When to start looking for a home in Utah’s housing market

Spring house hunting begins long before the daffodils and tulips are blooming. While May through September are the most common months for moving, Utahns tend to start looking for a new place much earlier on KSL Homes. Learn why you shouldn’t put off your search.

Begin your house hunt early

A survey by national property manager Entrata found that people begin looking for new housing about three months before they are ready to move. Utah housing market trends agree: Searches for housing peak on KSL Homes as spring nears. 

Not only are people searching more, they’re showing more serious interest. On average, more people contact sellers in the spring, improving your chances of making a sale. No wonder rental and for-sale listings both see their highest averages on KSL Homes during the spring season. 

When to start looking for a home

To improve your chances of landing the place you really want, begin early. When you’re house hunting — to buy or rent — an early start gives you more time to make a rational decision.

If you’re choosing at the last minute — you have to move out in a month, for instance — it’s difficult to look at a space objectively. Entrata’s 2025 Resident Report found renters prioritize basics such as rent, building condition and location. In a rush, you may only have time to consider one such factor.

The report also found that people are more likely to stick around when they enjoy the living experience as a whole. If you have time to compare features, amenities, conveniences, etc., you’re more likely to select a place that suits you long term, which can mean less moving in the future.

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How to avoid the rush

There’s no doubt, moving can be stressful. There’s much to do, including finding the right place, packing all your stuff, paying deposits and signing papers. It can feel like your rental market timing must be perfect or you’ll miss out.

KSL Homes can save you some time by helping you search, even when you’re not online. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, choose a Saved Search on your KSL account. You can choose your desired property parameters, then we’ll notify you when a new listing matches your specifications. 

To start a Saved Search, log in to your account, then tap on the heart icon. Tap on the Create a Saved Search button, then refine your search by factors such as:

• Location
• Price
• Property type
• Number of rooms
• Square footage
• Pet-friendly

Remember to enable notifications so you don’t miss a listing. When you see a property you like, mark it as a Favorite. This saves all the homes you’re interested in so you can easily compare them.

For property owners, spring is one of the best times to rent in Utah (and sell), so there may be several inquiries. When you learn of a new listing, reach out to the renter/seller as soon as possible so they know you’re interested. Be sure to use KSL’s Messages — our internal messaging system —  to safely communicate.

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Seasonal housing patterns in Utah

Home buying seasonality kicks into high gear in the spring. The school year is ending, the weather is more predictable and people are ready for a fresh start. 

If you’re selling, a recent national study suggests listing your house in early April, when there is above-average demand. Because demand is so high, there are more serious buyers instead of browsers. As a result, homes tend to sell faster when listed in spring than in other seasons.

List rental properties early

For rental property owners, it’s just as important to get your rental units listed early for the busy spring-to-summer moving season. While winter typically has the least number of people moving, it’s a good time to start ramping up for the spring. 

Renters who plan to move during the first summer months may start looking as early as February. If you know you’ll have an available property, list it as soon as possible. Listing on KSL Homes during the moving “offseason” gives house hunters plenty of time to find it, take a tour and ask questions.

Don’t miss out on spring listings

When do I start looking for a home? Now. Search KSL Homes to find the properties that will best meet your needs. Don’t postpone your search, thinking you’ll have plenty of time. The hunt for housing ramps up in the weeks before spring begins, so you’ll want to start early to peruse all your options.

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