Does the time of year make a difference in house purchases? The answer is, yes and no.
The popularity of buying a house can vary depending on various factors such as regional trends, how the economy looks, and of course personal circumstances. However, the spring is usually the most popular time for buying a home.
Seasons
Spring is an optimal time of year to buy a property because you will find there are more properties on the market. Despite having more options, sales tend to go through faster as most people are keen to complete in time for summer.
Summer can often be quiet as many families jet off on holiday or are home with the kids during the school holidays. Demand spikes again in September being the second most popular time to purchase a home with the kids back at school and Christmas still a little way away.
During mid-November and December, sales are down due to a lower level of demand. Most people will be focusing on Christmas and entertaining, with selling up being the last thing on their minds. There is usually an increase in properties on the market from Boxing Day to New Year with New Year resolutions flying around and people wanting to make changes.
Economic Factors
The housing market is affected by the state of the economy, interest rates, and inflation. The Bank of England has been increasing the rate since December 2021, and it has remained the same (5.25%) since August 2023.
There is no ‘right’ time to buy as there are just different times which come with pros and cons. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal circumstances, and what works best for you.
Lloyds Banking Group has jumped on the bandwagon to boost lending for first-time buyers as they allocate an additional £4 billion to help first-time buyers on to the property ladder.
As the Loan to Income (LTI) cap has been increased to 5.5 times income, applicants who fit the First Time Buyer Boost criteria could borrow up to 22% more.
The government is introducing mortgage reforms to boost homeownership, stimulate economic growth, and make the housing market more accessible, especially for first-time buyers.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the most significant mortgage reforms in over a decade—great news for those dreaming of homeownership.
Nationwide ease their ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder by allowing them to borrow up to six times their income.
9 days ago
Keeping the kids entertained over the six-week summer holidays isn’t always easy, especially with the cost-of-living making it even more difficult. Below is a list of fun, inexpensive ideas to do over the break
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a discussion paper about the future of the mortgage market in a bid to improve access for first -time buyers, self-employed, and those borrowing in retirement.
Ever wondered where the most reasonably-priced towns for families to buy are? Property company, Zoopla has identified the top 10 towns for families to live in the UK by looking at the most affordable towns, and how many people are looking in that area.
18 Jun 2025
There was a 32% increase last year in 100% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages which are mortgages that require zero deposit. According to a recent report by chartered accountants and business advisers, Lubbock Fine, the reason behind this is buyers simply struggling to save enough for a deposit.
17 Jun 2025
Many people are quite private when it comes to what is in their bank account. In this short blog, we look into what Brits have saved by age group.