diff --git a/tests/libtest.sh b/tests/libtest.sh
index 60268640..8dab5a6c 100644
--- a/tests/libtest.sh
+++ b/tests/libtest.sh
@@ -360,6 +360,10 @@ update_repo () {
         collection_args=
     fi
 
+    if test -f repos/${REPONAME}/summary; then
+        sleep 1 # ensure we get a new timestamp on the summary files
+    fi
+
     ${FLATPAK} build-update-repo ${collection_args} ${GPGARGS:-${FL_GPGARGS}} ${UPDATE_REPO_ARGS-} repos/${REPONAME}
 }