As spring season rolls onto South African shores, so does a new wave of buying activity – especially within the property market. This is mostly attributed to the fact that South Africans tend to hibernate and hide during winter; once the weather turns warmer, we’re out and about and ready for new adventures.
But it’s not just the weather that plays a part; here are a few more reasons why September to November is a great time to sell.
- Perfect Timing
Spring in South Africa takes place towards the latter part of the year – it’s usually at this point that those who are being transferred at the end of the year or start of the following year are notified and moving plans are established. It’s also at this time that parents start looking for new schools for their children or to move into a catchment area for a preferred school for their toddlers. All in all, anyone who is planning big moving changes for the following year is likely to start looking for property during spring.
- Longer Days
Spring is that exhilarating time of the year when the sun starts rising earlier and setting a bit later. The additional 30-minutes to an hour of sunlight gives buyers more time to view properties. Many buyers avoid looking at properties after work in winter because it’s dark and cold.
In addition, the longer, sunnier days also have a psychological effect on people – in that people are more optimistic and enthusiastic; making for perfect moods to showcase your home to prospective buyers.
- Warmer Weather
Aside from the warmer weather encouraging potential buyers to start a new adventure (possibly in the property you’re putting on the market), it also offers a great opportunity to fix up any areas that will make your home more appealing. Consider things such as painting the front door and varnishing the window frames, washing the carpets and rugs, cleaning the pool, tidying up the garden… ultimately, sunnier days can help you improve the appeal of your home to prospective buyers and possibly help you get a higher price.
- Everything Is Fresh Like A Daisy
The really great aspect about spring is that you don’t even have to do much work to make your home look appealing. For those with gardens (big or small), the grass automatically looks greener, the flowers are in full bloom and trees are lined with luscious leaves. Even better is the golden sun reflecting off these.
For those who don’t have gardens, don’t fear. Chances are that the neighbourhood roads will be lined with blossoming bushes and green trees; spring season is bound to make your area look appealing. You can also add pot plants that flower to your patio or home – it’s bound to brighten up your home and up its appeal.
- Buyers are ready
Most buyers wait until the freezing winter conditions are over before they start house-hunting – meaning, that there’s already a pool of buyers who are waiting to search for and find their dream home… which could very well be your property!
It’s also important to know that many other sellers will also put their properties on the market during Spring and Summer – so, get a lead on the competition by putting your property on the market sooner rather than later.
