It’s long been assumed that the UK property market slows during the summer months, as buyers and sellers take a break for holidays and sunshine. However, new research suggests that this seasonal slowdown may be nothing more than a myth.

According to recent data analysed by Yopa, the summer season has consistently proven to be one of the most active periods for the property market over the last four years.

Summer Leads in Mortgage Activity

The study reviewed historic market data, focusing on the average number of mortgage approvals and property transactions across all four seasons. Surprisingly, in both of the past two years, summer recorded the highest number of mortgage approvals, outpacing autumn and winter. Even in the two years prior to that, summer came in a close second behind spring.

Transactions Stay Strong Through Summer

It’s not just mortgage approvals that are high – summer also performs strongly when it comes to property transactions. Over the last three years, summer has consistently delivered the second-highest number of completed transactions, just behind autumn. Notably, in the year prior, summer led the way in transaction volumes overall.

This trend challenges the traditional view that summer is a quieter time for property activity.

What This Means for Sellers and Buyers

Steve Anderson, National Franchise Director at Yopa, commented:

“It’s clear that the idea of a summer property slowdown is nothing more than a myth. In reality, the summer season is actually one of the busiest times for the UK property market.
Not only do more buyers enter the market in the lead-up to and during the summer, but more transactions naturally complete as a result of this increased buyer activity. And even if a sale doesn’t complete during the summer, the momentum typically carries through into the autumn months.”

Your Next Move Starts This Summer

At Oulsnam we’re seeing strong interest from motivated buyers right now – and sellers who act fast are reaping the benefits. If you’ve been putting off listing your home until after the summer, it may be time to rethink.