June 2022
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When you’re looking to buy or sell a rental property, it’s important to consider your timing. While it’s possible to achieve a good sale price or find your ideal property throughout the year, the seasons can play a part. We take a look at the best times to list and buy property.
The two peak activity seasons in the real estate market are mid-late summer and spring. New Zealanders love their summer holidays, so things usually get a little quieter over the Christmas – New Year holiday period. The property market generally then picks up speed from mid-January. From here through to around April listings are often on the rise. Listings are also at peak levels in spring, with many homeowners using the quieter winter months to prep their properties for sale. Your property is also likely to look its best during these warmer, dryer months.
However, with listings at their peak at these times you’ll also face a lot of competition from other sellers. You may want to consider selling during winter when you’ll face less competition and could achieve a premium price for your property. The summer holidays also tend to bring a lot of activity for seasonal locations such as Omaha, the Coromandel and other popular holiday locations. And of course, a lot of ex-pat Kiwis come home over the break and take the opportunity to look for their dream home against their eventual return.
Read more about Preparing Your Property For Sale.
With listings at their height, mid-late summer and spring are a great time to look for your ideal property. There’ll be more choice of properties available and you’ll have great conditions for visiting open homes.
On the downside, you’re also likely to face more competition which means you’ll need to be quick and committed to secure the perfect investment property. Viewing houses in winter instead may give you a more realistic view of what the property is like for tenants to live in during the colder months.
The method of sale you choose could well be affected by the seasons. Auctions net the best results when buyer competition is at its peak, so if you’re looking to sell by auction the summer or spring months are likely to be ideal.
Read our article on All You Need To Know About Sale By Auction.
If you’re looking to sell and are unsure of the best sales method, check out Which Method of Sale is Right For Your Property?
Putting the seasons to one side, the biggest factor in when to buy or sell comes down to you. The key driver should be your circumstances and what’s driving your decision to sell and or buy. Work out when you want to be in your new home or secure your new investment, and work backwards from there! Every season has its pros and cons, and good sales can be achieved at any time of the year.
Call 0800 CROCKERS or Call 0800 2762 5377
