While the property market has evolved considerably in recent times, there are still many traditional elements associated with buying and selling of homes. One traditional feature of the market has been the market lying dormant at the start of a New Year, with many people waiting for spring to engage with the property market.
There were many reasons why this was the case, including:
- Driving conditions were poor in winter so few people wanted to travel
- A lack of daylight hours to properly view the home
- Many people lacking motivation to leave their home to undertake a viewing
These elements were enough to dampen enthusiasm for the property market in winter but there have been enough changes and developments to say that this is no longer the case.
For one, the level of demand in the property market means it is a year-round market. There are so many people looking to buy homes that it doesn’t make sense to have a period of inactivity in the market.
While there is demand all year round, there is the added bonus in January that many people will be highly motivated to buy or make a change in their life. This is because January is the month where people see their life as being a blank slate and they commit to making changes or improvements to life. If you want to sell your home, it is best to have it available in the market when people feel most motivated to buy.
January provides a great opportunity in the property market
Homeowners that decide against selling their property in winter or placing it on to the market in January are missing an opportunity and they inadvertently create a better opportunity for other sellers. This is because when there are few houses to buy in the marketplace, and the demand is still in place, the homes that are on sale are more likely to be seen. If other sellers don’t have their property on the market, there is a bigger incentive for you to have your home on the market because the odds of your home being seen are increased.
There is also the fact that improved technology has made it easier for people to view homes and get to know a property from their own home or work. This means that difficult weather conditions or cold temperatures are no longer the barrier to viewings and interested buyers that they used to be. With good quality images and video content, online property portals allow interested buyers to view a home and understand what is on offer.
Great homes stand out during winter
If you believe that your property is of a high standard, there is a pressing argument to place it on the market in winter. Many homes look good and feel great in the middle of summer when the weather is warm, gardens are in great condition and homes feel secure and robust. However, many of these homes are not as attractive or as appealing in winter as poor insulation or roofing problems affect the look and feel of a home.
Of course, if you have a great home that is as stylish, attractive and as welcoming in winter as it is in spring, you’ll find that it becomes very appealing to potential buyers. Savvy buyers want to see homes during the winter months because this provides a more genuine reflection on what the home offers. If your home is of a high standard, it makes sense to place it on to the market in winter because it will stand out from the crowd.
There is never a bad time to place your property on the market so there is no need to wait until spring.
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