Many people wonder, "My move is decided, but when should I start looking for a home?" If you start too early, you may find a good property but be unable to sign the contract yet. If you start too late, your options become limited. This article explains the best timing to begin your home search, the characteristics of each season by month, and a practical schedule leading up to your move.
When should you start looking for a home?
The ideal time to start looking for a home is 1 to 2 months before your planned move date.
Starting more than a month in advance gives you enough time for viewings, comparisons, screening, and contract procedures. On the other hand, if you begin more than two months ahead, you may find a good property but be unable to hold it, and you could risk paying rent earlier than necessary.
If you currently live in a rental property, the notice period for moving out is also important. Many properties require notice more than one month before vacating, and if notice is late, prorated rent may be charged. It is also easier to handle forgotten items and final cleanup if you leave a buffer of 3 days to 1 week between your moving date and your move-out date.
What are the characteristics of home searching by month?
January to March (peak season)
This is the busiest period for rental demand because school enrollment, new jobs, and job transfers overlap. In January, more information appears about properties scheduled to be vacated, and in February applications increase sharply, so good properties are taken very quickly. In March, listings decrease and real estate companies are very busy, making it difficult to choose carefully. During this period, early action is essential.
April to May and September to October (mid-season)
Compared with the peak season, you can search more calmly during these months. It is also possible to use long holiday periods for viewings. Autumn (September to October) is when many newly built properties come onto the market, and there are also more options suitable for families.
June to August (off-season)
Both moving companies and real estate agencies tend to have more availability, so rent negotiations are easier and moving costs are often easier to keep down. This is an excellent period for people who want to prioritize cost.
November to December
Property listings begin to increase ahead of the peak season, and real estate companies also have more capacity. It is a good period for people who want to take their time finding a property that matches their preferred conditions.
A practical example schedule leading up to your move
If you start 2 months in advance
- 2 months before: Decide your preferred conditions (rent, layout, location, facilities) and priorities, then start gathering information
- 1.5 months before: Conduct viewings (as a general limit, 3 to 4 properties in one day)
- 1 month before: Choose the property, submit your application, complete tenant screening (about 3 to 10 days) and contract procedures, and give notice for your current residence
- 3 to 4 weeks before: Arrange a moving company and notify electricity, gas, water, and internet providers of the transfer
- 1 to 2 weeks before: Submit your move-out notification to the municipality (possible from 14 days before the move) and arrange mail forwarding with the post office
If you start 1 month in advance
Because you have less time, you need to handle your home search and moving arrangements in parallel. You should complete viewings and decide on your new home by 3 weeks before the move, then proceed with contract procedures and move-out and transfer notifications 2 weeks before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How many months in advance is best to start looking for a home?
1 to 2 months before your planned move date is ideal. If you start 2 months in advance, you can move forward on a more comfortable schedule. However, during the peak season (January to March), earlier action is necessary.
Q. How many properties can you view?
A practical guideline is 3 to 4 viewings in one day. More than that can make decisions harder. It is recommended to spread viewings across multiple days and plan them carefully.
Q. How long does tenant screening take?
It usually takes about 3 to 10 days. During the peak season, it may take longer. It is important to move ahead with the application process early.
Q. What happens if move-out notice is delayed?
In many rental contracts, notice must be given at least one month before moving out. If it is late, prorated rent may be charged. It is important to check the move-out notice deadline in your contract in advance.
Q. What should you keep in mind when looking for a home during the peak season?
Good properties receive applications very quickly, so you need to be prepared to decide promptly after a viewing. If you are concerned about whether you will pass screening, having the required documents ready in advance will help you move faster.
