When Is The Best Time to Sell Manchester House?

The decision to sell a house in Manchester isn’t just about picking a date and putting a sign up. It’s about understanding the dynamics of the market: what influences buyer behavior, how trends shift, and when conditions are most favourable for sellers.

The city’s housing market presents both opportunities and challenges – rising prices, increased competition, and cautious buyers.

Right now, more homes are on the market than ever before, making pricing and timing critical. Buyers are more price-sensitive, and even small missteps can mean weeks, or months, of waiting.

UPSTIX has expert guidance on when and how to make your move. At the end of this article, you’ll learn the right timing, pricing, and strategy, ensuring you make informed decisions in a constantly evolving market.

What We’ll Cover:

• Important Factors to Note
• When is the Best Time to Sell Your Manchester House?
• Insights and Forecast For 2025
• The Best Time to Sell? Anytime – As Long as You Have the Right Plan and Partner

Important Factors to Note

Deciding to sell your home is a personal choice, but staying informed about the latest market trends is essential to make the best decision.

Market Activity and Property Prices

The UK property market appears to be showing strong momentum, with a significant 42.37% increase in homes sold subject to contract in early 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 – a clear sign of growing buyer confidence. 

Estate agents have noted that this surge in activity reflects a strong demand, making it a great opportunity for those looking to sell their houses. In Manchester, the 2% rise in average house prices from July 2023 to July 2024 highlights steady demand for properties.

It’s important to consider the seasonal variations discussed below and personal circumstances, as both can significantly impact the success of selling properties. It’s crucial for homeowners to evaluate these factors carefully before putting their house on the market.

Potential Buyers' Behavior and Inventory

Despite the increased activity in the property market, buyers remain highly price-sensitive, with overpriced homes often staying on the market significantly longer – up to 73 days compared to just 28 days for well-priced properties. 

Estate agents emphasize the importance of setting a competitive asking price and understanding the target buyer for specific property types to sell quickly and secure the best deal.

At the same time, the number of homes available for sale has reached its highest level since 2014, giving buyers more options during their house-hunting journey. This heightened competition among sellers underscores the need for a strategic approach, especially during the summer months when school holidays and summer holidays can delay putting new listings on the market. 

Want to know how to price your Manchester home just right? Check out our blog, “Understanding Your Home’s Worth.”

Economic Factors

With mortgage rates beginning to lower, it has created a better opportunity for buyers. However, fluctuations in interest rates will play a critical role in determining buyer demand and property prices, influencing the overall selling process. 

Mortgage lenders have highlighted how favourable conditions for buyers can translate into a faster house sale for well-priced properties.

Manchester’s economy, projected to grow by 2.5% annually between 2024 and 2026, is expected to drive new job opportunities and attract potential buyers looking for a new property. This growth further sustains the high demand for housing, creating an excellent opportunity for sellers to achieve a higher price for their properties.

When is the Best Time to Sell Your House?

Wondering when to sell your Manchester home? We’ve broken it down by season to help you understand the pros and cons of selling at different times of the year.

Spring (March - May)

Pros:

• Buyer activity peaks as the weather improves, and people feel more motivated to move.
• Properties listed in spring tend to sell quickly due to increased interest.
• Gardens and outdoor spaces look their best, adding curb appeal.
• Families want to move before the next academic year, increasing buyer urgency.

Cons:

• Many sellers also list during this period, making it crucial to stand out.
• Competitive pricing is necessary to attract buyers in a crowded market.

Summer (June - August)

Pros:

• School holidays make it easier for families to view properties and plan their move.
• Longer daylight hours allow homes to be shown in the best light.

Cons:

• Many buyers are on vacation, reducing overall activity due to their focus on the summer holidays.
• Those who remain active might take longer to decide, waiting for the “perfect” property.

Autumn (September - October)

Pros:

• Those who delayed purchases during summer are eager to close deals before winter.
• Homes still present well, especially with cosy autumn touches.

Cons:

• The market starts to slow as the year progresses, particularly after October.
• While reduced competition can benefit sellers, it also means fewer active buyers.

Winter (November - February)

Pros:

• Fewer “window shoppers”; those house-hunting in winter are often highly motivated.
• Fewer properties on the market mean your listing may stand out.

Cons:

• Buyer activity drops significantly, especially during December’s holiday season.
• Bad weather can deter viewings and make homes look less appealing.
• On average, winter listings take longer to close.

Recommendation:

• Best Season to Sell: Spring is advised due to high demand, fast sales, and strong buyer motivation.
• Second Best: Autumn, especially early September, provides a good balance of demand and manageable competition.
• Challenging Seasons: Summer (due to vacations) and Winter (due to holidays) are less ideal but can work if you price competitively and prepare well.

Insights and Forecast For 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, the Manchester housing market looks very promising for a house sale, especially when considering market predictions and timing. Consider the following insights: 

1. Experts predict house prices in the North West will increase by 4%, with an impressive 30% growth expected over the next five years. This steady rise in prices shows that Manchester is becoming an even more attractive place to own property.
   
   
2. Alongside this, the city’s economy is expected to grow by 2.2% annually, which is faster than the national average. A strong economy often means more people want to live and work in the area, increasing the demand for housing.
   
   
3. Manchester’s population is also on the rise, with 30,000 more people expected to move to the city over the next six years. This means more families, professionals, and individuals will be looking for homes. Adding to this, the creation of 65,000 new jobs will attract even more people, boosting the number of potential buyers.

However, there’s a chance that the supply of homes won’t keep up with all this demand, which could work in favour of sellers. 

Fewer available homes might mean faster sales and better prices for those ready to sell. Plus, with mortgage rates expected to drop, buying a home will become more affordable for many, bringing even more buyers into the market.

For these reasons, 2025 could be the perfect time to sell a home in Manchester.

The Best Time to Sell? Anytime – As Long as You Have the Right Plan and Partner

Moving into 2025, the Manchester housing market provides a favourable environment for selling. With house prices on the rise, a growing local economy, and increasing buyer demand, now is a promising moment to make your next move.

Collaborating with a local estate agent or a trusted home buyer like UPSTIX can turn what feels like a complex process into a smooth, stress-free experience. From ensuring a competitive price to providing a quick, secure transaction, UPSTIX helps you sell with confidence, no matter the season.

Contact us today to start the process of selling your Manchester house.