Summer is a popular time to buy a house. In fact, more people move in June than in any other month. But is it actually a good time to buy a home? To help you make the right decision for your homeownership journey, we’ve rounded up the biggest reasons to purchase a home in the summer (along with a few downsides).
5 Reasons to Purchase a Home in the Summer
- More inventory to choose from
- Easier school transitions for families
- Reliable weather for house hunting
- See the HVAC system in action
- Better view of outdoor spaces
1. More Inventory to Choose From
Summer is peak selling season, which means you’ll find significantly more homes on the market. With more inventory, you’re more likely to find a home that checks all your boxes.
With more inventory also comes the opportunity to compare properties side by side, negotiate better terms, and discover hidden gems in desirable neighborhoods. The increased competition among sellers can also work in your favor, especially as the season progresses and motivated sellers become more flexible on pricing and terms.
2. Easier School Transitions for Families
For families with children, summer presents the most logical window for relocation. Moving during the summer break eliminates the disruption of pulling kids out of school mid-semester, allowing them to start fresh in a new district when fall starts. This timing gives children the entire summer to adjust to their new surroundings, make friends in the neighborhood, and mentally prepare for their new school.
Parents can use this transition period to research the best schools in their new area, complete enrollment paperwork, and even arrange school visits before the academic year begins. This reason to purchase a home during summer removes the stress and academic complications that come with mid-year moves.
Pro Tip: Make moving easier for the whole family with our Summer Moving Checklist.
3. Reliable Weather for House Hunting
Summer’s predictable weather patterns are a huge plus when it comes to house hunting. Clear skies and longer daylight hours mean you can schedule more showings in a single day and get better natural lighting to evaluate each property. You won’t have to worry about cancelled appointments due to snowstorms or trudging through muddy yards in spring rain.
The stable weather conditions also allow you to see the neighborhood at its best. You can walk the neighborhood comfortably, get a feel for the community during prime outdoor activity season, and envision yourself enjoying the space during the most active time of year.
4. See the HVAC System in Action
One of the most practical reasons to purchase a home in summer is the opportunity to test the air conditioning and cooling systems under real-world conditions. During a summer showing, you can immediately assess whether the HVAC system adequately cools the home, identify any hot spots or circulation issues, and gauge the system’s efficiency during peak demand.
This real-time evaluation can save you from costly surprises after purchase. You’ll know if the system needs immediate attention or replacement, allowing you to factor these potential expenses into your offer or negotiate repairs before closing. Winter buyers often can’t make this assessment until months after purchase, when problems become expensive emergencies.
5. Better View of Outdoor Spaces
Summer showcases properties at their most attractive, with landscaping in full bloom and outdoor living spaces at their peak appeal. You can properly evaluate patios, decks, pools, gardens, and yard space when they’re being used as intended. The lush greenery and active outdoor environment help you envision the lifestyle the property can offer.
This season also reveals important details about drainage, sun exposure, and privacy that might not be apparent during other times of the year. You can observe how the yard holds up to summer heat, whether trees provide enough shade, and how neighboring properties impact your outdoor privacy.
Summer Home Purchase Downsides
Summer home buying combines practical advantages with optimal viewing conditions, making it an excellent time to find and purchase your next home. Keep in mind that because of these ideal conditions, you’ll likely find yourself with more competition and higher prices. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to stay competitive. The first? Getting pre-approved to show buyers you mean business.
Summer home buying combines practical advantages with optimal viewing conditions, making it an excellent time to find and purchase your next home.
