Landlords considering selling up have received guidance from Rightmove on when to do it and how.

The portal claims February is the best month to take the plunge, with homes listed in the month typically having the best chance of finding a buyer more quickly.

The analysis looked at millions of properties listed for sale since 2012 and the trends linked to the month of listing, excluding 2020 due to the pandemic.

On average, homes listed in February have taken 51 days to find a buyer – just ahead of March’s 52 days, and level with January.

In addition, an average of 66.4 per cent of homes listed in February have gone on to find a buyer – the best chance of finding a buyer alongside April – just pipping second placed March’s 66.3 per cnet.

February listings are also the most likely to go on and finalise a completion of sale, and the least likely to be withdrawn by the owner from the market.

With March also coming very high on the rankings, the data highlights that those getting ready to sell at the start of spring are also putting themselves in a strong position to get moving in 2024.

In the year so far, the number of buyers contacting agents about homes for sale is eight per cent higher than last year, while the number of new properties being listed by sellers is 11 per cent higher.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert says: “The best time to get moving is the time that’s right for you – we can’t always plan or predict when a life move is needed. However, for those who are able to be a bit more flexible about when they decide to sell, the data shows typically the start of the year has been particularly strong. 

“It’s also when we’ve historically seen the most buyers sending enquiries to agents, so it’s a great time for those looking to sell to make sure they are listed, their marketing is strong and they’re pricing attractively enough against other sellers.”

Rightmove gives these tips for potential sellers:

The Driveway – A viewer will make their minds up about whether the property is potentially the “one” within the first 20 to 30 seconds of the viewing. With this in mind, the front driveway, condition of the garden, external paint work and condition of the front door are far more important than many people realise – in some instances you might have lost your prospective buyer before they are even inside the property.

Don’t Treat It As A Transaction – Some people are looking for a home, not a business or just a ‘property’, so make sure it doesn’t just feel like a transaction. Having the heating on from the entrance hall and throughout the house for example can help potential buyers imagine living in a new home they can settle down in. There’s nothing worse than opening the door to a cold home.

Don’t Cut Corners on Decluttering – Invest in some temporary storage and make sure the home is clear and tidy for viewings – you want potential buyers to focus on the home and space, not your mess. Also, make sure to decorate the home in line with the season, to help potential buyers to visualise themselves living there. Carrying out viewings in the spring or summer? Buyers are going to pay extra attention to any outdoor space you have, so make sure the garden is presentable.

Don’t Overhaul The Home but Do Fix Issues: It might be a minor issue – but potential buyers can get transfixed on a particular detail, and it can sabotage a sale. Don’t risk potentially losing thousands off the asking price, because you didn’t do a hundred pounds worth of repairs. Don’t spend loads of money on an expensive new kitchen or bathroom fittings just before selling. The purchaser may end up changing them anyway, and it may not add much to the final price.