Contrary to popular opinion, there is no “best season” to buy and sell a home. There simply is no one-size fits all solution to timing your move, but there are pros and cons for each season.
If you have the freedom of choice in planning your move, it is worthwhile to take a minute to give some thoughtful consideration to several key factors, including seasonality, your personal circumstances, and market conditions.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring and Summer “The Peak Season”
PROS | CONS |
Weather: Mild to warm weather makes it easier to move without the complications of snow or ice. | Heat: Moving in the heat of the summer can be exhausting and even dangerous due to extreme temperatures. Unpacking is similarly unpleasant in this weather. |
Real Estate Market: The housing market is generally more active, offering more options for buying or renting. | Higher Costs: Due to high demand, moving companies can charge premium rates and availability is more scarce. |
Family support: If your children have school-aged children, moving during summer break might make things easier for them to be able to support you. | Competition: The most listings hit the market in the spring, increasing the competition for your property, potentially decreasing your home’s value. |
Fall “The Sweet Spot”
PROS | CONS |
Moderate Weather: Fall typically offers pleasant weather, avoiding the extremes of summer and winter. | Shorter Days: With daylight hours decreasing, you have less time to move during daylight. |
Lower Costs: Demand for moving services decreases after the summer, often leading to better rates and availability. | Family Support: Moving in the fall can be disruptive for your family if they are supporting you with the move; especially if they have school age children or are involved in Agriculture. |
Less Competition: The real estate market tends to slow down, giving you more exposure, due to fewer listings. | Gardening and Landscaping: If you’re moving into a new home, fall is not an ideal time for gardening or landscaping, and you might need to wait until spring to make any significant outdoor improvements. |
Winter “The Off-Peak Season”
PROS | CONS |
Cost Savings: Moving companies often offer significant discounts during the winter months. | Weather Challenges: Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can make moving more difficult and hazardous. |
Availability: With fewer people moving, you have a better chance of booking your preferred moving date and time. | Holiday Season: Balancing a move with holiday festivities can be stressful. |
Motivated Landlords: Leases can often be negotiated during the winter moves, some landlords even offering to pay moving costs. | School Year: Similar to fall, moving during the school year can be disruptive if your family is supporting you in this move. |
Great Timing: Use the colder winter months to get your new home organized just as you please, so you are free to relax and enjoy the spring and summer. | Meeting Your New Neighbours: Many of us ‘hibernate’ during the winter, you might not meet your new neighbours as easily in the winter months. |
Shift in Circumstances
If there has been a shift in your personal circumstances such as the loss of a driver’s license or a change in health and you need to make a sudden move - rest assured that there simply is no BAD time to move or list your home for sale. Each season has its pros and cons and I can help you navigate each of them.
No One Size Fits All
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to move, considering the seasonal factors, your personal circumstances, and market conditions can help you make an informed decision.
Ultimately, the best time to move is when it aligns with your personal and financial readiness, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable transition to your new home. Ideally, you can make the decision pro-actively.
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