Although spring traditionally reigns as the prime season for home sales, many buyers are eager to settle into a new home just in time to enjoy the warmer months. Therefore, there’s significant merit in selling a home during late autumn and winter in New Zealand, provided you follow a few prudent measures.

1. Make sure your home has plenty of light 

As daylight hours shorten, adequate lighting becomes even more crucial, and if natural light isn’t flooding into your home for open for inspections (OFIs), ensure all your lamps and lights are on. It’ll lift your home and make it feel bright, spacious, and appealing.

2. Get the temperature and ambience right

Before an open home or private inspection, ensure your property is warm and cosy. Nothing is inviting about a cold home. Be sure the warm temperature applies to every room in the house, not just the living area. Think about adding throws, pillows, and rugs in rich tones to make rooms feel more comfortable and welcoming.

3. Keep your property nice and dry

In the colder months, potential buyers quickly notice dampness and mould. Address any such issues before inspections begin. Prioritise good ventilation, and if you’re open to investing before selling, consider installing a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system. From $2,000, an HRV can effectively dry out your home and eliminate condensation[i].

Remove any marks on your walls and wipe off fly excrement from your ceiling and light shades. Wash any mouldy curtains and wipe down mould on walls. 

4. Don’t forget the exterior of the property 

While winter landscapes may not be as lush as in other seasons, ensure your yard is well-maintained. Get out the water blaster and clean your home’s exterior, paths, and driveway. In winter, these can develop green slime and dirt. That said, even once this grime is removed, it can return quickly. 

5. Embrace the winter season

Showcase any winter-friendly features your home may have, such as heated floors, a hot tub, or a well-insulated garage. These can be significant selling points during the colder months.

6. Choose the right time for inspections

Make sure to schedule open homes and private inspections during the brightest hours of the day when the winter sun is at its peak. This way, your property will shine its brightest, showcasing its best features to potential buyers. Your Raine & Horne agent will guide you on the optimal timing to open your home for maximum impact.

7. Warm and welcoming street appeal

No matter the time of year, wielding your secateurs on trees and shrubs is essential. Regular trimming keeps them from going wild and maintains a tidy look for your home and garden. Keep hedges trim, eliminate unwanted growth, fix a broken letterbox, prune away dead plant parts, and touch up any paint imperfections on the house’s exterior.

If you want to sell a property this winter, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Raine & Horne office.

[i] https://www.refreshrenovations.co.nz/articles/home-ventilation