Expert: Late July May Be the Best Time to Buy a Summer House or Land

While spring is traditionally considered the best time to buy a summer cottage or country home, July can actually be a much more favorable time for the buyer, when you can get an honest picture of the property and sellers are often more flexible in price negotiations, comments Toomas Laigu, a real estate broker at 1Partner Kinnisvara.

According to the 1Partner broker, many details emerge in summer that cannot be assessed in spring. For example, only at the peak of the season can you understand whether the terrace is pleasant in the evening sun, how many insects are in the area, how lively the neighborhood is, or whether the swimming spot is actually as good as described in the listing. "In March or April, it's difficult to assess how a place functions in July. In summer, the buyer can see both the strengths and weaknesses that the listing photos and description may not convey," says Toomas Laigu, noting that the market is bustling in spring and buyers often feel greater pressure to decide quickly, as they want to secure their new place before summer begins. However, this can lead to a situation where one buys more of an idea than actual lived experience. "When buying in spring, you inevitably have to imagine more. In July, you can see whether this place truly suits your lifestyle, whether it's good for spending weekends, working remotely, or spending time with family," explains Laigu.

In addition to a more realistic overview, the buyer may also have a better negotiating position in mid-summer. In spring, when demand is higher, sellers often confidently ask for a higher price, but if the property has been on the market for some time by July, sellers are more often willing to negotiate on price. "This doesn't always mean a very significant price reduction, but a profit of a few thousand euros is entirely realistic. Additionally, the buyer has more time to compare different properties and can carefully weigh the decision," says Laigu.

However, the broker emphasizes that even in summer, one should not decide based solely on emotion. Before purchasing, it's definitely worth checking the maintenance and legal status of the access road year-round, the quality of internet and mobile coverage, and in the case of a plot of land, the building rights. "These questions don't spoil the dream, but rather help ensure that it will hold up in everyday life. The purchase of a summer home is a long-term decision, and it's in July that you can make it most consciously," explains Laigu.