Should You Sell in Winter? Why Cold Weather Might Be a Hot Opportunity

As Canberra wrapped up a particularly frosty King’s Birthday long weekend, it sparked an interesting conversation at Luton Properties — is winter actually a good time to sell your home?

In the latest episode of the Luton Update podcast, CEO Nick Paine and Head of Sales Craig Sheargold explored this question, breaking down the pros and cons of selling in the colder months and what current trends are telling us about buyer behaviour, investment activity, and market timing in Canberra.

Is Winter a Good Time to Sell Your Home?

Many potential vendors wait for spring to list their property, believing warmer weather and blossoming gardens attract more buyers. But as Craig points out, winter might offer a unique advantage: less competition.

“Stock levels typically jump by about 20% when we hit spring,” says Craig. “That means more competition for sellers. In winter, there’s a much smaller pool of listings, which can make your property stand out.”

If you’re a discretionary seller — meaning you’re not locked into a strict timeline — winter could be a strategic opportunity to get ahead of the spring rush.

Big Homes and Bigger Decisions

Craig also highlighted the challenges for buyers looking to upgrade, particularly those buying larger homes in blue-chip suburbs.

“If someone needs to sell their current property before buying, they’re thinking about the timeline. Listing and selling a house, then buying another, and settling — that can easily stretch over several months. Winter gives those upsizers more runway before the year ends.”

When families are eyeing high-demand areas near quality schools and infrastructure, they want enough time to make their move before Christmas hits. Selling in winter gives buyers and sellers that breathing room.

The Real Timeline of Selling a House

Selling your home isn’t an overnight process. From choosing an agent to preparing for market and navigating through settlement, it adds up quickly.

Here’s a general timeline Craig shared:

• Agent appointment to listing: approx. 3 weeks

• Auction campaign duration: 3 weekends

• Average days on market: just over 40 days

• Settlement period: approx. 45 days

“You’re looking at roughly 3 to 4 months, start to finish,” says Nick. “So if someone’s aiming to move before the end of the year, starting now makes a lot of sense.”

Are Investors Back in the Market?

While winter might not seem like peak buying season, investors are beginning to return. Craig noted that investment home loan approvals rose 14% in March, a strong indicator of renewed interest in the Canberra property market.

“We’re seeing more interest at open homes, especially in properties with existing tenants or in more affordable brackets. That tells us more buyers are finance-approved and actively looking.”

With fewer buyers in winter but a rise in investor activity, it could also be the perfect window for investors to secure well-priced properties before spring competition heats up.

Final Thoughts

While the traditional mindset says “wait for spring,” the numbers — and logic — are pointing towards winter as a hidden gem for sellers and strategic buyers alike. Whether you’re an owner-occupier or investor, getting ahead of the spring surge could pay off.

Thinking of Selling This Winter?

At Luton Properties, we’ve helped thousands of Canberrans buy and sell through every season. Our experienced agents can walk you through the process, provide tailored advice, and help you make the most of the current market conditions.

📞 Contact your local Luton office today or explore our Winter Warm-Up Auction Campaign for limited-time marketing incentives.