A growing number of sales agents are choosing to work over the Christmas – New Year period and sellers are reaping the rewards. Photo: Independent Property Group.
Canberrans have long been reluctant to put their homes on the market over the holiday season. Fewer agents to work with and buyers to attract can make it seem a tough ask, but there are some pretty enticing advantages to selling between mid-December and early January.
Sales consultant Phil Smith is one of a few local agents who have claimed holidays as their go-time, primarily to take advantage of reduced competition. He believes sellers shouldn’t be scared away by a lack of sales staff.
“It might seem inconvenient, but it can actually work in your favour,” he says.
“My colleague Lauren Myles and I were the only agents in the office over the Christmas to New Year period. When you usually work in a team of 30, it’s a brilliant opportunity to hone your skills and essentially have large sections of the market all to yourself.
“The same is true for buyers as well – you might have to look a little harder for what you’re after, but once you find it, your chances of securing a sale are much higher.”
The end of 2022 brought great success for Team Phil, part of Independent Property Group North.
Phil and Lauren sold 10 properties over the season, including a Lawson home that sold to an investor just 12 days after being listed.
“A lot of homeowners are reluctant to put their properties on the market after the 15th of December. There’s a real mindset that waiting until the new year is better, but I think you’re missing out on a great opportunity.
“We see lots of students and graduates this time of year looking to secure a practical dwelling close to local universities and business parks. Belconnen and the inner city always see a lot of activity.”
As well as owner-occupiers, Phil says investors use the break to source properties that suit students, government workers and young professionals looking for a smart rental.
Independent North sold around 10 properties between 22 December and 15 January last year, and in nearly all cases, buyers had the cash ready to go. Photo: Independent Property Group.
There are a few reasons why most homeowners wait until mid-January to list their property. Brokers and conveyancers are generally harder to track down, so legal processes have the potential to drag out.
Committing to selling over Christmas also means giving up some of the downtime many homeowners look forward to all year.
“Particularly when visiting family and friends or holiday travel is on the cards, sellers may not want to spend their days off meeting with their agent or making sure the house is show-ready,” Phil says.
“The same goes for buyers looking to fill their diary with open homes. Manage your energy and allow time between viewings for everything to sink in. Fatigue can withdraw even the strongest from the market.”
In a transient and growing population like Canberra’s, the chance to secure interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is not one to pass up. Phil’s best advice for sellers is to make sure their home stands out for all the right reasons.
“Interstate buyers see real value for their money here and it makes more sense for them to buy rather than compete for a rental,” Phil says.
“Most are only in town for a day or two, and with a smaller pool of properties to view, they’re highly motivated. This is a great opportunity for sellers since they can remain quite staunch with their preferred price.
“Buyers generally want to walk into a home that looks comfortable, clean and complete. Keep this in mind, make sure the listing reflects your target market and your home will sell in no time over the break.”
If you are considering selling your home during the holiday season, get in touch with Independent Property Group.
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