When Is the Best Time to Buy Property in the UK? The Key Dates to Note

This is a very difficult question to answer. Ultimately, the best time to buy a property will depend entirely on the borrower’s circumstances. One property investor may secure a bargain in the dead of winter. Another may find that the summer months provide countless opportunities.

What’s more, as a specialist lender, we cannot advise our borrowers on how, or when they should invest. For guidance on when may be the best time to buy property for them, investors should seek advice from their qualified financial advisor.

Still, there are a few notable trends that emerge at specific times of the year in the property market.  A few of them could be targeted, so long as they work for the borrower’s circumstances. We’ve rounded up a few of the key milestones that can emerge throughout the year.

→ Before you act on these key dates, get finance-ready with our Complete Guide to Buy-to-Let Mortgages.

February and March

If January is the month in which people plan for the year ahead, the evidence for their plans come to the forefront in February and March. Rightmove [1]found that February and March are the best months to list a home, with the highest number of homes listed in these months making it to completion.

Nearly seven in ten homes (66.3%) listed during these months went on to complete, a higher-than-normal success rate. Also, February is apparently one of the best months to put a home on the market, as it has one of the quickest average times to sell.

In these colder months, more stock may be coming to the market. There could be a broad selection for property investors to take advantage of swiftly.

Seasonal summer opportunities

The summer months can also be considered one of the best times to buy property. Around July, the UK tends to see a seasonal dip in house prices. Property investors may be able to take advantage of this and secure a steal.

In fact, last year saw the largest summer price drop in over 20 years[2]. It’s impossible to predict the future, but given that the market still faces many of 2025’s spillover challenges, we could see similar price dips in 2026.

The academic year

The best time to buy a property for some could be dependant on when students start gearing up to move into student accommodation. The academic year runs from September to July and in the months leading up to the autumn, there could be rising demand for HMOs and student-friendly flats.

In fact, overall UK keyword search volume for purpose-built student accommodation rose 16.55%[3] between June and July 2025, while average weekly rents increased by 4.13% YoY (2024 vs 2025).

Moreover, student postcodes achieved average yields of 7.39% in June 2025, well ahead of the 6.85% achieved in non-student areas[4]. Getting ahead of the coming academic year could pay dividends.

Auction shifts

The auction industry is set to have a big year in 2026[5]. For those who can move quickly enough, February bookings are already ahead of last year.

But throughout the year, certain ebbs and flows within the auction scene can be targeted. Spring is often one of the busiest periods for the auction market, according to UK Auction List[6]. As it coincides with the end of the tax year, both buyers and sellers are more active, leading to a surge in auction activity.

This intensity can cool in the summer, but it may then ramp up once again in the autumn as many sellers try to complete for the end of the year.

2026 specific points

Every year will be slightly different from the last, with unique economic or political factors influencing how demand takes shape. This year, the Renters’ Rights Act will arguably have the biggest impact on demand levels in the property market.

The first tranche of changes from the act will come into force from May 1, 2026[7]. Soon, “no-fault” evictions will be a thing of the past. As will fixed contracts, bidding wars, and more. In the lead up to this, and its immediate aftermath, we’re likely to see more landlords attempt to abandon the market. Expanding property investors can take advantage of this.

Also, following the Autumn Budget, RICS does not expect a recovery across the market more broadly until spring[8]. Until sunnier days arrive, prices may be subdued across the property market. It may be worth looking into opportunities now before they have a chance to rise.

Regardless of when, or where borrowers plan to invest this year, we will be ready. Whenever the best time to buy property is for our borrowers, that will be the best time for us to support them. If property investors want to target specific periods in 2026, we are there to offer tailored solutions.