"Our analysis suggests that if time is not a critical factor, sellers should consider withdrawing their property from the market if it hasn’t sold within the first few weeks"
- Katy Billany - TwentyEA
Temporarily taking a property off the market after it fails to sell in its first few weeks can significantly increase the likelihood of a later sale, according to new data from TwentyEA.
The analysis found that adjusting the asking price upon relisting has little impact on whether the property eventually sells.
More than half (53.4%) of all residential property sales occur within the first five weeks of listing, TwentyEA reported, while three-quarters (75.7%) take place within the first three months. After this point, the chance of a sale falls sharply to 14.5%.
In 2024, TwentyEA recorded 550,000 homes withdrawn from the market. Following a three-month pause, 90,000 were relisted. Of these, 54% (49,000) returned with a reduced asking price, and 46% (41,000) were listed at the same or a higher price.
The data shows that 49,000 properties with lower prices had a 42.4% chance of selling, while the 41,000 listed at the same or higher price had a nearly identical 42.1% success rate.
The findings suggest that a strategic break from the market can refresh buyer interest and improve prospects for a successful sale, regardless of whether the relisting comes with a price change.
The graph below illustrates that if a property is going to sell, it is most likely to do so in the early weeks of being on the market. In 2024, 59.4% of all listed properties achieved a first sale agreed (SSTC) and this progression is shown week by week below. Weeks are listed on the X-axis.
“A 42% likelihood of sale in both cases is substantially higher than the 14.5% chance of selling if a vendor had not withdrawn their property," explained Katy Billany, Executive Director at TwentyEA. “It’s very interesting that it makes virtually no difference as to whether or not the price was lowered, and it goes to demonstrate that timing and market demand often matter more than minor price adjustments. That said, when the property is re-listed, the price should always be set strategically to reflect current market conditions. "
She continued, “Our analysis suggests that if time is not a critical factor, sellers should consider withdrawing their property from the market if it hasn’t sold within the first few weeks. Allowing a rest period of at least three months can significantly improve the chances of success.”
Further analysis by TwentyEA found it typically takes 123 days from listing to exchange and 200 days to completion.
Billany adds: “An average of 123 days from listing to exchange and 200 days to completion shows just how drawn-out the moving process has become."
“Streamlining this timeline through better communication and upfront information would make a real difference for both buyers and sellers.”
