We talk to so many people keen to buy property in Sydney – and one of the biggest questions we get asked is this: “Should I forget about house hunting during school holidays – or around Christmas or Easter?”
It’s a good question, because while holiday periods can impact the market, it doesn’t have to mean putting your property buying plans on ice. In fact, quieter times can also be great for buyers too.
Let’s look at how to navigate holidays as a property buyer, leveraging the hidden property market and more.
1. Buying property in Sydney during… school holidays
You’ve finally got some time off to go to inspections and maybe even make an offer on a great property. Only one little hitch: it’s school holidays, and most people are either away or have other commitments.
What does the property market look like at this time? Well, there may be fewer open houses, which can limit your options. On the flip side, less buyers will be nosing around the same real estate listings as you, making it a great time to negotiate with sellers who are motivated to finalise a sale.
2. Are some suburbs affected differently by holidays?
Yes. We’ve found that the inner city and inner west property markets can still have lots of opportunities during school holidays – especially in neighbourhoods where there’s strong demand for rentals from students or young professionals.
And family-friendly areas such as the Eastern Suburbs and Lower North Shore can still be worth keeping an eye on – as families with kids who are moving to suburbs in these areas will want to be settled before the new school term kicks off.
3. What about Easter and Christmas holidays?
We do see these holiday periods becoming quieter, with real estate agents delaying getting listings out there, or dialling down open homes or auction dates. For some agents and sellers, it may feel like a waste of time to market a home given most buyers are focused on other things.
It’s also true that some vendors may also be less motivated to embark on serious negotiations during this time – as it can take them away from family commitments. Generally, the first weekend in December is the last of the auctions you’ll see for the rest of the year, but that doesn’t mean sales aren’t still going on. They’re often just off-market – and with a buyer’s agent on hand, you can still snap up a deal before it’s time to put a party hat on and open presents.
4. Taking advantage of the hidden property market
For many buyers we deal with, it’s ALL about avoiding the crowds and snapping up a deal before the home of their dreams even hits the market. And this is where the hidden property market comes in.
Off-market properties are available all year round – this market isn’t impacted by school holidays, Easter or Christmas. And if you’re new to buying property in Sydney, the way in is to use a buyers agent at Rose and Jones – who leverage their valuable connections with agents and sellers to give buyers access to properties which aren’t publicly listed.
These hidden gems may be off-market due to high-profile sellers with privacy concerns, or sellers who are looking for a pressure-free way to test the market. And engaging a buyer’s agent is a great way to leapfrog over all the other property hunters out there to secure a great home.
So, should you buy in Sydney during holiday periods?
If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to miss out on any property listings, shopping around during holiday periods when things are typically quieter may not be for you.
But if you find peak periods – with the crowds, jam-packed open houses and bidding wars stressful – holiday periods can be the perfect time to buy. You’ll have fewer fellow buyers to contend with, and more opportunity to negotiate with agents and motivated sellers.
And of course, tapping into those hidden, off-market listings is available to you anytime of year with a savvy buyer’s agent in your back pocket. Chat to us about what isn’t publicly listed, and we can use our connections and insider knowledge to get you in the door.
Holiday periods can be quieter, but also the perfect time to buy because you’ll have fewer fellow buyers to contend with, and more opportunity to negotiate with agents and motivated sellers.
Want our help? If you’re buying property in Sydney right now, Rose & Jones buyer’s agents would love to chat to you. We have over 27 years’ experience in New South Wales and Queensland, and can help you secure your dream property at the right price and terms.
To learn more and get started, contact the team at Rose & Jones today.
