Temporarily taking a property off the market after an unsuccessful initial listing can significantly improve the chances of selling later, according to analysis from property data firm TwentyCi.
The research found that more than half of all residential property sales (53.4%) occurred within the first five weeks of being listed, while three-quarters (75.7%) took place within three months.
After that, the likelihood of a sale dropped sharply to just 14.5%.
In 2024, around 550,000 properties were withdrawn from the market.
Of these, 90,000 were later relisted after a three-month break.
Just over half (54%) were relisted at a reduced price, while the remaining 46% returned to market at the same or higher price.
However, the difference in outcomes was minimal.
Properties with reduced prices had a 42.4% chance of selling, while those relisted at the same or higher price had a 42.1% chance – both nearly three times higher than the 14.5% sale likelihood for properties that stayed on the market without a break.
Katy Billany, executive director at TwentyEA, said: “A 42% likelihood of sale in both cases is substantially higher than the 14.5% chance of selling if a vendor had not withdrawn their property.
“It’s very interesting that it makes virtually no difference as to whether or not the price was lowered and 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. 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.”
TwentyCi’s analysis also highlighted how long the moving process has become.
On average, it now takes 123 days from listing to exchange and 200 days to completion – compared with 165 days from listing to completion in 2019.
Billany added: “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.”
