Are you planning to sell your home this year? Understanding property market trends and what prospective buyers are looking for could help you sell your home quicker and potentially secure a better price.

Read on to discover some of Zoopla’s key findings after analysing 2024 data.

August was the most popular month for moving

Summer is often the busiest period in the property market, so it’s no surprise that August 2024 was the busiest month for completing purchases and families moving into their new homes. Indeed, almost 105,000 property transactions with a value of £40,000 or more were completed in August 2024.

Interestingly, January, followed by February and March, was the busiest time for people browsing online property listings. With the data suggesting families are likely to be looking at their options at the start of the year, listing your home before the warmer months might be useful.

The average property sold in 33 days in 2024

Receiving an attractive offer on your home might come quicker than you think.

Indeed, the average property listed in 2024 was on the market for just 33 days before it was sold, down slightly from 34 days in 2023. Of course, reaching completion often takes many more months, but, if you’re hoping for a quick sale, the market could be perfect for you.

The fastest-moving market took less than half of the time of the national average. The average home in Falkirk, Scotland, was on the market for just 15 days before it sold. Indeed, Scottish markets, where properties are listed with a valuation and survey upfront, made up the entire top five list of the fastest-moving markets.

Even if you’re not based in Scotland, you might benefit from carrying out a survey before you list the property to provide potential buyers with additional information – it could help you secure an offer quicker.

The most searched keyword was “freehold”

Understanding what keywords buyers are using when searching through property listings could help improve your home’s description and boost the number of views.

Perhaps reflecting headlines about the challenges some homeowners with leasehold properties are facing, “freehold” was the most searched term for the second consecutive year. So, if your home is a freehold property, making it clear could be useful.

Following freehold as popular search terms were “garage” and “annexe” indicating that buyers are keen to find a property that offers more space. Other popular search terms included “rural”, “conservatory” and “en suite”, so, if your home boasts any of these features, be sure to include them in the description and offer clear photos to show them off.

While not as popular, the words that have entered the top 100 most searched terms could also provide an interesting insight into what buyers are looking for. Indeed, with more employees working from home in some way, it’s not surprising that “study” is on the rise.

“In need of modernisation” also entered the top 100 for the first time after it jumped a huge 134 places when compared to just a year earlier. The addition suggests more homeowners are looking for an affordable project they could put their stamp on.

80% of buyers view the floorplan before photos

You might be surprised to discover that potential buyers are far more likely to head to the floorplan before browsing photos of your home. Indeed, the data found that 80% of prospective buyers click to view the floorplan first.

A floorplan can be invaluable for buyers. It can help them understand the layout of your home and whether the space would work for their family. So, while photos might draw people in, don’t neglect to add a floorplan to your property listing if possible.

Contact us to talk about your mortgage needs

If you’re searching for your next home and will be taking out a mortgage to purchase it, please contact us. As a mortgage adviser, we could help you cut through mortgage jargon to find a lender and mortgage deal that’s right for you.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

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