The majority of prospective first time buyers say that April to June is the best time of year to move home, a new survey from leading property portal Share to Buy has revealed.

In the survey of over 2,000 users on sharetobuy.com, 47% of respondents agreed that spring and early summer is the best time of year to be moving into a new property, while just 5% wanted to move between October and December. Determined to move within this popular window, almost 60% of those surveyed said they are optimistic about being able to buy a home soon. Housing associations and developers are already preparing for this busy period with 3,176 Shared Ownership properties currently listed on Share to Buy, with over 683 having been added in the last month. This means, on average, 22 new homes become available each day.

Despite wanting to secure a home within this tight time-frame, the survey revealed that many hopeful buyers are not prepared to compromise when purchasing a property. The majority of respondents said they would not be prepared to pay more to buy a property closer to a train or a tube station, a high street, or a good school (53%, 61% and 55% respectively). However, a staggering 81% of respondents confirmed that they would be happy putting more cash down for a home that comes with private outdoor space.

With 81% of those surveyed currently renting or living with family, hopeful Shared Ownership buyers are keen to find a home that they can settle in long-term. 29% of respondents say they expect to live in their first home for five to ten years, while 25% are looking for their ‘forever home’ – planning to never move again.

Nick Lieb, Head of Operations at Share to Buy, comments: “It’s interesting to see that April to June has emerged as the most popular time to move home as this reflects what we see at Share to Buy. Our busiest periods for property enquiries are usually January as people begin to plan ahead for the new year, and March as the brighter weather starts to roll in, which coincides perfectly with those planning to move during the spring and summer months. It’s clear that demand for Shared Ownership homes is growing stronger than ever; hopeful buyers know what they want – and what they don’t want! – and are ready to move right now. Luckily, supply remains strong at the moment, with housing associations and developers working hard to meet the increased number of buyers in London and across the Home Counties.

It’s also plain to see how the Covid-19 pandemic have impacted buyer’s priorities – even two years after the first lockdown! Being close to transport links, bustling high streets and good schools are no longer high up on the wish list; with the majority prioritising amenities at home, such as a garden or balcony, over location.”

For potential purchasers who are looking to get on the property ladder, Shared Ownership is often much more affordable compared to buying on the open marker. The part-buy part-rent scheme enables buyers to purchase a percentage of the value of their home, while paying a reduced rent on the remaining percentage. Deposits and monthly payments are based on the purchased share, rather than the full value of the property – lowering costs and helping first time buyers step onto the property ladder.

Property portal Share to Buy is the UK’s leading independent website for first time buyers, listing over 4,000 Shared Ownership and Help to Buy homes, as well as providing a wealth of independent information and how-to guides for budding buyers.