It all depends on the buyer
The optimal timing for selling a property depends on two main factors, in addition to general seasonal trends: the property type and the target buyer audience, which, in turn, is influenced by the property type. Each type of buyer has their specific needs and seeks properties that align with those needs.
Understanding your target audience is crucial in determining the best time to sell. Try to envision which group of buyers your property would be most appealing to. Might it be suitable for a family with children? An older couple? Below, we will explore three scenarios with different property types and buyer groups.
Scenario 1: family-friendly apartment or single-family house
Let's assume you have a spacious 5-bedroom apartment with a garden to sell. Obviously, the property is well-suited for a family with children. With such a roomy property, the future residents are likely to have more than one child. Therefore, there's a good chance that the oldest child is already of school age. Since families with children prefer to move before the start of the new school year, most prospective family buyers will likely start their search for a new home sometime between New Year and spring. Therefore, it's advantageous to plan the sale of a family-friendly apartment or single-family house so that the new owners can move in during the summer vacation.
Scenario 2: house with a beautiful garden
A large garden is one of the main selling points of any property. And no matter how skilled a gardener you are, you can't cheat nature. Gardens simply look their best in the summer or spring! Selling a property with a garden in the spring or summer offers several advantages that can boost the interest of potential buyers and positively impact the sales process:
- Garden in full bloom: In the summer, the garden shines in its full glory. Blooming flowers, lush shrubs, and a lawn join to create an attractive and inviting atmosphere. Now, contrast that with a garden in winter: bare trees, dead branches, and a lots of mud.
- Outdoor lifestyle: In the summer, buyers are more inclined to spend time outdoors. A garden provides the perfect setting for summer activities like barbecues, gardening, and outdoor relaxation.
Overall, summer provides an ideal opportunity to showcase a garden as a highlight of the property. The visual appeal, emphasis on outdoor lifestyle, and the potential to evoke positive emotions make summer a promising season for selling a house with a garden.
Scenario 3: Small city apartment
Selling a small city apartment is likely to be less dependent on the season for several reasons:
- You are likely selling a your apartment to an individual or a couple. If there are no children involved, the move doesn't necessarily have to take place during the summer holidays.
- Individuals or couples who can afford to buy an apartment in the city are likely to be working professionals focused on their careers. These kinds of people are dynamic and oftentimes more open to a move on short notice, such as when starting a new job.
- Unlike a house with a garden, an apartment can be made to look good even in the winter.
Therefore, a small city apartment, especially in a desirable location, is likely to attract buyers throughout the entire year.
General seasonal trends
You may have heard general statements from other property owners or real estate agents such as: "You can't sell a property in winter!" or "Always list in the spring!" And while there are general market trends, the differences are much smaller nowadays than one might assume.
At Neho, we mainly observe a New Year's lull as well as a summer lull. In other words, fewer properties are listed for sale during the Christmas and summer holidays. But here's the good news for sellers: this doesn't mean that summer and winter are bad times to sell. Fewer listings also mean less competition. Therefore, ruling out summer or winter as potential selling times is likely the wrong strategy!
Trends both seasonal and regional – your Neho agent can help you
When it comes to understanding seasonal trends in the real estate market, a real estate agent is still the best person to consult. With his or her expertise and experience, he or she can provide comprehensive guidance on your sale, helping you make the best decisions regarding the timing of the sale and the marketing strategy.
