The best time to buy a house is typically during fall and winter when there are lower prices and less competition, though inventory is more limited. The best time to sell a house is spring and early summer when buyer demand peaks, and homes typically sell faster.
That said, the “best” time really comes down to your local market and personal situation. Sometimes, the right time is when you’re financially ready, regardless of the season.
The best time of year to buy a house: Fall and winter
Just like travel deals, fluctuations in housing prices occur at certain times of the year. It’s usually cheaper to vacation in the fall compared to summer break. Similarly, non-peak seasons are considered better for buying a home because, just like vacationing, that’s when competition starts to thin.
The numbers show that:
- The optimal time of year to buy a house is early fall. The “best week” to purchase, according to realtor.com, is October 12 to 18. Buying during this window might yield savings of over $15,000.
- Late fall and winter may offer some discounts. Prices may be better in January, the month with the fewest homes sold above asking price. However, if you’re looking for the widest selection instead of the lowest price, spring months (April and May) provide the most new listings.
Buying during the off-season comes with advantages. You can face less competition from other buyers, have more negotiating power with motivated sellers, and often find better deals. Homes sit on the market longer during these months, which can work in your favor if you’re ready to purchase.
Insider tip: Our loan officers often see prequalified buyers win out in slower months because sellers value certainty over waiting for a higher offer.
Many buyers delay their purchase to save for a down payment or hold out for their dream home. The problem? With market appreciation, that dream home may become less affordable with each passing month.
But homeownership doesn’t require perfect timing—you just need the right loan officer and mortgage program. Meeting with a loan officer can show you what’s possible for you right now. Homebuyers are frequently surprised to learn about affordable loan programs and low down payment options they didn’t know existed.
Get guidance from a local mortgage professional who knows your market.
The best time of year to sell a house: Spring and summer
While buyers are looking for seasonal slowdowns to net a great deal, sellers want buyer competition. Spring is the time of year when many sellers begin to list, leading up to summer’s peak season. Note that some sellers prefer to keep their homes on the market in fall and winter, when fewer listings are available, to gain a potential advantage.
The numbers show that:
- The optimal time of year to sell a house usually falls in the spring. Data from realtor.com indicates that the week of April 13 to 19 is likely to be the “best” for home sellers. Homes sold during this week may sell for anywhere from $4,800 to $27,000 more.
- May 27, May 26, and March 31 are the top days to sell, according to ATTOM Data. These dates are when home sellers are expected to make the most profit, adding a premium of up to 14%.
Sellers typically capture the highest returns from spring through early summer. The months that seller premiums are lowest tend to span from fall to winter. As mentioned, some sellers prefer to list off-season in these months when there’s less competition. States with warmer climates like Arizona and California may not see the same “off-season.”
Spring’s appeal to sellers isn’t just about good weather; it’s about buyer psychology and practical timing. Families with school-age children prefer to move during summer break, creating urgency that peaks in May. This combination of demand and motivation can drive prices up and reduce time on market.
Insider tip: Many sellers don’t realize they can use a bridge loan to buy their next home before selling their current one. Talk to your loan officer about options that let you move on your timeline, not the market’s.
Regardless of season, the best time to sell is when your home is ready and local market conditions are favorable. Work with a real estate agent who understands your market’s seasonal patterns and a loan officer who can help you coordinate your sale with your next purchase. With a strong team, the “wrong” season can be right for your situation.
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For educational purposes only. Sources are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.