


If you are thinking of moving house it's probably one of the most important decisions you will make.

The timing can matter for a variety of reasons such as you need to upsize or downsize, move locations or you have seen your dream home become available.

  • Think about whether this is the right time as it can be one of the most stressful things you do. Try to consider how the timing will impact you when having viewings taking place and any personal events you may have, such as a wedding or Christmas as you need to be flexible in order to get your property sold in order to move on.
  • Why is Spring/Summer the most popular time to sell?
  • With lighter evenings offers ore flexible viewings which will give you a better chance of selling. If the weather is nice it makes your house feel warmer and more welcoming
  • Do you need to consider schools, if so sell in the Spring in order to get settled in time for the September term starting
  • If you aren’t tied to timing, the benefit of a quieter period is that you may benefit from lower moving costs as demand will not be so high and a quicker transaction as solicitors should be quieter


So what are the seasonal trends?

Spring and Summer

  • Pros: Good weather, school holidays, longer daylight hours.
  • Cons: Peak moving season = higher demand and costs.
  •  (Autumn)
  • Pros: Milder weather, lower demand (better deals).
  • Cons: School is in session, so less ideal for families.

Winter

  • Pros: Cheapest time to move, more flexible scheduling with movers.
  • Cons: Weather challenges, shorter days, potential for holiday disruption.

2. Financial Timing

  • Moving mid-month or mid-week can be cheaper than weekends or month-end.
  • Consider moving after getting a bonus, tax return, or during off-peak rental months.
  • Avoid moving during a financial crunch; plan for extra hidden costs.

3. Personal Life Factors

  • Job change or remote work opportunities.
  • Family planning (pregnancy, school schedules).
  • Lease or mortgage timelines.
  • Emotional readiness and support system.

4. Housing Market Trends

  • Sellers may get better prices in spring/summer.
  • Buyers may find deals in winter when competition is lower.
  • Consult the local housing market trends before deciding.

5. Work and School Schedules

  • Moving during school holidays can be less disruptive for kids.
  • Ask your employer if relocation support or flexible work is available.

Conclusion

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all “best time”—it depends on personal priorities and circumstances.
  • Use a mix of financial, seasonal, and lifestyle considerations to choose what’s best for you.
 

If you would like to share your experiences of moving and your recommendations, please do and if you would like any advice or a free valuation, please contact Rachel.johnson@cheltonbrown.co.uk or call 01933 829088

 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Property Market in 2025: Stability and Growth on the Horizon

Image
  As we welcome 2025, the property market offers a breath of fresh air with its signs of steadiness and optimism, a welcome change following the turbulence of recent years. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, investor, or tenant, understanding the trends shaping this year will help you seize opportunities and navigate challenges with confidence. While predictions are never guaranteed, they provide valuable insights into the year ahead. Here’s a detailed look at the key trends and their implications for all involved in the property market.   House Prices: A Path of Steady Growth One of the standout trends as we enter 2025 is the continued steady rise in house prices. In November 2024, the average UK property price reached £298,083, representing a 4.8% annual growth. This consistent climb defies the expectations of many analysts who had anticipated a weaker market amidst economic uncertainty. For  homebuyers , this growth reflects a stable investment environment. While pr...
Read more

Spring Gardening Trends

Image
Spring is your chance to set the scene for the year ahead as wintry months disappear and warmer, longer days bring the summer ever closer. Trends exist in the gardening world just as much as anywhere else, so what are they in 2025 and where do you start? Start with a spring clean and create a vision of a better garden Gathering the debris from winter, such as fallen branches and leaves, while formulating the vision for your garden is essential. As you tidy up the flower beds, turn over the soil, and divide up your perennials, be careful not to prune spring-blooming trees; otherwise, they may be flowerless this summer. Plan your improvements carefully, deciding what you want to achieve by embracing the trends and themes you love. A visit to a good garden centre is a great place to find inspiration. Wellness gardens are good for you If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life, your garden is just the place. Take this to the next level by creating a re...
Read more
Image
  WHAT MAKES A GOOD ESTATE AGENT? 4 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN AN ESTATE AGENT TO SELL YOUR HOME   Selling your home is a huge life decision. Finding the right person for the job is one of the most important things you can do. A good estate agent is honest, reliable, and easy to talk to. They can be the sole reason your home sells at the right price and the right time. But how do you know who’s good and who’s not? Here are four things you should look for in an estate agent to sell your Wellingborough home.   1. Communication Strong communication is one of the most important qualities of a good estate agent. If they aren’t communicating with you from the get-go, this is a bad sign. It’s easy to lose trust in someone that’s keeping you out of the loop. The last thing you want when selling your home is to feel like something shady is going on. At the point of enquiry, monitor things like how promptly your calls are returned and whether promises are delivered. If an agent says the...
Read more