The average number of buyer enquiries for every property for sale is highest in March according to the latest analysis from Rightmove. Strong demand prompts a peak in competition during this month and has done for the last five years (with the exception of 2020 due to the first lockdown).

Your chances of securing a buyer, getting the best price and selling in the fastest timeframe are strongest in March, followed by April and then May. Spring has always been the busiest season for the property market as families want to be moved in before the Autumn school term and people look to enjoy a summer settled in their new home.

In fact, the surge in buyers that we usually see in March has already started. In the last three weeks, property listings are 11% higher than last year and demand is up by 32% compared to the same period last year. Here at Caledonia Bureau we have noticed that the market is getting increasingly busy with a rise in property valuations. Many properties are going to closing date within days of being put on the market and securing favourable prices.

The latest figures from Propertymark show that there was a sharp increase in the number of properties coming onto the market with the number of new instructions per member estate agency branch rising from five in December 2021 to nine at the start of this year. This is an 80% increase.

It’s no surprise to us that according to Rightmove, requests for home valuations from estate agents from since the start of 2021 are up 27% compared to 2021.

The desire for more space is a key driver for buyers, especially outside space. Searches for gardens is 70% higher since 2020. This is a result of repeated lockdowns whereby our gardens became the only option for time in the sunshine along with socialising with our friends and family when we couldn’t travel or go out to restaurants or local attractions. In addition, the requirement for more inside space has been felt over the last few years with a buoyant property market as buyers sought an extra room for home working – something that looks set to continue for many workers.

At present around 75% of all properties are successful in securing a buyer compared with the historical average of 50%. Homes are selling in around 39 days compared to the average 59 days since 2017.

So, if you’re looking to maximise the number of buyers competing to purchase your home, talk to us now. We can have your property on the market in time for the busy March market giving you the best chance of maximising the value of your property and moving in time for the summer.

Contact us at Caledonia Bureau.