There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best time to sell your home. As far as seasons go, there is a general consensus that spring is the best time of year to yield favourable sale outcomes. But it’s important to understand that the property market is not necessarily influenced by the seasonal change of weather, alone. Let’s take a look at some crucial factors to consider when determining the best time to sell your home.

By the seasons:

Spring

The idea behind why spring is such a popular choice for sellers is because many believe that after the cold, miserable winter, people are keen to embrace the season of sunny new beginnings – and what better way than buying a new home? There’s generally a greater number of buyers in the market, which drives up competition, and therefore drives up prices. Furthermore, gardens are in full bloom, the air temperature is comfortable, and the sun quite literally showcases your property in the best light.

Summer

This is a busy time of year for everyone in Australia. It’s the holiday season and therefore people are more concerned with family, festivities and lengthy vacations than they are looking for homes for sale. However, an upside to selling your home in late summer is that it could be a standout winner in a fairly dry market. This is particularly effective if your property is situated on a beach or waterfront, or is generally cold, dark and a little uninviting.

Autumn

Autumn tends to be another favourable time of year for owners to put up their homes for sale. Like spring, the autumn atmosphere is crisp, yet pleasant, and the changing colours can make a garden look stunning. It’s also considered a good time because the holiday season is over, people are generally less stressed and the chill of winter hasn’t yet arrived.

Winter

This is usually a slow period for the property market, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have its advantages. Buyers around this time of year are generally quite motivated and as they’re somewhat limited in choice, they may be inclined to offer a higher price to secure your property. Also, some homes for sale can really benefit from the cooler months if they have appealing features like an open fireplace. Nothing creates a warm, cosy atmosphere quite like a crackling fire on a winter afternoon.

Other considerations:

However, as we mentioned earlier, the seasons are not the only thing that influence the sale of your property. Some of these factors include:

• The current market – naturally, this will have the biggest impact on when you decide is the best time to sell. You should always conduct thorough research before you commit to listing your property and check out comparable homes in your area.
• Your personal situation – sometimes, whether we like it or not, life changes force us into selling our homes. Whether it’s due to relocating for work, expanding your family, or downsizing following a separation, in these instances the seasons will have little impact on what is right for you.
• The location of your property – different houses may sell better at different times of the year. Beach houses, for example, may attract greater interest in summer and therefore yield a better price, whereas a country home with lush gardens and manicured lawns could really do well in the springtime.

Ultimately, when you choose to sell your property depends entirely on what feels right for you. Just be sure to do your research and seek advice from a real estate agent to help make an informed decision.