Taking Your Home Off the Market Could Speed Up Your Sale
Why Taking Your Property Off the Market Could Help You Sell Faster
Discover why temporarily withdrawing your home from the market can increase your chances of selling later. Butler & Stag explain the data behind this surprising property strategy.
When a Property Doesn't Sell Quickly
If your property has been on the market for weeks without serious interest, you're not alone. New research from property analytics firm TwentyEA reveals that timing plays a bigger role than price in securing a sale — and that taking a short break from the market can actually boost your success.
At Butler & Stag, we often see that the first few weeks after a property goes live are crucial. If a listing fails to attract strong offers early on, it may be time to step back, reassess, and relaunch strategically.
Most Properties Sell Within the First Few Weeks
According to the TwentyEA study:
- 53.4% of all residential property sales happen within the first five weeks of being listed.
- 75.7% of sales complete within the first three months.
- After that, the chance of a sale drops to just 14.5%.
That means if your home hasn't sold within three months, staying on the market may not be helping — and could even harm your chances as buyers start to overlook it.
Why Taking a Break Works
In 2024, over 550,000 properties were withdrawn from the market. After a three-month rest period, 90,000 of those were relisted — and the results were eye-opening.
- Properties that relisted with a lower price had a 42.4% chance of selling.
- Properties that relisted at the same or higher price had a 42.1% chance of selling.
That's roughly three times higher than the 14.5% success rate for homes that stayed listed continuously.
This suggests that the simple act of relaunching your property after a pause can re-energise interest — even without reducing the asking price.
Timing and Market Demand Matter More Than Price
Katy Billany, Executive Director at TwentyEA, explains:
"A 42% likelihood of sale in both cases is substantially higher than the 14.5% chance of selling if a vendor had not withdrawn their property.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 goes to show that timing and market demand often matter more than minor price adjustments."
At Butler & Stag, we agree. Buyer demand fluctuates throughout the year, and your property's visibility resets when it's newly listed. Taking time out allows the market to shift, competition to change, and your listing to feel "fresh" again.
How to Use This Strategy to Your Advantage
If your property hasn't sold yet, consider these steps before making any drastic price cuts:
- Pause your listing after 8–12 weeks if activity has slowed.
- Take a break of at least three months to allow the market to refresh.
- Re-evaluate your marketing — including photos, description, and online visibility.
- Set a price that reflects current market trends rather than older valuations.
- Work with your local Butler & Stag expert to relaunch strategically.
How Long Does the Sale Process Really Take?
The same analysis found that it typically takes:
- 123 days from listing to exchange
- 200 days from listing to completion
That's over six months from start to finish. Planning your sale with patience and the right timing can make a real difference.
Thinking of Selling? Let's Make It Strategic
If your home hasn't sold, it may not be the property — it may just be the timing. Our experienced estate agents can help you pause, re-position, and re-list at the right moment to attract the right buyers.
Contact Butler & Stag today for expert advice, a free valuation, or guidance on relaunching your property the smart way.