Is summer 2024/2025 a good time to list your home for sale?

With uncertainty around interest rates and market conditions, you may be wondering if summer 2024/2025 will be the right time to list your home.

There are a few different factors to consider, but generally speaking, sellers can still expect plenty of interest and a positive outcome.

Why summer is traditionally a great time to sell

Spring and summer have long been favoured by home sellers, and for good reason. The warmer weather tends to bring more buyers out to inspect properties, creating a busier market atmosphere and more competition.

It’s a good idea to list in December if you can because many families look to settle into a new home before the school year starts. During the rest of summer, you have plenty of natural light that makes your home look its best, and the advantage of visitors to the area if you live somewhere regional.

Market conditions are steady

According to Core Logic,  while the annual pace of growth has slowed, national values were still up 6.0% for the year leading up to October.

Depending on the city or region you’re in, statistics will either show a steady increase (Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane) or a very slight ‘settling’ of less than two per cent (Melbourne, Hobart, Darwin).

Lack of supply is still fuelling these strong prices. While interest rates were left unchanged in November, lower inflation means economists are now confident there will be a rate drop over the next six months. This is bringing cautious optimism to the market, and many buyers understand the value of getting into a home before rates drop.

Things to consider before listing in summer

While summer offers many advantages, it’s not without its challenges. Careful preparation can help you maximise the season’s benefits. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• Holiday distractions: The summer holidays, particularly around Christmas and New Year, can see buyers’ attention diverted to travel and celebrations. Aim to list your property either earlier in December or after the holiday period in January for maximum visibility.
• Heat and inspections: You don’t want the heat to put people off. Ensure your home feels cool and inviting by switching on the air conditioning or opening windows for ventilation. Time your open home for mid or late morning, before temperatures peak for the day. You may even decide to have a late afternoon showing.
• Local market conditions: Speak with a real estate agent to understand buyer activity in your area and whether this summer is a good time to put your place on the market.

How to make your home stand out this summer

While there is still plenty of buyer demand, it’s important to spend time preparing your home so it stands out from the competition.

Before you list your place for sale in summer:

• Enhance your outdoor spaces: Buyers will be drawn to well-maintained gardens, patios and decks. Consider adding an outdoor furniture set or a pop of colour with flowers.
• Prioritise natural light: Open curtains, clean your windows and use strategically placed mirrors to create a bright and airy interior.
• Keep it cool: Make sure your home feels comfortable when buyers walk in by addressing any ventilation or cooling needs before inspections begin.
• Stage for summer living: Highlight features that suit the season, such as a covered entertaining area.

Is summer 2024/2025 the right time to sell?

If you need to sell, you need to sell, but summer is an excellent time to get noticed. Buyers tend to be out in force, and your real estate agent will have plenty of interested parties who have been looking for several months and want to make a decision before the new year.

Before you make your decision, speak with a few different agents who can give you an idea of what demand is like in your area, the price they think you can achieve and how long they estimate your sale will take.

Ready to sell your home this summer? One of our property experts can help. Get in touch today.