There’s a lot to love about selling your home in winter, and when it comes to landing the best price for your property, it can be a smart strategic move.

There’s a common view that Spring is the ‘best’ time of year to sell a home.

But that’s not always the case.

Angus Raine, Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne, “People don’t buy a home because the birds are nesting and flowers are in bloom. Buyers are active no matter what the season.”

We look at three reasons why winter 2025 is the ideal time to list your property.

1. The supply of listed homes is at multi-year lows right now

Angus explains that “Winter is often a better time to sell in many markets around Australia because you could be competing against 15-20% fewer properties for sale.”

The supply of listed properties is particularly tight this winter.

Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) reports that advertised stock levels are almost 6% lower than last winter, and almost 17% below the previous five-year average[1].

The lack of stock makes your property more likely to stand out – something that can be harder to achieve in a crowded Spring market.

2. Buyers are competing hard for available stock

Auction clearance rates can be a bellwether for buyer activity.

And right now, Cotality reports that auction clearance rates have been above 70% for five consecutive weeks[2].

“In some neighbourhoods, new listings are thinner on the ground than a sprinkling of snow on Bondi Beach,” says Angus. “The sheer lack of available stock is seeing many buyers adopt a COMO approach – ‘Compromise or Miss Out’.”

He adds, “Buyers are keen to get into the market. Many have missed out other homes, so they are fast-tracking their buying decision.”

Feedback from Raine & Horne offices indicates that attendance at Open Home inspections remains strong.

“Even better, we’re talking serious buyers,” adds Angus. “I’m seeing reports of a rise in home loan pre-approvals[3], which signifies that more committed buyers have finance in place and are ready – and able – to buy right now.”

Selling now can mean a higher price for your property

Listing in winter lets you capture early-bird buyers and potentially seal the deal before a flood of properties comes onto the market in Spring – an increase in supply that can put a cap on property price growth. 

“If you are looking to repurchase, selling in winter also allows you to select your next home before the spring frenzy,” says Angus. 

Make winter your smart time to sell 

Selling your home in winter may not seem like the obvious path, but it can be a golden opportunity to sell your home strategically.

Lower competition from other sellers, coupled with motivated buyers, can add up to substantial benefits.

“Trying to pick the best time to sell may seem complicated,” says Angus. “The best advice I can offer is to speak with your local Raine & Horne property expert.

“Our team of professionals can let you know how the market is performing in your neighbourhood, and advise on the steps you can take to secure the best possible price for your property – no matter when you choose to sell.”

[1] https://www.cotality.com/au/press-releases/falling-interest-rates-drive-an-acceleration-of-growth-in-housing-values-through-q2

[2] https://www.cotality.com/au/press-releases/preliminary-clearance-rate-holds-above-70-for-the-fifth-week-running

[3] https://www.brokernews.com.au/news/breaking-news/preapprovals-are-on-the-rise-as-the-property-market-heats-up-287515.aspx