A Guide to Selling Your Property in Winter

The winter months can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather but that shouldn’t be a reason not to sell your property. Selling your home in winter leverages the supply and demand metric. There is a reduction in supply and buyers are still in the market.

There are always people looking to buy, as Mark Wolens, Independent Property Group South’s Director explains.

“So many people think spring is the only time to sell, but the truth is unless your gardens are Floriade standard and it would really enhance your property to sell then, you’ll just be listing at the same time as everyone else if you wait. Even if you’re looking on to a basic garden, buyers can imagine living there very happily. There’s a buyer for every type of property.”

Is it harder to sell a house in winter?

It’s true that winter is a slow time with fewer buyers in the market and sellers waiting till spring to sell. But it can actually be a strategic move to sell your property in winter. While there may be fewer buyers in the market, those who are actively searching during winter are serious about purchasing. So if you need to sell in winter, you can actually do well by tapping into those interested buyers. 

With less competition, your home will stand out. Winter can also highlight certain features like cosy fireplaces or a stunning garden. By staging your home effectively and emphasising its cosy appeal, you can successfully achieve a strong sale price.

Selling your house in winter vs spring: Timing your home sale

In winter, reduced competition means your property stands out more. Serious buyers are actively looking to buy a home and may be more willing to negotiate. 

Spring is traditionally the peak selling season. Your home's garden and curb appeal can shine, and outdoor spaces can be showcased. However, increased competition may lead to more negotiations and potential price reductions. Ultimately, it really depends on what your priorities are and how quickly you want to sell your home. If you are ready to sell in winter, read our top tips to make the most of your time on the market. 

Top tips for selling your home in winter

There are many things you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers in winter. 

Warmth and lighting

Ensure your heating system is in excellent working condition and set the temperature to a comfortable level before showings. Maximise natural light by opening curtains and blinds during the day. Use lamps and warm-toned light bulbs to create a cosy atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

Cosy touches

When the temperature drops and the weather becomes a bit moodier and gloomier, you can help your home stand out by making it more cosy and comforting. From earth tones in your decor or adding soft blankets and rugs, try to create a warm ambience. An oil diffuser with warm, earthy scents can also help create a cosy atmosphere. 

Highlight the outdoor spaces

Even though it's winter, you can still showcase outdoor areas. Keep your garden and backyard in good condition. Highlight potential uses, such as winter barbecues or cosy fire pits.

Maintain curb appeal by keeping the exterior of your home clean and well-maintained. The outside appeal of your house is just as important as the inside. 

Flexible showings

Be flexible with scheduling showings to accommodate buyers' busy schedules. Evening showings can actually be better when the temperature cools down. A warm, inviting property will have a wonderful appeal. 

Alternatively, keep an eye on the weather app and choose to show your house on a sunny day. If you have lots of natural light and big windows, a sunny day in winter is the best time to highlight your home. 

Hire professional help

Whether it’s investing in high-quality photos to highlight your home’s best features or consulting with an experienced real estate agent to understand pricing, professional help can make all the difference. 

To make the most of selling your home in winter, consult with an Independent Property Group real estate agent who understands the seasonal dynamics and the market in Canberra. They can provide insights on how to best position your home for a quick sale.

Get ready to move

Rather than letting the cold weather dampen your moving plans, take some steps to ensure that your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Hire the professionals

Where you can, hiring professional removalists can make the move an easier process. They can help you pack up and move your belongings so that you can minimise the heavy lifting and focus on unpacking and settling into your new place.

Outsourcing the clean-up to professional cleaners, carpet cleaners and gardeners can also make life easier. If you’re short on time, outsource disconnecting services like electricity, water and internet too. 

Label your boxes

Do the little things like labelling your boxes relevant to the room that they belong to or what they contain when you are packing up. This will help your removalists identify the areas that the boxes need to go when they are unpacking in your new home, and you will be able to unpack the ones that you need more urgently.

Prepare for a full day

When you are organising your time of move-in winter, keep in mind that the daylight hours are shorter. Get started as early as you can to use most of the daylight that you have. 

If you have pets or children, moving day can be quite a stressful experience. Where possible, you might consider arranging for friends or family to care for them, which can reduce potential anxieties around the move.

Having a bag of essentials on hand including things like a small tool kit, some smaller cleaning items, snacks and even a change of clothes while they might seem insignificant, can help make the day run smoother.

If you are ready to sell, any time of year, reach out to Independent Group to have a chat. Head to our online appraisal page for a free, instant, online appraisal of your property.