Here is Why You Should Sell in Winter
Deciding when to sell your home can be a tough decision to make.
Lucky for vendors, prices of houses are rising at the fastest pace in almost 18 years thanks to low interest rates, government incentives and a strengthening economy. 2020 also saw more Sydney dwellers make a move to the Blue Mountains to buy.
Here are some of our reasons why putting your house on the market this winter is ideal:
1. Less competition in the market
Traditionally, there is less homes on the market. This is one of the major reasons why you can stand out in the market in winter. In the past, it’s always been a bit slower. At the moment, the way the market is, it doesn’t matter what the season is. Traditionally, winter would be a time that there’s less volume and less lookers because of the climate. However, it allows a vendor to get a better result because those that are looking, they’re quite serious about being here.
2. The price point is higher than ever
Traditionally, the houses at the $2.5 million price point had views or some sort of wow-factor. Now, we are seeing some pretty amazing results just in general. As long as you’ve got that cottage atmosphere, the garden, that feel that people want in the Mountains – you can name your price.
3. People looking in winter actually want to buy
Vendors really are in the box seat during the winter months in the Upper Blue Mountains. The numbers have increased with more and more people coming through the doors at open homes. It’s not just locals either – many Sydneysiders are looking to make a lifestyle change and what better place than the Blue Mountains?
4. There are more people looking than ever before
Not only is the price up, but the volume of people looking is better than we’ve ever seen it. There is definitely more people looking up here than in 2020.
Even people from the Lower Blue Mountains are looking to come up this way with their kids. There is people like my cousin in his late 20s who has around 10 to 15 friends who have moved out of the inner West and started to buy in Springwood, Woodford, Hazelbrook, Katoomba – there is a real mix of people, but traditionally the younger ones are renting and now they are buying.
5. The houses are in their peak climate
One of the big advantages of selling (and buying!) in winter is that you get to see how the house operates when it’s cold. It allows you to see it in a season where you’re going to be spending more time indoors. You want a house that feels cosy and the fire’s on and the sun is coming in – that all adds to the atmosphere.
Take one of our houses on the market at the moment: 185 Megalong Street, Leura. This is a property that has all the wow-factor. It feels like an English pub with wallpapers and tartan carpet. To me, this house is a no-brainer to sell in winter because the fire is on and it’s bleak outside. As soon as you walk in, you just want to sit down and start drinking wine. That’s the advantage – living in the mountains is all about having the fire on and feeling warm. That’s when a house up here feels it’s best.
Ultimately, winter is an ideal time to sell with less competition in the market and serious buyers on the prowl. No matter what time of year you’re selling, a good real estate agent will point you in the right direction and make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity.
