Five reasons why January might be the perfect time to sell your home

 It’s a truth universally known, that when it comes to buying and selling houses - timing is everything.

 And for those of you waiting patiently in the wings, watching the housing market merry-go-round of rising and falling prices, trying to time your purchase during a buyer’s market, or your sale during a seller’s market, watching for the right mortgage rate window to open, lock in the perfect rate and avoid any nasty budget announcements, well, the whole process can be pretty draining.

 The one thing you DON’T want to do, is go on the market in the depths of winter. Right?

 Well, not necessarily. While spring and summer are typically peak seasons in the housing market, bustling with buyers and sellers, moving home in winter offers unique opportunities for the motivated buyer…and seller.

 Here are five reasons why January might be the perfect time to sell your home:

1.     Less competition

With far fewer homes listed in January, compared for example, to the busier months of March, April and May, putting your house on the market at this quieter time ensures your home stands out from the dwindling crowd. With a smaller pool of properties to choose from, with premium marketing behind you, your home is bound to capture the attention of the serious buyers who are perusing the listings.

 These motivated buyers browsing Rightmove in the winter months are more likely to act quickly in this less crowded market.

2.     Motivated buyers

It’s no secret that winter is the ‘non-traditional’ time of year to move home, so it stands to reason that those out house hunting have a driven reason for doing so.

 From job relocations, moving home to be nearer to family, to financial motivations there are a host of reasons why those moving in the bleak midwinter make some of the most motivated and committed buyers. As such, they are more ready to make decisions and proceed with a purchase.

3.     Fresh start mindset

Never underestimate the impact of the December 31st psychology. Now that Christmas is behind us, and a new year stretching out ahead, many people view January as a time for new beginnings. What neater way in which to wrap up 2024 and embark upon the new year than with moving home?

 The fresh start mindset can often motivate us into making big life changes, such as buying a new home. Take this into account when marketing your home, ensuring you promote it through photography and brochure copy as the perfect "fresh start" or “blank canvas” for buyers to begin a new chapter in.

4.     Winter cosy vibes

Whether you’re a winter person, or a summer person, it’s hard to resist the allure of cosy lamps on cold evenings, steaming mugs of hot cocoa and a roaring log fire. 

 Perfecting your lighting and home décor with careful styling and some well-placed seasonal decorations can capture the imagination; after all, when you picture home as a storybook sanctuary, isn’t it always as that toasty refuge away from the cold rainy nights?

 Launching a well-staged home in January can leave a memorable impression on motivated buyers. 

5.     Quiet market – quicker completion

While this is in no way guaranteed, and always down to individual circumstances of buyers and sellers, traditionally speaking, the quieter January housing market can often facilitate quicker transactions.

 With less competition for services including surveyors, mortgage advisors, solicitors and even moving companies, selling in the height of winter can mean less congested processes for serious buyers, resulting in smoother sales.

 Every seller’s journey is different, but with less competition and motivated buyers, rather than waiting for the congested spring market, January really can be a golden opportunity to sell your home.

 If you’re unsure of whether to sell, or hold out for spring, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d be delighted to discuss the market in your area and give you our own thoughts on when might be the best time to make that move. Call us now on 0118 304 7177