While spring and summer are often considered prime seasons for selling a home, winter offers unique advantages for property sellers in Scotland. Sellers benefit from less competition from other properties, a more motivated buyer pool and even the potential for higher sale prices. Here’s why selling in winter might be the best move you can make!
Data Trends: Winter’s Advantage Over Spring and Summer
We reached out to Connor Galbraith from ESPC to see if the data supports our experience from recent years.
According to Connor, ”For those hesitant about selling during Winter, it’s worth noting that going to market during this period may be an opportunity to have your home available when the demand is much greater than the supply.
Whilst this trend has remained consistent for the last several years, our data continues to highlight that the hesitance sellers seem to have around selling in Winter is maybe unfounded and there may actually be more opportunity than they realise.”
Over the past three years, the autumn-winter period saw 1.4% more sales than new properties coming to the market. Compared to the spring-summer period, where we see a 14.1% drop in the number of sales compared to new properties coming to the market, we can see that demand remains steady, even as fewer homes are available.
According to statistics from ESPC, even though there were 5.5% fewer sales than properties coming to the market in the winter of 2023, this compared with 24.7% fewer sales than properties coming to the market in spring.
Less Competition, More Interest
The market typically sees a reduction in properties coming to market in winter compared to the busier spring and summer months. With fewer homes competing for buyers’ attention, your property is more likely to stand out and attract interest. Unlike the saturated summer market, where buyers hold the upper hand, winter’s reduced inventory works to the seller’s advantage, potentially leading to more competitive offers.
Motivated Buyers Who Mean Business
House buyers are motivated by a number of factors. This might include the impending pitter-patter of tiny feet, unfortunate circumstances like bereavement, separation or divorce, ill-health, relocation for work or simply the desire for more space or a more suitable home. It sounds obvious, but these circumstances don’t stop happening during winter! These buyers are serious about moving. Those braving colder temperatures and potential weather challenges are often in genuine need of a new home and tend to be more motivated, decisive, and ready to act, making it easier for sellers to secure timely offers.
Better Odds of Hitting Your Asking Price
Selling in winter can boost your chances of securing your asking price or even higher. With fewer homes available, the demand-supply balance shifts in favour of sellers. Buyers are less inclined to negotiate heavily or delay, aware that options are limited.
In spring and summer, abundant choice can lead to cautious offers or buyers trying to haggle-down prices. By contrast, winter’s tighter market encourages decisive action and fosters a buying environment where motivated buyers are willing to meet the seller’s price to avoid missing out.
The “New Year, New Me” Effect
Many people start afresh in January, driven by new jobs, lifestyle changes, or relationships. This “New Year, New Me” mindset often results in buyers eager to make their move during winter. As they aim to start afresh in a new home, they bring renewed focus to the market, making winter a period when buyer motivation can be at its peak.
Showcase Your Home’s Cosy Appeal
Winter presents an opportunity to showcase your home’s charm. Elements like a crackling fire, cosy lighting, and seasonal decor create a welcoming atmosphere that’s hard to resist. This is especially beneficial for homes with less natural light. The shorter days allow you to highlight the warmth and character of the property.
Highlight Energy Efficiency
The colder months are perfect for showcasing your home’s energy efficiency. This is a critical factor in today’s market. Buyers are increasingly conscious of energy costs, and a property with a high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can be particularly appealing. Making these features a focal point can attract eco-conscious buyers willing to pay a “green premium.”
For homeowners considering whether winter is the right time to sell, the message is clear: selling during this period can be a strategic choice, offering unique advantages and, more often than not, leading to successful sales.
Thinking of Selling Your Property?
If you’re thinking of selling your property, our team of experts is here to help you get the best possible price in the quickest possible time. With decades of experience under our belt, we’ve seen all possible market conditions over the years and are perfectly placed to help you navigate the current property landscape. Get in touch today!
Fill in our free online home valuation form here
Call us on 0345 646 0208 (Option 1)
or email [email protected] to organise a free valuation of your home or to get a full, transparent breakdown of the costs of selling your home.
Thinking of Buying?
Our specialist Purchasing Team helps thousands of buyers every year to get the best deal on their next dream home, while our friendly and expert lawyers will guide you step-by-step through the Scottish buying process until you have the keys in your hand.
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or email [email protected], and we’ll be delighted to help.
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