Buying or Selling Property in Winter: What to Look Out For
The Property Perspective is a weekly radio show on 919 FM, airing every Tuesday at 4:15 PM with Al and Lesedi on The Drive Train.
Episode 14 | The Property Perspective with Etchells & Young
Spring may traditionally be seen as the busiest season for property, but winter can bring its own advantages for both buyers and sellers.
In Episode 14 of The Property Perspective on 919 FM, Harry looks at how winter changes the way a property presents, what sellers can do to make their home more appealing and what buyers may notice more easily during the colder months.
In This Episode
Harry explains why winter should not automatically be considered a bad time to buy or sell property and highlights some of the practical issues that become more visible at this time of year.
Harry discusses:
Why winter can mean less competition for sellers
Why winter buyers may be more serious
Improving curb appeal when gardens look less vibrant
Using natural light and heating to make a home more inviting
Damp, mould and roof issues buyers should watch for
Why winter can be a good time for maintenance
Pool and garden maintenance during the off-season
Why buyers should view a property at different times of day
Watch Episode 14
The Property Perspective airs weekly on 919 FM.
Is Winter Really a Bad Time to Sell?
Not necessarily.
Harry explains that one of winter's potential advantages is lower competition. Some sellers may remove their properties from the market during the colder months, leaving fewer homes competing for the attention of active buyers.
Buyers who do make the effort to view during winter may also be more serious about making a move rather than simply browsing.
Winter Curb Appeal Still Matters
Gardens may not be at their most colourful in winter, but that does not mean they should look neglected.
Harry recommends trimming back dead growth, clearing fallen leaves and keeping the exterior neat and tidy.
Some winter-flowering plants can also bring colour into the garden and help create a better first impression.
A more minimal garden can still look attractive if it is clean and properly maintained.
Make the Interior Feel Warm and Inviting
Shorter winter days can change the natural light inside a home.
Harry recommends making the most of the available sunlight while using thoughtful lighting to brighten darker spaces.
If the home has a fireplace, winter is the perfect opportunity to show it working.
Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere helps a buyer experience how the home feels during the coldest part of the year rather than leaving them wondering whether the property will always feel cold.
Winter Can Reveal Problems Buyers Should Notice
Winter can expose issues that may be easier to overlook at other times of year.
Harry highlights damp as one of the major red flags to look for.
Bubbling paint, mould, musty smells or old water stains can indicate moisture problems that deserve further investigation.
Buyers should also pay attention to the roof, particularly in older homes or where previous summer storms may have exposed weaknesses.
How Does the Home Perform in Cold Weather?
Winter gives buyers an opportunity to assess something that can be difficult to judge during summer: how comfortable the home actually is when the temperature drops.
Look at where the natural sunlight enters, which rooms feel colder and what heating options are available.
Fireplaces, air conditioning with heating functionality or other heating systems can make a noticeable difference to the winter experience of a home.
Winter Can Be a Smart Time for Maintenance
Dry Johannesburg winters can provide an opportunity to deal with some exterior maintenance more easily.
Harry points to roof repairs and waterproofing as examples of work that may be easier to tackle during long dry periods.
If a property has been sitting on the market without selling, winter may also be the right time to address outstanding maintenance before relaunching it more strongly.
Use the Off-Season to Sort Out the Pool
Swimming pools may get less use in winter, which can make this a practical time to deal with repairs or upgrades.
If the pool needs resurfacing, fibreglass work or other maintenance, Harry suggests attending to it before spring when contractors are likely to become much busier.
The same principle applies to preparing the garden so that it is ready to recover strongly when the weather warms up.
View the Property at Different Times of Day
If you are seriously considering a property, Harry recommends seeing it more than once if possible.
Winter sunlight changes significantly between morning and late afternoon.
A second viewing at a different time can reveal how much natural light the property receives, which areas become cold or dark and how the home feels as the temperature drops.
These details can be important when deciding whether the property will suit you year-round.
A Key Takeaway
Winter does not need to put your property plans on hold.
For sellers, it can mean less competition and a chance to show serious buyers how comfortable the home can be during the colder months.
For buyers, winter provides an opportunity to see how the property really performs when it comes to warmth, sunlight, damp and maintenance.
Sometimes the colder months reveal exactly what you need to know.
What Is The Property Perspective?
The Property Perspective is Etchells & Young's weekly property segment on 919 FM.
Each episode explores a different aspect of property - from rentals and property management to buying, selling, legislation, sectional title living and the everyday questions property owners and tenants face.
Follow the series as we unpack more of the issues that matter to Johannesburg property owners, buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.
Thinking of Buying or Selling This Winter?
Seasonal conditions may change how a property presents, but the right preparation and local market advice can help you make the most of the opportunity.
Speak to the Etchells & Young team for professional guidance when buying or selling property across Johannesburg's northern suburbs.
