In the blink of an eye it is Autumn, the trees are full of beautiful reds and golds and the first waft of coal fire smoke is in the air in later September.
As always we are taking calls from family buyers looking for larger homes, however there has been a real up swing, as expected. Clients like to buy in autumn, spring and early summer.
We find that buyers with children tend not to house hunt during the school holidays. After all, when the sun is shining, people are away, life is busy thus leaving little time for viewing homes.
It’s also worth remembering how stressful viewing a home can be, with children who just want to be playing / elsewhere. Instead, parents tend to wait until the children return to school, so they can view homes a little easier. But there is more to it than convenience alone; psychology of space can come into play too.
During the summer of course kids often spend much more time outdoors. Whilst their children are busy playing in the garden it’s easy for parents to feel their home is bigger than it is. As a result, ‘upsizers’ tend not to feel as squeezed for space in the warmer months.
But as the nights begin to draw in, the house begins to feel crowded, meaning parents once again are looking for a change and a larger home in which to grow.
House hunters searching in September and October tend to be keener to make an early decision. After all, everybody wants to settle in ready to start enjoying their new home in time for Christmas. In fact, ‘a quiet and settled Christmas’ can be a real driving factor. Buyers are more motivated than ever to get the deal done. Indeed Rightmove confirm an increase in traffic numbers to their website at this time of year.
With that in mind, let’s explore the reasons why selling in September is a great time.
- Motivated buyers
Buyers who start looking for a home in September are generally planning to be moved in by Christmas, particularly if they’re looking to host family and friends in their new home.
As a result, they see December as a self-imposed deadline, which can encourage them to make an offer quickly and also do their best to speed up the buying process.
- School admission deadline dates
Did you know, many school admission deadline dates fall towards the year end, with placements offered in the New Year. Schools are a key reason why many families move home. For these people, they need to be moved into the area in order to have the best possible chance of getting into their preferred school. These families tend to start house hunting as soon as the summer holidays end.
- Focus on those cosy features
September is a time when gardens become less of a must-have. Buyers still love them, but homes which struggle with outside space sell much better in September as buyers mindset turns towards cosy features such as open fires and wood-burning stoves. If you have one, make sure yours is lit for any photos & viewings !
- The kids are back at school
This is the most obvious reason of them all. Both home sellers and home buyers with families delay any moving plans because of the Summer holidays. Come September, the kids are back at school and they have much more free time. Houses become easier to keep tidy. Potential buyers appear more relaxed, many choosing to view when the kids are actually in school!
- You’re more likely to get a higher offer, or the asking price
Research shows that September is a strong month for buyers, with property searches very high, compared to November and December for example.
This means more potential buyers for your property, which in turn means more competition among buyers. When you consider the fact that there are more motivated buyers too, it can create a perfect storm for sellers. Indeed, with interest rates falling and anticipation of a busy autumn market this is more likely.
- Delaying marketing may lead to your property becoming “ stale “
It’s also worth noting that if you list your house during a quieter Winter months it might stay on sale for longer. This may lead to buyers questioning why, and perhaps going in with a lower offer than they’d otherwise be making.
- Are There Other Good Months To Sell?
The Spring is still considered by many people to be the best time to sell. Houses that come on to the market then tend to sell quickly, there are several reasons why it’s considered to be a good time.
- The weather’s getting milder, which encourages buyers to go and view houses
- Gardens are coming into bloom
- The evenings are starting to get lighter, so buyers can see a house in its best light
- There’s usually plenty of buyers in the market for a new home
- Kids are still in school, so busy parents have more time to view properties
However, it’s worth remembering that different times of the year can appeal to different buyers.
On the flip side, first-time buyers and young couples may wait until the new year to start looking, with the aim of being in their new home in time for the summer, when they can host friends and family into the evening, with no kids to think about!
Are you considering moving home? If so, September could be the ideal time for you. In previous years the property portals and new coverage has reported increase in traffic numbers. If you would like to discuss selling your home in September, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams / offices :
Four Oaks 0121 323 3088
Sutton Coldfield 0121 321 2101
Walmley 0121 313 2888
Great Barr 0121 358 6222
Thank for reading and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. Nigel & Jayne Deekes – Acres Partners
