CYCLICAL NATURE OF PROPERTY

You’ve decided to sell your property. Is there a particularly good time to put it on the market? 

Few of us would argue that psychology plays a role with buyers. It must, because we’re all driven to a greater or lesser extent, by emotion. How often do you hear buyers say “I fell in love with the house the moment I stepped in the door’? It’s about the connection you feel to the property, and the way you can visualise yourself in it. 

In the northern hemisphere, many more properties are sold in summer. That’s a fact. When a great deal of the year is miserable, dark and damp...it makes perfect sense.

For us, in the southern reaches, it’s exactly the same...in some ways, probably more so, because we are attuned to light and sun. We don’t like dark and dingy. We want a home which takes advantage of our climate and lifestyle. We want that indoor-outdoor feel, doors and windows wide open, patio and pool inviting... we need that sense of light and fresh air. When we see a house, we visualise ourselves living that lifestyle. And it makes sense that a house – particularly the interior - shows off best in summer light and sunshine.

In South Africa, January is the month when there’s a significant spike in interest by buyers. We know that because the online portals/websites show far more traffic to their sites, AND estate agencies report more feet through their doors and at Show Houses. Bottom line, there are more buyers around in January. So, why?

Think about it. Most people take leave some time in December, and if they aren’t relaxing at home, they’re relaxing on holiday. Couples who work now have time to talk about their lives and where they’re going, what they’re doing...it’s a non-stressful time to make those big decisions, think clearly, and take action when the holiday is over. In addition, new opportunities present themselves workwise, conversations with extended family take place, better schooling opportunities are examined...and the noise in your head subsides enough to think clearly. 

That’s what a holiday’s for.   

If buyers are most active during January, it stands to reason, if you’re planning to sell, put your house in order. You’ll have the holidays to touch up that paintwork and sort out the errant Creepy Krawly. You’ll have time to do all those things you have no time for during the working year. 

Frankly, estate agents, like buyers and sellers, have also been working all year, so it stands to reason that they, too, will return to work refreshed and determined to start off their sales year with vigour. In January, because of our long hours of sunlight, they can happily show your house to prospective buyers after 5 o’clock – so many more buyers can view the property then.

Statistics show January’s a popular month for buyers. If you’re a seller...it’s worth taking note!