When Is The Best Season To Sell Your House?

Everyone knows that Spring is the best season to sell a house, right?

The main reason behind this myth is that after the cold and wretchedness of winter, there is a bigger pool of home purchasers getting all over town to search for properties. This implies more rivalry for properties, which drives costs up. On head of that, gardens put their best self forward, there's more sunshine and it's commonly a great time showcase your home in great light. There’s nothing like a warm sunny day for a home open after all!

Sure – there is some truth behind this. But one thing to remember if you are holding out for the sunnier season, you won't be the only homeowner looking to sell with a similar thought. On the off chance that there's nothing especially unique about your home, it could become mixed up in an oversupplied real estate market.

Autumn is usually the next best season according to real estate mythology.

Truth be told, properties will sell at any time of the year if they are marketed right and well-prepared for inspections. We thought it might be helpful expand your thinking on this a little starting with the different factors you need to consider before selling your home:

1. What the market is doing. Supply and demand will have the greatest effect on whether it's a buyer’s or seller’s market. The key question to ask is – is the market oversupplied or undersupplied?
2. Your own need to sell. Can you wait until Spring to list, or is your home ready to go? Logistically moving to a new house in busy times of the year could put extra pressure on your family, plus if you need to find alternative accommodation in the interim when you first move out, certain seasons will have higher costs associated.
3. The area of your property. Beach front homes are way more attractive in the Summer, while a rural property may look best in the middle of winter when crops are at their best.

Spring

Upside - Winter's finished, the weather is heating up and gardens are in bloom. Spring is a period of optimism and expectation, when individuals are prepared to get outside more regularly and begin scanning for that ideal property. The long winter tends to trigger a desire for change.

Downside – Everyone else who is ready to sell is probably thinking the same and so the market will be overrun with properties potentially similar to yours, reducing your chance of good exposure and good return.

Summer

Upside – depending on where your property is, Summer could be a great time to sell. There are traditionally more tourists in the area with family events and school holidays. The warmth and the jovial time that summer brings encourages people to move to the area. Beach or waterfront properties are great for this period. Very few people list during this time which opens up the opportunity for your property to shine through.

Downside – The lead up to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations often fills up schedules which can mean less people are in the mood for house-hunting.

Autumn

Upside – Summer celebrations are done; people are back at work and have moved on to activating their dreams or plans to move into a new place. There is more time for looking around and weather here on the Eyre Peninsula is still beautifully warm giving your home the best chance to shine in the autumn sun. Easter holidays and plenty of long weekends in this period could be attractive for people looking to manage their move around work commitments.

Downside – People are ‘settled in’ for the year, especially those with families and may not be interested in moving at that time.

Winter

Upside – More people are indoors and settled into spending time researching online. With little outdoors to be done, it’s the perfect time to expose your property to those who are unsettled and stuck indoors. The market is quieter during this time giving your home more chance to stand out. There is quite a bit of movement from people who have sold in Autumn too and are looking for a new home to move into.

Downside – people are less motivated to attend opens and get out and about on a house hunt. With shorter days and less sunshine homes can look a little lack-lustre during this time. Good lighting and heating within the home when you do have inspections is encouraged during this season.

Before you choose to list your home, have a chat to our local real estate sales team who can walk you through the current opportunities to sell. You can get an appraisal sorted and be ready for whichever season you decide to jump into.