It’s a great question, and there’s simply no easy answer. Discover Selling Houses Australia host Wendy Moore’s perspective

There are so many reasons that people sell houses, but the one you might be thinking of – making a profit – is rarely the true motivation to sell a family home. An investment property, sure, but a home where you’ve lived for years, raised a family and invested countless hours of love and attention? It’s much harder to move on from that. If you’re thinking about it, here are some lessons I’ve learned from Selling Houses Australia on how to tell if it’s a good time to sell.

The best time of year to sell a home

Traditionally, the best time to sell tends to be in the spring and early summer, when the weather is warmer and the sunlight is flowing. Australian houses shine their brightest when all the great things about our lifestyle can be fully on show and appreciated. And what better time of year to show off your backyard, and have potential buyers imaging themselves hosting a barbecue? But it’s not always the case. There is an argument to be made for selling your home when others are hunkering down for winter.

“When there are fewer properties on the market in the winter time, the lower housing stock might make your property more appealing ” ~ interiors expert Wendy Moore

Pay attention to the market conditions

The price you get for your home will fluctuate based on market conditions, influenced by things like demand and interest rates and our current cost of living crisis. 

In brief, a seller’s market is one where there are more buyers than available homes, which drives up prices. Another factor is confidence, for example buyers behave more conservatively when interest rates are high.

As demonstrated by Andrew Winter’s role on Selling Houses Australia, every single area in the country is unique with different pressures, advantages and appeal, so there’s no blanket rule. One suburb might be booming while another market sits stagnant. 

Understanding the specific trends in your area is crucial. Consulting with a local real estate agent who you trust can provide you with valuable insights.

Four questions to ask a real estate agent when selling

1. What is the current state of the local real estate market?

2. What is your pricing strategy for my home, and how do you plan to adjust the price if the house doesn't sell within a certain timeframe?

3. What should I do to prepare my house for sale?Are there any low-cost improvements that can yield a high return on investment?

4. What are the costs involved in selling my home?

Photography I Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia

Is your home actually ready to sell?

This is a big one, and the reason why Selling Houses Australia is so popular! Week after week we visit homes that are listed for sale that simply aren’t market ready. 

While the examples we share on the show are extreme, every home can benefit from a few basic updates. Top of my list is painting the interior and giving the garden a good once over. A well-maintained home is much more attractive to potential buyers. . 

The best time versus the right time to sell a ho

The reality is, the best time to sell a house is going to depend on your personal circumstances, and upon where you’re planning to go next. On Selling Houses Australia, almost every house that’s put up for sale is done so because of changing personal circumstances: perhaps a couple is moving into retirement, has had an illness or job loss, or they have inherited the property. The reasons are always different but the need to sell rarely has anything to do with market conditions or the state of the home. If you’re thinking about selling or planning your next move, I wish you luck! And remember, you can always apply to be on the next season of Selling Houses Australia…

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