If you're thinking about buying a home, timing can make a real difference in what you pay and how much competition you'll face. While the housing market runs year-round, certain months consistently offer better deals for buyers than others.
Let's break down when you should—and shouldn't—start your home search, based on actual market data.
The Worst Months to Buy a Home
12. June June kicks off the peak buying season, and it shows. Home prices hit their highest point of the year, and you'll be competing against seemingly every other buyer in town. Families want to move before school starts, and the nice weather brings out everyone who's been waiting. Expect to pay top dollar and potentially get into bidding wars.
11. May May runs a close second for the worst time to buy. Prices are climbing fast, inventory is getting picked over, and motivated sellers know they have the upper hand. The spring market is in full swing, which is great for sellers but tough on your wallet as a buyer.
10. July Even though July is technically summer, the buying frenzy continues. Prices remain elevated, though they might tick down slightly from June's peak. You're still dealing with heavy competition, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods where parents are racing against the school calendar.
9. August August sees a slight cooldown as families who needed to move before school starts have already made their moves. Prices begin to soften just a bit, but you're still paying premium rates compared to fall and winter months. The market is starting to shift, but not enough to call it a buyer's market.
8. April April marks the beginning of the spring rush. Sellers are listing their homes, but buyers are coming out in even greater numbers. The selection improves, but so does the competition. You'll pay more than you would in winter, though not quite as much as the summer peak.
The Middle Ground
7. September September brings noticeable relief. Kids are back in school, families have settled in, and the market takes a breath. Prices start dropping from summer highs, and sellers who've been sitting on the market since spring might be more willing to negotiate. It's not the best month, but it's far from the worst.
6. October October continues the downward trend in both prices and competition. Sellers who list now are often motivated—they either need to move or they're serious about getting their home sold before the holidays. You'll find better deals than spring or summer, and you'll have more room to negotiate.
5. March March sits in an interesting spot. It's the very beginning of the spring market, so inventory is starting to improve, but the feeding frenzy hasn't quite started yet. Prices are still reasonable compared to what's coming in the next few months. If you can close quickly, March offers a sweet spot of decent selection without crazy competition.
4. November Now we're getting into serious buyer territory. November sees a real drop in both prices and competition. The holidays are approaching, people are focused on Thanksgiving and year-end plans, and the market slows down considerably. Sellers listing in November usually need to move, which gives you negotiating power.
3. February February is cold, dreary, and absolutely fantastic for buyers. Inventory is limited, sure, but so is competition. The sellers who list in February are serious—they're not testing the market or waiting for better conditions. They need to sell, and they know they're doing it in a buyer's market. You'll find deals here.
2. December December might seem like an odd time to house hunt, but it's actually one of the best months for buyers. Most people are wrapped up in holiday preparations and family gatherings. The few sellers listing now are highly motivated, prices are down significantly from summer peaks, and you'll have your pick of properties without fighting off other offers.
1. January
January takes the crown as the absolute best month to buy a home. Here's why: prices hit their lowest point of the year, competition drops to a minimum, and sellers listing in the dead of winter are almost always motivated by necessity rather than preference. According to real estate data, home prices in January average 8-10% lower than peak summer months. That's real money back in your pocket.
The weather might not be ideal for moving, but your bank account will thank you. You'll have breathing room to negotiate, time to conduct thorough inspections, and the ability to make reasonable offers without getting dragged into bidding wars. Plus, mortgage lenders and real estate agents tend to be less swamped, which means you'll get more personalized attention throughout the process.
Should You Wait for the "Perfect" Month?
"While market timing can save you money, it shouldn't be the only factor in your decision to buy," says Mike Oddo, CEO of HouseJet. "If you've found the right home and you're financially ready, waiting six months for potentially better market conditions might mean missing out on the perfect property. The best time to buy is when it makes sense for your life and your finances."
HouseJet's recommendation: Don't let market seasonality paralyze you. Yes, January offers statistical advantages, but if you need to move in June because of a job transfer, a growing family, or a lease ending, that's still the right time for you to buy. The "perfect" market conditions don't mean much if they don't align with your actual needs.
The housing market will always have ups and downs. What matters more is finding a home you can afford, in a location that works for you, at a time when you're ready to commit. Market timing is just one piece of the puzzle—and it's not the most important piece.
