The Myth of “Let’s See What Happens in Spring”

January is the time of year when a familiar phrase comes up again and again in conversations about moving home: 
“We’ll just wait and see what happens in spring.” 
On the surface, that sounds sensible. Spring is when gardens look better, evenings are lighter, and the property market feels more active. It’s long been seen as the “right” time to move. 
But while spring does bring activity, it’s worth understanding what that activity actually looks like — and why waiting isn’t always the advantage people expect. 


Why Spring Feels Like the Safe Option 
Spring has earned its reputation. Buyer numbers usually rise, families begin planning moves ahead of the summer holidays, and there’s a sense of momentum returning to the market. 
What’s often overlooked, though, is that spring doesn’t just bring more buyers — it also brings many more homes to market. 
Sellers who’ve been waiting through winter tend to act at the same time, increasing choice almost overnight. And more choice changes buyer behaviour. 


When Choice Increases, Buyers Slow Down 
With more options available, buyers tend to take their time. They compare more carefully, view more homes, and feel less urgency to decide. 
This often leads to: 

• Homes being compared side by side on price and condition 
• Buyers waiting to see what else comes to market 
• Properties taking longer to gain traction 

A home that might have stood out in a quieter market can quickly blend into the background once similar listings appear nearby. This is often when sellers are surprised to find momentum slowing, even though the market feels “busy”. 
Spring doesn’t remove risk — it simply spreads attention. 


Why Early-Year Markets Can Work Well 
January and early February often attract a different type of buyer. These aren’t casual browsers. They’re people who’ve spent Christmas talking things through, making plans, and deciding that the year ahead is the year they move. 
With fewer homes available, well-presented and realistically priced properties face less competition. There’s less noise, less comparison, and clearer decision-making. 
It’s not about rushing a sale. It’s about understanding how supply and demand shift through the year. 


A Better Question to Ask 
Rather than asking “Is spring better?”, a more useful question is: 
“What conditions give my home the best chance of success?” 
That answer depends far more on: 

• Local supply 
• Buyer choice 
• Pricing strategy 
• Presentation 

than it does on the season alone. National headlines and long-held assumptions don’t always reflect what’s actually happening on the ground in Suffolk villages. 
Spring will always come around. But following the crowd doesn’t automatically lead to better results. 


What December Tells Us 
Locally December across the Debenham High School catchment behaved exactly as a healthy December market should. 
Stock levels stayed tight, easing from around 310 homes at the start of the month to 293 by Christmas, before a small year-end uptick. New listings slowed into single figures, which is typical for December, as many sellers pause until the New Year. 
Despite this, sales agreed remained steady, generally at 5–7 per week, only dipping right at the very end of the month. 
Buyer attention softened through December, with Rightmove views averaging the mid-30s, but the key signal came early January, when views jumped to over 44, showing buyers returned quickly once Christmas passed. 
Overall, December felt less like a slowdown and more like a pause — stock remained controlled, sales continued, and early signs point to a positive start to the year locally. 


Final Thought 
Timing does matter — but strategy matters more. 
Understanding how the market actually behaves, rather than relying on habit or hearsay, allows people to make calmer, better-informed decisions. And in a more balanced market like the one we’re in now, that clarity can make all the difference. 
Whether you’re thinking about moving this year or simply keeping an eye on the local market, staying informed — locally — is always the best place to start.