Is summer really a good time to sell a property?

Updated in July 2026.

Should you wait until September to put your house or apartment on the market, or can you go ahead and sell it right in the middle of summer? Between the widespread belief that the property market comes to a standstill in July and August and the reality on the ground, it is not always easy for homeowners to know what to do. Add to this the successive heatwaves that have swept across France since the beginning of July 2026 and the growing importance of summer thermal comfort, and the decision becomes even more uncertain.

This article explores the true seasonality of the French property market, the practical advantages and disadvantages of selling a property during the summer, the particular context of the 2026 summer marked by repeated heatwaves and changing buyer expectations, as well as our practical advice for successfully selling your property without waiting for the autumn market.

Wondering whether now is the right time to sell your property? The best way to remove any uncertainty is to obtain an accurate and up-to-date valuation. Start with an online property valuation to estimate your home's current market value, and for personalised advice tailored to your local market and your selling timetable, contact your local Capifrance property consultant.

In summary

• Summer is not a dead period for the property market. Sales agreed during July and August are often the result of searches that began in spring, and many buyers remain active throughout the holiday season.
• Although transaction volumes decline during the summer, competition between sellers also decreases, giving your property greater visibility.
• Selling times have increased in 2026, averaging 105 days for a house and 99 days for an apartment, according to Century 21. This should be factored into your summer selling strategy.
• Summer 2026 has been marked by repeated heatwaves, making buyers increasingly attentive to cool interiors, controlled natural light and shaded outdoor spaces.
• Summer comfort, now included as an indicator in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), has become a genuine selling point, even though it does not affect the property's energy rating from A to G.
• A well-prepared property sale launched during the summer can naturally lead to completion in September, traditionally one of the busiest periods for property transactions.

Selling during the summer: myth or reality?

The myth of the summer slowdown

The idea that the property market comes to a complete standstill between Bastille Day and the start of the new school year remains deeply rooted.

Many homeowners postpone putting their property on the market for a few weeks, convinced that no serious buyer will make an offer before September.

This belief is not entirely unfounded. The number of new listings published and the number of viewings organised do indeed decline during July and August, as many people go on holiday and naturally put their property projects on hold.

However, viewing the summer as a completely inactive period would be a mistake.

Property professionals observe every year that a significant proportion of sales agreed during the summer are actually the result of searches that began in spring. In other words, the summer market largely benefits from the momentum built up over the previous months.

What the 2026 figures really show

During the first half of 2026, the French property market continued its gradual rebalancing.

According to data from the Century 21 network, the number of transactions fell slightly for houses (-1%) while increasing for apartments (+0.9%).

More importantly, selling times have continued to lengthen.

It now takes an average of 105 days to sell a house—six days longer than a year earlier—and 99 days to sell an apartment, an increase of three days year-on-year.

This slowdown affects all seasons, not just summer, and should be taken into account when planning your sale.

The longer it takes for the market to absorb a new listing, the greater the risk of losing valuable weeks simply by waiting until September before putting your property on the market.

Another key point is that the average mortgage interest rate stood at around 3.26% in July 2026, according to the Crédit Logement CSA Observatory. This remains relatively stable compared with earlier fears of a much sharper increase.

This stability continues to support household purchasing power, even during the summer months, and weakens the argument that "nobody buys property during the summer because interest rates are too high."

The advantages of selling your property during the summer

Less competition and highly motivated buyers

Paradoxically, one of summer's greatest advantages is its reputation for being a quiet period.

Because many sellers wait until September before listing their property, the number of homes available on the market naturally decreases during July and August.

As a result, your property is less likely to be lost among hundreds of competing listings, making it statistically easier to stand out during this quieter period.

Buyers who continue actively searching during the summer are also often among the most motivated.

They may be relocating before the new school year, wanting to move during the children's summer holidays, or first-time buyers taking advantage of their annual leave to organise viewings without the pressure of work.

These buyers tend to make decisions more quickly and are generally less inclined to prolong negotiations unnecessarily.

The main advantages of selling during the summer

• Fewer competing properties on the market, giving your listing greater visibility.
• Buyers who are on holiday, making them more available for weekday and flexible viewing appointments.
• Quicker decision-making from buyers hoping to complete their purchase before the start of the new school year.
• Natural presentation advantages, with longer daylight hours and gardens at their best.

Natural light and gardens: summer's greatest assets

Summer offers presentation opportunities that simply do not exist during the winter.

Long, bright days make interiors feel larger, warmer and more welcoming, while natural daylight particularly enhances dual-aspect properties and homes with excellent exposure.

If your property includes a garden, terrace or balcony, summer is undoubtedly the best season to showcase it at its full potential.

Green lawns, flowering shrubs and attractive outdoor dining areas create an immediate emotional appeal.

A beautiful outdoor space during the summer can often be the deciding factor for a hesitant buyer, whereas the very same garden viewed in the rain and grey skies of winter will never create the same impression.

The disadvantages of selling a property during the summer

A slower market due to the school holidays

Summer also brings genuine challenges that should not be overlooked.

During the school holidays, a significant proportion of potential buyers are simply absent from the market. They are away on holiday, checking property websites less frequently and often less mentally available to commit to a property purchase.

As a result, the number of viewings naturally falls compared with spring or autumn, and some sellers may feel—rightly or wrongly—that their property is "sitting on the market" for several weeks.

The main disadvantages to anticipate

• Fewer active buyers during the peak holiday period in July and August.
• Viewings can be more difficult to organise if your own family is away or hosting relatives.
• A greater risk of price negotiations, particularly if buyers believe you are eager to complete the sale before September.
• More challenging viewing conditions during heatwaves, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Notaires, banques et démarches administratives au ralenti

Another point to bear in mind is that notary offices, banks and many public administrations often operate with reduced staffing levels during August because of the summer holidays.

While viewings can take place perfectly well throughout July and August, the final stages of the transaction—mortgage approval, signing the preliminary sales agreement and preparing the final deed of sale—may take longer than usual.

It is therefore quite common for a preliminary sales agreement signed in mid-July not to be completed until October, once all parties involved have returned to their normal working pace after the summer break.

This additional delay, combined with the longer average selling times observed in 2026 (105 days for a house), should be factored into your plans, particularly if you are buying another property or have a specific moving date in mind.

Summer 2026: heatwaves, summer comfort and changing buyer expectations

A summer marked by repeated heatwaves

​The summer of 2026 has been exceptional for its extreme weather conditions.

Following two successive heatwaves at the beginning of the season, a third episode placed around 60 French departments under orange heatwave alert in mid-July. Another spell of extreme temperatures is expected before the end of the month, with forecasts reaching 40°C in some regions.

Some climatologists have even suggested that summer 2026 could prove more severe than the memorable heatwave of 2003.

These repeated periods of extreme heat are changing the way buyers assess properties during summer viewings.

A south-facing home with no external solar protection, a house that retains heat throughout the night or a top-floor apartment with poor roof insulation immediately become obvious weaknesses during a heatwave.

Conversely, a property that naturally remains cool—thanks to effective shutters, good orientation, quality roof insulation or shaded outdoor areas—becomes a particularly compelling selling point.

Summer comfort: an increasingly important buying criterion

​In response to increasingly frequent heatwaves, the French government unveiled its "Endurance Plan" on 17 June 2026, aimed at helping homes adapt to rising summer temperatures.

Among the proposed measures are:

• a reduced VAT rate of 5.5% for reversible air-to-air heat pumps (currently taxed at 20% on installation);
• simplified condominium voting rules to make it easier to install shutters, awnings and ceiling fans.

It should be noted, however, that the reduced VAT measure must first be approved as part of the 2027 Finance Bill and therefore does not yet apply during the summer of 2026.

This policy reflects a much broader trend.

Summer thermal comfort is no longer viewed as a simple lifestyle benefit—it is becoming a genuine purchasing criterion, just as winter energy performance has become over recent years.

What the EPC says about summer comfort

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is mandatory when selling a property, now includes a specific summer comfort indicator.

This assesses a property's ability to remain cool without air conditioning, using three performance levels: poor, average and good.

The assessment takes into account several factors, including:

• external solar protection;
• roof insulation;
• the building's thermal mass;
• whether the property benefits from dual-aspect ventilation;
• opportunities for natural ventilation.

It is important to explain one point clearly to prospective buyers.

Although this indicator appears on the EPC, it does not influence the property's overall energy rating from A to G, which continues to be based on heating, domestic hot water production and cooling systems.

As a result, a property can achieve an excellent EPC rating while remaining uncomfortable during the summer, whereas an older stone-built house with a relatively poor energy rating may naturally stay cool even during periods of extreme heat.

Having an up-to-date EPC before putting your property on the market allows you to answer buyers' questions confidently about a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years.

Our practical advice for successfully selling your property during the summer

Prepare your diagnostics and paperwork before the hottest period

The golden rule for a smooth summer sale is to plan ahead.

Arrange all the mandatory property surveys and certificates—Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), asbestos, lead, electricity, gas and drainage reports where applicable—before the busiest period of the season, when surveyors are still readily available.

Having a complete sales file ready from the moment your property goes on the market reassures buyers and avoids unnecessary delays, particularly at a time when selling periods are longer than in previous years.

Adapt viewing times and presentation

With repeated heatwaves becoming increasingly common, the way you organise viewings deserves special attention.

Remain available during the holiday season

The biggest obstacle to selling during the summer is often the seller's own availability rather than a lack of buyers.

If you are going away on holiday, make arrangements to remain reachable, ask a trusted friend or family member to manage viewings, or simply entrust your sale to a property professional who can organise everything on your behalf.

A property that remains active throughout the summer—with prompt responses to viewing requests and offers—maintains a significant advantage over one whose owner cannot be contacted for several weeks.

Should you wait until September before selling?

What really happens in September

September is traditionally considered the second busiest period of the year for the property market, after spring.

Many buyers who paused their search during the summer return with renewed motivation, often having used their holidays to refine both their requirements and their budget.

As a result, the number of viewings and transactions generally begins to increase again from September onwards.

However, waiting until September to publish your listing has one major drawback.

It means placing your property on the market at exactly the same time as many other sellers who had the same idea, creating a sharp increase in competition just as buyer demand starts to recover.

Sell during the summer and complete in September

In many cases, the most effective strategy is to combine the advantages of both periods.

Putting your property on the market during the summer allows you to benefit from reduced competition while still attracting serious buyers who remain active during the holiday season.

The final completion of the sale—particularly where mortgage finance is required—can then take place naturally in September or the following months, once banks and notaries have returned to their normal pace of work.

This approach enables you to maximise your property's exposure without losing valuable weeks waiting for the autumn market.

​Work with a local Capifrance property consultant

Choosing the right time to sell depends on many factors that are unique to your property, your local market and your personal circumstances.

A busy metropolitan market behaves very differently from a more rural one, and a family home with a garden will not necessarily attract buyers in the same way as a city-centre apartment.

Rather than relying solely on general assumptions about seasonal trends, the most reliable approach is to seek advice from a local property professional who understands your market in detail.

Your Capifrance property consultant can help you:

• determine the best selling timetable for your situation;
• highlight your property's summer strengths, such as its garden, natural light or cool interior;
• organise viewings at the most suitable times during periods of extreme heat;
• manage communications with prospective buyers while you are away on holiday.

For tailored advice and an accurate valuation before putting your property on the market, contact your local Capifrance property consultant today.

Conclusion

Summer is neither the miracle season imagined by eager sellers nor the deserted market that others fear.

It is simply a period with its own characteristics: less competition between listings, highly motivated buyers, slower administrative procedures and increased attention to summer thermal comfort, particularly in the context of the repeated heatwaves experienced in 2026.

A well-prepared summer sale can quite naturally lead to completion in the autumn, allowing you to take advantage of the summer months rather than losing valuable time waiting for September.

Key points to remember

• The property market does not stop during the summer—it simply follows a different rhythm.
• Reduced competition between sellers can work to your advantage.
• Selling times are longer in 2026, making it unwise to delay your listing until September.
• Heatwaves are increasing buyers' focus on cool interiors and shaded outdoor spaces.
• The EPC's summer comfort indicator has become a valuable selling argument.
• Professional guidance helps you tailor your selling strategy to the realities of your local market.

FAQ

Can I really sell my property in July or August?

Absolutely.

Although transaction volumes are lower during the summer, the market never comes to a complete halt. Many buyers take advantage of their holidays to arrange viewings and often progress more quickly than they would during busier times of the year.

Are there fewer buyers during the summer?

Yes, there are generally fewer active buyers during the school holidays.

However, those who continue searching are often particularly motivated, which can offset the overall reduction in viewing numbers.

Why are selling times longer in 2026?

According to Century 21, the average selling period reached 105 days for a house and 99 days for an apartment during the first half of 2026.

This reflects the ongoing rebalancing of the French property market between supply and demand.

Should I wait until September before putting my property on the market?

Not necessarily.

Listing your property during the summer allows you to benefit from lower competition while still attracting active buyers, with completion naturally taking place later in the year once banks and notaries have resumed their normal activity.

How should I organise viewings during a heatwave?

Arrange viewings early in the morning or later in the evening, ventilate the property beforehand, close shutters on sun-facing windows to keep rooms cool, and highlight all the features that contribute to natural summer comfort.

Does the summer comfort indicator affect the EPC rating?

No. The summer comfort indicator appears on the Energy Performance Certificate and assesses how well a property stays cool without air conditioning.

However, it does not influence the property's official energy rating (A to G), which is based on other factors such as heating, hot water production and cooling systems.

Is summer a good time to sell a house with a garden?

Yes. Summer is generally one of the best seasons to market a property with outdoor space, as gardens, terraces and landscaping are at their most attractive and can significantly enhance buyers' first impressions.

Can a property consultant manage my sale while I'm on holiday?

Yes. One of the key advantages of working with a property professional is that they can organise viewings, communicate with buyers and keep your sale progressing while you are away, ensuring your property remains active throughout the summer.

Author :

Frédéric Rémy – Director of Commercial Performance
A real estate professional for several years within the Capifrance network, I would like to share with you some essential advice to help you succeed in your real estate project with the support of our advisors.