You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that selling your property over Christmas isn't the optimum time. House-hunting and selling blues are common over this quieter period as businesses wind down and most Australians look forward to annual leave, the long school holidays, and the focus on outdoor living. Though there’s no better place to top up your tan over Christmas than Australia, after yesterday's latest RBA rate hike, you will have your work cut out if you are trying to sell a property.

Understandably, most property owners choose to wait for the new year to sell, but that’s not an option for every seller. Life moves forward at a relentless pace and a new job on the other side of the country or changes in family circumstances mean that some sellers must list their property during this quieter period of the year.

Are there any positives to selling over Christmas? 

YES!

For starters, there is less competition because those sellers who can wait for spring and autumn - the traditional selling periods - are more likely to do so. And though there may be fewer buyers around, the ones that sacrifice their annual holiday to search for their new property are likely to be more serious, if not desperate to buy. Furthermore, the weather over Christmas should help with the presentation of your property. More natural light, the heavenly scent of Jasmine and Frangipani in the air, and a dose of good old-fashioned Christmas spirit put most people in a more optimistic frame of mind and eager to start off the new year with a fresh outlook.

The Christmas holiday shut-down is getting shorter and shorter

Matthew Hayson, director of Cobden and Hayson in Sydney believes the Christmas holiday shut-down is getting shorter and shorter. “Five to 10 years ago it was an unwritten rule among agents that you use Australia Day as a weekend to come into the market, but what we’ve seen in more recent times is you might see the property from around January 10 onwards.”

Many real estate agencies close for a statutory two-week period over the Christmas break, but up until then and through January, it is business as usual. It is worth noting, however, that the holidays cause a backlog for mortgage brokers, lawyers and conveyancers which can increase the risk of a delay in settlement.

So, how can you optimise your chances of selling over Christmas?

1. Get your pricing is right. This is key to selling property at any time of the year, but no more so than at Christmas when there are fewer buyers around. If your agent is working reduced hours, there will be less time for negotiations.
2. Check your agent’s availability over the Christmas period. If it looks like you need to sell over during this time, check out if your agent is contactable. It may be that the agency is closed but your agent is still happy to take calls or organise open for inspections, you must know the state of play before you sign your agreement.
3. Say no to home entertaining. It makes sense not to organise any social events that risk undoing the hard work you have put into the preparation of your property for sale. If you can, take the family away over the Christmas period.
4. Be open to OFIs or private appointments. Flexibility is the key to improving your chances.  
5. Don’t go overboard with Christmas decorations in your newly, decluttered property. Remember, the aim of your presentation is to cultivate a sense of space as per our tips for selling in spring and spring cleaning to improve your home's value. A small tabletop tree, a few stylish stockings above the fireplace or a stylish wreath on the door will set the right tone, but this is certainly not the time to compete in the street lighting competition. Also, don't leave any valuable presents under the tree and organise your photoshoot prior to decorating.
6. Create a holiday atmosphere. A scented Christmas candle or some soft background music should put any Christmas humbugs in the mood to be generous. A plate of gingerbread cookies or mince pies – preferably gluten-free – will soften the heart of even the hardest negotiator. And if it’s a scorcher of the day, don’t forget to turn on the aircon.
7. Enhance your property’s curb appeal. First impressions are crucial when there are limited opportunities for inspections and buyers must rely on a drive-by for their initial view of the property.
8. Get your marketing right. If you can’t hold open-for-inspections for those few weeks, buyers will depend upon your online marketing. Include a floor plan and add some lifestyle shots or even a walk-through video to increase your property's appeal.
9. Offer buyer incentives. A floor plan, a free pest inspection report and flexibility in terms of the deposit required and settlement date are irresistible incentives for many buyers.

A plate of gingerbread cookies should soften the heart of even the hardest negotiator

"Less is more" and flexibility are both key to selling over Christmas, and the benefits of using Listing Loop’s new private, off-market selling service is that it not only saves you money in these more challenging times, but it gives you full control of the sale of your property. The biggest advantage of selling your home yourself over the holiday period is that you don’t have to rely on the availability of an agent to drive your sales campaign. Learn more about this exciting new selling option by booking a consultation with one of our sales team who happily walk you through its many benefits.