February is the best month to list a home on average, with homes listed in the month typically finding a buyer the quickest, as well as being most likely to be marked sold subject to contract, new analysis from Rightmove has revealed.

The data reveals that March is also historically a strong month for sellers to get their home on the market, benefitting those planning to come to market at the beginning of spring.

In the year so far, the number of buyers contacting agents about homes for sale is 8% higher than last year, while the number of new properties being listed by sellers is 11% higher as activity picks up.

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% 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%.

Rightmove’s Tim Bannister said: “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.”