A Helpful Guide: The Best Time to Sell Your Home in NZ
Selling your house in New Zealand involves more than just listing it on the market and putting up a ‘For Sale’ sign. The property market can be dynamic and unpredictable, and knowing when to sell is often just as important as how you sell.
Traditionally, spring is the busiest season for real estate, often seen as the most active and potentially profitable time to sell a home. In contrast, winter is typically slower, with fewer listings and buyers, but this does not necessarily make it an unfavourable time to sell. Serious buyers are still active, and other key factors beyond seasonality should be considered.
Timing is crucial, and understanding what influences it can help you make a more informed and strategic decision when selling your property.
We have outlined essential criteria to consider before putting your home on the market.
Personal circumstances
This is the most important factor when considering selling your property. Personal circumstances include family changes, such as if you are expanding your family or children moving out of home. Think about your future plans as well, as these changes will have an impact on the size and location of your property.
Another personal circumstance includes your financial situation. If managing a substantial mortgage has become challenging, selling your home for a smaller one could free up funds. Alternatively, even without financial strain, selling your home might be a strategic move to increase wealth due to potential capital gains in your area.
Regardless of any other criteria listed, if your circumstances are not conducive to a property move, then it might be best to stay at the home until they are.
When is the best time to sell your property?
Timing plays a significant role when it comes to selling your home. While you can sell at any time of the year, certain seasons tend to bring more buyer activity, competition, and ultimately, better prices. So, when exactly is the right time to put your property on the market?
Spring and summer: the popular choice
Spring and summer are traditionally considered the best seasons to sell. Why? Warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and vibrant gardens make homes look their best. September to November are deemed the best months to sell your property.
For families, this is also an ideal time to house hunt. With the school year winding down, many parents prefer to buy and move during this window, avoiding disruption to their kids' education. Plus, it gives them time to settle in before the new school year begins.
If your home features a swimming pool or a thriving garden, these attributes are particularly appealing during warmer months. Showcasing them at their peak allows prospective buyers to easily envision themselves enjoying the space.
Expert tip: List your property in early spring. While the warmer months attract more buyers, they also increase competition. Waiting too long into the season can mean your listing gets lost among many others. The key is to get ahead of the curve.
While spring and summer offer distinct advantages, it is important to recognise that increased popularity also means greater market saturation. Standing out amidst numerous listings can be more challenging during this period. A strong marketing strategy and an experienced real estate agent become even more important during this time.
Autumn and winter: the underrated opportunity
Autumn and winter are often seen as slower seasons in real estate. Buyers tend to be less active, especially around the busy holiday period, when people are focused on other financial and personal commitments.
But this slower pace can actually present unique advantages. With fewer listings on the market, your property has a better chance of standing out. And while demand may be lower, buyers who are active during these seasons are usually serious and ready to purchase.
If your home is warm, inviting, and well-insulated, autumn and winter can be the perfect time to sell. A cosy fireplace, double-glazed windows, and stylish indoor entertaining areas all become major selling points. Autumn, in particular, adds a beautiful touch if your garden features deciduous trees, think orange and red leaves that create an elegant, seasonal atmosphere.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each season comes with its opportunities and challenges. The most crucial factor is understanding how your home excels in various conditions and aligning your sales strategy to maximise its potential.
Understand the state of the property market
While this may not be the most critical factor, aligning your property sale with the broader property cycle can be advantageous. As a seller, favourable conditions, often referred to as a “seller’s market”, can present an opportunity to achieve a higher sale price.
One common indicator of such a market is low interest rates. This also impacts a rise in buyer demand. A higher volume of interested buyers can lead to competitive offers, which may drive up the final sale price. Monitoring interest rate trends and market activity can help determine the most strategic time to sell.
Real estate markets can differ significantly by region. By researching local market trends such as average sale prices and days on market, you will be better equipped to determine the ideal time to sell your property.
Overall economic performance
The economy and the property market are closely related, so if you are thinking of selling, it is important to assess New Zealand’s economic climate. A sign it could be a good time to sell is if the stock market is facing extreme volatility.
This is because investors may view property as an alternative asset class for their capital during periods of stock market instability or when facing potential external economic shocks or risks.
On the other hand, strong economic conditions can also mean that it is a good time to sell because buyers' purchasing power will be higher. It is likely that wages could increase, and people will benefit from extra returns on investment. It is important to analyse the economic conditions’ impact in your specific area and discuss it with your real estate agent or financial advisor.
The condition of your property
If you are living in your property but are noticing some parts of your home needing repair/s, you might consider renovating. However, it is worth considering selling at the same time, as renovations can be costly, time-consuming, and many homeowners end up overcapitalising.
Look at the market and see if there are other properties that fit your needs more closely. If so, it could be a better option to sell your home than to renovate.
Key takeaways
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best time to sell your home. It can be a complex decision, but what is most important is that you have thoroughly considered the key factors outlined above.
Equally important is having a clear reason for selling. Whether you're upsizing, relocating, or starting a new chapter, it’s helpful to have a well-thought-out plan, not just selling for potential capital gains alone. Knowing your next steps will give you more confidence and direction throughout the process.
Most importantly, an experienced agent will ensure that you make the most informed choices when selling your home. Talk to your local LJ Hooker agent for insights on whether it is a good time to sell or simply download our eBook to give you The Complete Guide To Selling Your Home.
