The festive season, with its twinkling lights and merry atmosphere, might not seem like the ideal time to think about putting your house on the market. However, for many homeowners pondering over the sale of their property, Christmastime presents a unique set of opportunities. In order to help you decide if now is a good time to sell your home, we’ve delved into the pros and cons of putting your property on the market at Christmas.
What are the Advantages of Marketing your Property at Christmas Time?
High Traffic on Rightmove and Property Websites:
Boxing Day is not just about unwrapping gifts; it’s also when many people start their property search. Websites like Rightmove report their busiest days around this time. This surge in traffic can lead to more eyes on your property listing, potentially increasing the chances of a successful sale.
Festive Charm Adds Appeal:
Homes can look particularly inviting and charming during the Christmas and winter season. A well-decorated property, especially with a glowing fireplace or cosy lit candles, can capture the hearts of potential buyers, giving them a glimpse of what it would be like to celebrate the holidays as a family in their new home.
Less Competition:
Many sellers wait until after the New Year to list their properties, meaning there’s generally less competition on the market throughout December and through the Christmas week. Your property might stand out more easily to prospective buyers.
Serious Buyers are Active:
While the number of overall buyers might decrease, those who are house-hunting during this time are often more serious about making a purchase. This can lead to quicker sales and potentially better offers.
Enjoy the Festivities Stress-Free:
If you prepare your property for sale before Christmas comes, you can relax and enjoy the festive period. We can then handle the enquiries and build-up a list of viewings, leaving you to celebrate with family and friends.
So, what are the Disadvantages of Marketing Property at Christmas Time?
Festive Distractions:
Christmas is a busy time for many people. Potential buyers might be more focused on the festive activities, such as shopping, decorating the house and visiting family and friends, than on house hunting, which could mean fewer viewings through December.
Weather Challenges:
Let’s face it, winter weather can be a deterrent. Bad weather can make it difficult for buyers to view properties and can also hide some of the kerb appeal of your home.
Limited Kerb Appeal:
While festive decorations can be a plus, they can also distract from the actual features of your home. Also, gardens and outdoor spaces often don’t look their best during the winter months.
Holiday Travel:
Potential buyers and property professionals might be travelling during this period, leading to scheduling challenges and delayed responses.
How to Maximise the Potential of a Boxing Day Launch
Here at Arden Estates, we’ve had great success over recent years by launching properties on Boxing Day. By marketing your property this way, you’re able to prepare your home for photos early (preferably before Christmas decorations go up, so your photos don’t look dated by January), you can sign off all marketing and paperwork, meaning there’s no additional stress over Christmas, and we’ll do all the hard work – sending your property live on Boxing Day, taking calls and arranging viewings on your property for future date or an open day that you’ve agreed to.
Here’s your stress-free plan:
Prepare Early:
Ensure your property is photographed and all marketing materials are ready before the Christmas rush. This allows you to enjoy the festivities while we work on attracting potential buyers.
Utilise Online Platforms:
With high traffic on property websites, such as Rightmove, during Boxing Day, we’ll make sure your listing is compelling with professional photos and detailed descriptions.
Highlight Seasonal Features:
If your home has features that shine in the winter, like an efficient heating system or a cosy fireplace, make sure these are highlighted in your listing.
Be Flexible with Viewings:
While it’s important to enjoy Christmas, having some flexibility with viewing times can accommodate serious buyers who are using their break to house hunt.
Price It Right:
Pricing is crucial, especially during a time when fewer buyers may be active. A well-priced home can attract more attention and potentially lead to a quicker sale.
Conclusion
Selling your property over the Christmas period has its unique set of advantages and challenges. While there are considerations like weather and holiday distractions, the festive season can also bring serious buyers and less competition. A Boxing Day launch, in particular, can capitalise on the spike in online property searches, giving your listing a significant boost. With the right preparation and strategy, you can enjoy the festive season while your agent handles the complexities of the sale, potentially ringing in the New Year with a successful house sale.
For a Free Valuation and an informal chat, contact your local Arden branch. We have offices in Barnt Green, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Rubery, Solihull and Worcester, and our friendly team of experts are here to advise and help you every step of the way.