Looking for property deals? 5 reasons why July and August are ideal to buy off-market
If you're a landlord looking to expand your portfolio, summer might be the smartest time to act, especially if you're buying off-market. While most of the property world slows down in July and August, savvy investors can find serious opportunities by avoiding the traditional market and sourcing deals privately through off-market specialists like Landlord Property Exchange.
LP Exchange’s James Donohue, the Official Off-Market Property Sales Partner of the NRLA, has outlined his 5 top reasons why July and August can be the ideal time for landlords to buy off-market property:
1. Less competition from Other Buyers
The summer holidays usually mean one thing: distraction. Casual buyers are more likely to be away or focused on family plans, leaving the property market with lower buyer activity. This reduced competition is a major advantage for landlords.
When buying off-market investment properties, you're already avoiding public bidding wars. But in summer, this advantage is even greater; sellers are more open to negotiation, and you're less likely to lose out to multiple offers.
2. Motivated Sellers Looking to Close Before Autumn
Many sellers who go off-market in July or August are doing so because they need to sell now. Whether they're restructuring their portfolios, preparing for a tax deadline, or simply want a clean break before the market picks up again in September, summer sellers are often more motivated and flexible.
This urgency can result in discounted pricing, favourable terms, or the opportunity to acquire properties with tenants already in place.
3. Faster and Smoother Transactions
Summer is typically a quieter period for solicitors, surveyors, and lenders. That can work in your favour. With fewer transactions clogging the system, the professionals involved in your purchase are more likely to act quickly and efficiently.
For landlords, this means shorter completion times, faster access to income, and less stress, especially when acquiring tenanted properties.
4. Prepare for the Autumn Rental Surge
Buying in July or August positions you perfectly to capitalise on the September rental demand spike. Whether you’re targeting students, relocating professionals, or families settling before the school year, you'll have your property ready and just in time.
By purchasing off-market properties during summer, you’re not only getting a better deal, but you're also setting yourself up for high occupancy and strong rental yields in Q3 and Q4.
5. More Room for Direct, Flexible Negotiation
One of the biggest advantages of off-market purchases is the opportunity for direct negotiation, often without the involvement of agents acting as the middleman. During the summer lull, vendors who may have had properties on the market for a while may be more open to creative deals, and this flexibility can make a big difference for landlords managing cash flow or financing timelines.
While others take a break, smart landlords act. If you're looking to grow your portfolio quietly and cost-effectively, buying off-market in July or August can give you a serious edge.
Off-market properties now account for 20% of property sales across the UK, so if you’ve not explored this avenue in your search for new investment properties, can expect to find: a reduction in competition, quicker deals, and motivated sellers, all while getting ahead of the rental market’s busiest season.
Looking for off-market investment opportunities this summer?
Contact James at LP Exchange to explore our exclusive list of off-market tenanted properties, pre-qualified seller leads, and off-market deals across the UK.
