With the long warm days almost behind us, the cool crisp mornings are creeping in to remind us that Winter is on it’s way. If you think Winter is a bad time for selling your Sydney home because it’s cold, rainy and the garden looks bare, you’re not alone.
Most homeowners prefer to wait until Spring – it’s warmer, the gardens are in bloom, and real estate agents call it “the peak selling period”.
Whilst there definitely are higher volumes of sales made during Spring, increased stock levels does not always equate to higher prices.
The truth is, when it comes to property prices it all comes down to a simple equation of supply and demand. If there are less properties for sale during Winter and demand remains steady, then it means lower numbers of sales but higher sale prices, and vice versa for Spring. This year the number of properties for sale in Spring is predicted to be even higher than usual as interest rates start to come down. This will have an impact on sale prices.
Buyers visiting open homes during Winter are usually more genuine, better qualified, and motivated to buy. They may have already sold their home earlier in the year but have not yet found anything to buy. Perhaps they have been renting until they find their next home. Whatever their circumstance, there are generally less tyre kickers at this time of year and with less properties to choose from buyers are more inclined to pay a premium.
However, not every property is suited to a Winter sale. Here are our top 5 things to consider:
- Aspect – Does your property have a south facing yard? Does it remain damp during winter due to a lack of sunlight? If this sounds like you, consider cutting back some trees and shrubs away from the house to allow in more sunlight.
- Heating – Make sure your home is warm and cosy during property inspections by switching on the heating or firing up the fireplace. Snug pieces of relaxed-style furniture, such as oversized floor cushions, designer beanbags and ottomans, all add a cosy element. Fire pits are also very popular for the outdoor winter garden or courtyard. If your home is cold and unwelcoming buyers will think twice about coming back.
- Lighting – Avoid cool coloured globes in favour of warmer tones, and use a combination of both table and floor lamps giving off multiple warm glows to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
- Clean windows & gutters – Sparkling clean windows will maximise the amount of sunlight entering your home which is critical during a winter sale. Ensure you time the open homes perfectly to maximise daylight to the property. Cleaning out roof gutters is also important to avoid any unexpected downpours or potential flooding on open house day.
- Prepare for wet weather – Winter is notorious for rainy Saturdays so it’s a good idea to be prepared in advance. Provide an umbrella stand, and welcome mat outside the door to prevent drips and mud being tracked in onto the carpet. Request the agent prepare a sign asking buyers to remove their shoes when they enter the home. This shows buyers that you take care of the property and leaves a positive impression.
If you’re still unsure whether it’s a good idea to sell during winter, consider this…… a winter sale allows you to sell when there are less competing properties on the market, and to buy in the ‘peak Spring selling season’ when more homes are listed for sale. With your sale done and dusted you’ll know exactly how much you have to spend, will have more properties to choose from, and a better chance of securing your next home for a lower price than expected.
If you’d like to know whether your property is suited to a Winter sale, or if you’d like some help choosing the best local agent, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our help won’t cost you a cent but could add tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars to your overall sale price. Call us today on 0411 522233 or visit us at www.sydneyvendoradvocates.au to find out how we can help.
