As the days get longer and Kiwis start counting down to summer, many homeowners begin wondering whether it’s worth putting their property on the market now or waiting until the new year.
It’s a decision that comes up every November. The end of the year can feel like a natural pause point, but it can also present some of the best opportunities to sell. The right timing depends on your goals, local market conditions and how ready your home is to list.
Why selling now can pay off
There are strong advantages to listing in November or early December, particularly if your property is well-prepared and you want to take advantage of current buyer activity.
1. Serious buyers are still active
While spring is typically the busiest season for listings, many serious buyers are still in the market heading into summer. They’re motivated to purchase and settle before Christmas or early in the new year. With recent signs of improving affordability and more competitive mortgage rates, confidence is returning to the market, especially among first-home buyers and upgraders who have been waiting for the right moment to act.
2. Less competition from other properties
Listing activity usually peaks in October and starts to taper off by November. Fewer new properties coming online means your home could stand out more, attracting stronger attention from motivated buyers who haven’t yet found their perfect fit.
3. Potential to be sold and settled before Christmas
If you list now, there’s still enough time to complete a marketing campaign, run open homes and go to auction or negotiate a sale before the holidays. Many buyers are eager to move in over summer, so there’s strong incentive to finalise a purchase. A pre-Christmas sale also gives you a clean start for 2026, whether you’re upgrading, downsizing or simply taking a breather.Why waiting until the new year might suit you
For others, holding off until January can make strategic sense. The start of the year brings renewed buyer enthusiasm, a refreshed market and more time to get your property presentation just right.
1. A surge in post-holiday buyers
The property market often sees a noticeable lift in buyer activity in early January. Many people spend the summer break reassessing their goals and finances and house hunting often becomes a top priority once the holidays end. Launching in January means tapping into that renewed motivation.
2. Your home can shine in the summer light
New Zealand homes tend to photograph and present beautifully in summer. Lush gardens, long daylight hours and bright interiors all make for a more appealing first impression. If you need time to finish small improvements or professional styling, waiting a few weeks could lead to a stronger campaign.
3. More preparation time
Using the end of the year to complete maintenance, decluttering or landscaping can set you up for a standout launch. With demand expected to remain steady through the early months of 2026, taking your time may pay off.Understanding the market
Across much of New Zealand, property data from Cotality and Realestate.co.nz has shown stable to slightly rising prices over recent months, with listings holding firm and buyer enquiry gradually improving.
Mortgage rates remain a key factor. As banks begin to compete for borrowers and inflation remains with target, many economists expect lending conditions to ease slightly heading into 2026. That optimism is encouraging more first-home buyers back into the market, particularly in regional areas where prices remain more affordable.
Making the right decision for you
If you’re ready to move, selling now could mean getting ahead of the competition and taking advantage of active, motivated buyers. For others, a short pause over summer can create breathing room and allow for a well-planned campaign in January.
The key is to base your decision on your circumstances, not the calendar. Speak with your local real estate agent about local buyer demand, average days on market and recent comparable sales to help guide your timing.
Whether you sell now or wait until the new year, both options offer distinct advantages. Listing in November can deliver speed and visibility, while launching in January can capture the energy of a new market cycle.
Either way, preparation and strategy matter most. The sooner you plan, the better positioned you’ll be to achieve a great result, whether that’s before Christmas or in the bright start of 2026.
Talk to your local LJ Hooker office today for insights on current buyer activity and the best timing to sell your home with confidence.
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