School holidays and home buying: Timing the market for families

With the imminent beginning of the school summer break, parents will be busy organising their time over the next few weeks juggling their children’s holidays with other responsibilities such as work. For some, house hunting or moving will also be on the to-do list.
Timing for the new school year
Those looking to move to a new area are likely to have timed their move to coincide with the school holidays. The break makes it easier to pack up and move while also giving children time to settle in their new home before starting their new school in September.
For some, perhaps those with older children who are heading off to university or have finished their education, the summer break could provide the perfect prompt to start looking. Those with younger children might consider the summer break as the perfect opportunity to view properties with them in tow, involving the whole family in the house-buying process.
Whether you are one of those about to pack up and move out, are beginning your house-hunting adventures or have a perfect family property and are considering the best time to sell, then read on.
Planning your summer move
Any move is stressful but if the children are getting under your feet, it could prove even more so. Involve them in the moving process as far as is practical – encouraging them to part with a few cuddly toys while decluttering if they are toddlers or involving them in packing if they are teens. However, make use of childcare options when tensions rise.
While summer brings less risk of bad weather disrupting moving day, extreme heat can also be uncomfortable. You also risk heavier traffic as families head out, especially if your route or final destination is near a tourist hotspot. Planning will be important.
The practicalities of moving in the summer mean that you won’t be the only ones packing up and changing properties. Remember to book everyone, from removal services to tradesmen, early. They will be busy and will also have summer holiday plans.
Starting your journey to move or considering the best time to sell
If you are starting the house-hunting process or are considering when to sell to a family buyer, summer might be the perfect time. Longer days give more opportunities to see properties in daylight while the summer break means children can come along too. They may get bored easily, however, so consider how to engage them on a viewing.
If you are a seller already marketing your property, then staging to maximise the summer opportunity will be key. Show that your home offers plenty of safe outside space for children to play and parents to enjoy their evenings. You could leave out a few toys for younger families, set up a BBQ, outside dining area or at the very least put out a few strategically placed chairs to capture the sun.
Buyers might be hot and bothered on viewings so leaving out some chilled water for them to drink could be a nice touch. Although the summer might offer more time off for parents, many are also likely to be heading off for holidays elsewhere, which could mean juggling diaries to coordinate viewings.
If you are considering selling further down the line, then aiming for a summer completion could suit both your buyers and you. Parents will begin planning early, however, especially if they are moving to a new school catchment area and need to secure their new address for the school application. This means their property search is likely to begin long before their ideal summer move.