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Wondering when the best time is to buy a house? In this article, you'll discover which period is most favorable for purchasing a property. The best time depends on several factors, such as market influences, seasonal influences, and your personal situation. We discuss these factors so that you can get the most advantageous deal!
Which factors determine the right time for buying a house?
The timing of buying a house can make a big difference in how much you pay. Seasonal factors can be estimated in advance, while market factors are less predictable. The following factors play a role in determining the best period to buy a property:
Seasonal factors
- Market competition: In busy periods, such as the spring, there are often more buyers active. This means that you may have to bid more to secure a property. Less competition, for example in the summer (holiday), can be more advantageous if you are not tied to specific months.
- Supply of houses: The more houses for sale, the greater the chance that you can make a good deal. A large supply offers more choice and less pressure to decide quickly. The supply fluctuates by season, with the summer often being quieter and the autumn and spring busier.
As you can see, it's always a trade-off. In the summer there are fewer houses for sale, but there is also less competition. In busy months, it's the other way around.
Market factors
- Mortgage interest: The mortgage interest influences how much you can borrow and what your monthly payments will be. The lower the rate, the cheaper your mortgage. Lower interest rates offer more financial room, which can influence the right time to buy. However, the selling prices often rise again with a reduction in mortgage interest.
- House prices: When house prices fall, you have a better chance of buying a property at a lower price. But price drops are hard to predict and depend on the mortgage interest rate and broader economic developments.
As you can see, this is also always a trade-off. If mortgage rates increase, people can borrow less, which means houses are sold for less money on average.
Learn more about buying a property
In which month do you get the best deal as a buyer?
Although factors such as mortgage interest rates and house prices are difficult to predict, seasons do show trends in housing supply and demand. According to research by Funda, based on the square meter prices over five years, it appears that the month February is often the most favorable month to buy a house. In this period you get the most square meters for your money.
On the other hand, July appears to be the least favorable month to buy a house; then you get the least square meters for your money.
Note: The time between searching for a house and actually completing the purchase will in most cases take about a month. If you want to buy a property in February, start in January already with viewing houses.
Are you already a homeowner?
For people who want to buy a house én their current home need to sell, timing is also important. According to the same research by FundaMay is the best month to sell your house. The housing supply then increases, but there is also a lot of demand, which often makes the selling price favorable.
Tips for determining the right time
Although we now know in which month you can generally get the best deal as a buyer, we want to emphasize not to adhere too strictly to these months. The best time to buy a house also depends on market factors and your personal situation.
Map out your personal needs and possibilities
The best thing you can do is to map out your needs well and then discuss your personal options with a mortgage advisor.
Also ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I ready to buy a house, both financially and emotionally?
- Do I have the time and space to carefully go through the purchasing process?
- Is it better to wait for a more favorable moment in terms of mortgage interest rates or supply?
- Is it better to wait for a more favorable moment based on my financial possibilities?
How can a buying agent help you?
A buying agent plays an important role in choosing the right time to buy a house. They have insight into the local housing market, know (seasonal) trends and can well estimate whether a neighborhood will develop. In addition, they can help you with negotiating the price and conditions, which is crucial to get a good deal.
A real estate agent can also advise you on emerging neighborhoods and opportunities to benefit from favorable mortgage interest rates. This way you not only make a wise choice in terms of timing, but you also invest in a property that can increase in value in the long term.
Tip: Look at emerging neighborhoods for a smart investment
Do you want to make a smart investment? Then consider looking for houses in neighborhoods that are not (super) popular yet, but are expected to grow in popularity in the future. These emerging neighborhoods often offer affordable houses, with a good chance of value increase as the neighborhood becomes more attractive.
If you find a home in such a neighborhood, this could be the best time to buy such a home. In the future, you will probably pay a lot more money per square meter in this neighborhood. A local buying agent can help you find neighborhoods with potential, so you can buy a house that can increase in value in the future.
Find the best buying agent in your area
Through Mijn Verkoopmakelaar, you can quickly and easily find the best buying agents in your area. Register for free and receive proposals from buying agents in your mailbox. If you want, you can also immediately schedule a free appointment with a mortgage adviser.
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