Is winter the secret season for savvy property moves?

Our recent survey of over 2,800 prospective buyers and homeowners revealed a fascinating trend. Only 14 per cent of homeowners believe winter is a good time to sell, yet a significant 44 per cent of prospective buyers are keen to purchase a home during the colder months.

As Trade Me Property spokesperson, Casey Wylde, puts it, "There's a long-held belief that you should wait until the garden is in bloom to sell your home, but our research shows a large number of buyers are ready to purchase right now." This creates a classic "chicken-and-egg" situation: sellers hold off, leading to fewer options for eager buyers. Sellers who jump in now are likely to reap the rewards!

Thinking of selling? Winter offers some distinct advantages:

Less Competition: Nearly half (47%) of surveyed homeowners found less competition from other sellers to be a top reason to list in winter.

Serious Buyers: 38% of homeowners noted more serious buyers in the market during winter. These aren't just sticky beaks – they're highly engaged.

Casey Wylde highlights that while some sellers worry their property won't show as well in winter (73% of sellers surveyed had this concern), this is precisely what makes a well-maintained home shine. "If your home is warm, dry, and well-maintained, it will stand out from the crowd and command attention from a pool of highly engaged prospective buyers," she says.

For buyers, winter provides a unique opportunity to truly assess a property. Many use the colder, wetter conditions to their advantage, checking how well a home holds up. This means you can spot any potential issues before making a big decision.

Plus, winter buyers enjoy:

Less Competition: 47% of winter buyers are motivated by less competition in the market.

Better Deals: 45% of winter buyers are hoping for a better deal.