Looking to sell? Winter might be the right time

Looking to sell? Winter might be the right time

Contrary to popular belief, the Winter months are not a dead zone in the South African real estate market.

June, July, and August consistently reflect slightly higher transaction volumes throughout the year. This surprising trend illustrates that Winter offers fertile ground for property transactions, challenging the notion that warmer months are inherently better for buying and selling real estate.

While our stats pick up from June, our registered sales figures tend to peak in September and November and then drop off in December and January.

But these peaks don't necessarily indicate when buyers are most active - they reflect when sales are officially registered. In South Africa, it typically takes up to three months for a property sale to move from the point of offer to full registration in the Deeds Office. This means that homes registered in September and November were often secured by buyers during the Winter months of June, July, and August.

When you account for the time lag between sale and registration, it becomes clear that Winter is when many buyers are actively making offers.

While sales figures appear to dip in December and January, this is also easily explained by external factors. These months coincide with South Africa's peak holiday season, during which many buyers and sellers are on vacation, and the Deeds Office closes for a period in December, creating natural delays in the registration process.

It's not necessarily that the market goes quiet-it's that administrative processes slow down over this period. Buyers and sellers still transact, but you'll only see those deals finalised and registered in the months that follow.

Understanding when the property market is most active is essential because it allows buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals to make smarter, more strategic decisions. For buyers, knowing the peak periods helps them avoid fierce competition and potentially negotiate better deals during quieter months. Sellers, on the other hand, can time their listings to align with periods of heightened buyer activity.

With the winter months fast approaching, South African sellers are encouraged to shed the outdated view of seasonal lulls. Winter might feel cold; but in property, it's heating up.

Ultimately, seasonal trends can influence pricing, speed of sale, and the overall success of a property transaction. But each suburb can have its own unique trends. Speak to your local real estate professional for some insights into what's. 

While historically viewed as a quieter season for real estate, winter has become a time when shrewd buyers make calculated moves. Properties that may have lingered on the market since summer can now come with more room for negotiation. With less buyer competition and sellers looking to secure deals before the spring uptick, winter provides leverage for those who are prepared.

There's a growing awareness that the property market is no longer strictly seasonal in the way it once was. Winter might cool activity, but it sharpens focus. We're seeing serious buyers use this time to identify long-term investments, whether it's relocating to lifestyle estates or acquiring rental stock in high-demand urban hubs.

Extract from Property 24