What is the best time of year to sell your home?

Many sellers ask whether there is a best month to sell. There are seasonal patterns, but your price, your home's condition and local conditions usually matter more.

The short version: in much of Canada, spring is the busiest season, fall is a smaller second wave, and winter has fewer buyers and less competition. A well-priced, well-prepared home can sell in any season.

The seasonal pattern

In much of Canada the busiest listing period runs from about March to June. More buyers are looking, homes show well in daylight and families want to move before the school year. That also means more competition from other sellers.

• Spring: the most buyers, and the most competing listings.
• Summer: a slower pace as families travel.
• Fall: often a second, smaller wave after Labour Day.
• Winter: fewer buyers, but those who are looking tend to be serious, and there are fewer competing listings.

Patterns differ by city. The Canadian Real Estate Association and local boards publish monthly data, so you can see your own city's pattern.

What can outweigh the season

• Interest rates: they change how much buyers can borrow.
• The economy and jobs.
• Local supply: how many similar homes are for sale.
• Your own plans: a job move, a growing family or a mortgage renewal date may set your timeline better than a calendar.
• Your mortgage: selling before the term ends can mean a penalty, so check your date.

Planning a spring sale

• Start preparing 6 to 8 weeks earlier: repairs, decluttering and painting.
• Get an agent's market opinion in winter.
• List in the first weeks of spring to catch early buyers.
• Price against current competing listings, not last year's sales.

Example

A seller who wants to list in April could meet an agent in January, finish repairs in February and photograph the home in March.

Selling before or after buying

If you are buying another home, timing gets harder. Our guide on buying and selling at the same time covers the options.

Do not wait for a perfect moment

If your needs are clear, do not wait for a perfect moment. A well-priced, well-prepared home can sell in any season. Our Property Calculator can give you a quick idea of your value before you speak to an agent.