Selling prior to Christmas can prove advantageous

Low stock levels could mean 2020 ends on a high

With less than 100 days until Christmas, it’s common for sellers to be sitting on the fence as to whether they should sell pre or post the holiday period. Timing, mixed in with the roller coaster of events presented to us by 2020, has understandably contributed to the uncertainty. However, despite these challenges, selling prior to Christmas can certainly have its advantages. Here’s why.

Analysts are predicting a greater level of market certainty in the closing stages of 2020

Whilst the broader property market had been tipped to shrink in value, the Sutherland Shire and St George market remains to hold strong in 2020 with attractive prices being achieved, often sooner than anticipated.

According to Domain’s latest research published last week, buyer demand has increased with Sutherland, Menai and Heathcote sitting amongst the top 10 suburbs in terms of units and apartments.

However, despite the local market going against the grain this year, commentary from property analysts, including those at CoreLogic, are predicting a downward trend in the New Year due to the government scaling back their stimulus package as well as mortgage freezes set to be repealed by lenders.

Buyer confidence

Spring typically brings an influx in the number of available properties on market, but with lower than average stock levels this year, competition amongst buyers is remaining high resulting in low days on market and strong sale prices. Our internal data supports this trend with properties exchanging in an average of 20 days and an increase in buyer enquiry across all price points.

Despite social distancing measures, auctions continue to attract buyers with an average of 4.9 registered bidders and clearance rates averaging 70% across the South Sydney market so far this Spring. 6A Carina Road, Oyster Bay having recently sold at Auction for $2,510,000 after attracting four registered bidders.

For owners that would like to test the market without the outlay on marketing, off-market sales are proving popular with buyers. It did so for the owners of 9 Bindea Street, Jannali who sold to one of our pre-qualified database buyers after only a couple of days of showings.

“Vendors are wise to take advantage of this period. Buyer confidence is strong with our team achieving positive results.

For investors, a softening market for 2021 is predicted with the ending of the government stimulus package. So, there is opportunity to sell now and, if the market does slide, buyers will benefit from reinvesting in a weaker market.”

Greg Calderwood – Sanders Property Agents

Want to sell prior to Christmas?

We’ve mapped out how you could make it possible with a breakdown of the process:

Week 1: (21-27 Sep) Meet with one of our experienced agents who will prepare a valuation and present a bespoke marketing plan to ensure a successful campaign.

This week is key in preparing your property to sell including cleaning, finalising any maintenance required, obtain styling quotes, and arranging a contract for sale. Don’t worry, our team have a little black book of trusted contacts to help you with all of this!

Week 2: (28 Sep – 04 Oct) Styling installation, professional photography captured and floorplan created, as well as draft advertising designed, tweaked and prepared for your listing to go live.

Weeks 3-6: (05 Oct – 01 Nov) Property listing period.

Weeks 7-12: (02 Nov – 18 Dec) If your agent’s recommended strategy is auction, the final auction date to sell prior to Christmas and allow for a 6 week settlement period is 03^rd of November.

Our outlook

For those looking to sell, the period prior to Christmas may prove more favourable. The local market is holding strong, stock levels are low and competition amongst buyers remains high. With the option of requesting a longer settlement as a condition of sale, selling prior to Christmas has the added benefit of allowing you to be ‘cashed up’ and ready to buy come the new year, with January always bringing about new listings and the holiday period often a time where agents will take people through homes privately that aren’t available on the open market.

As always, our team of experienced agents are here to assist and provide specific, tailored advice for you and your situation.