How to successfully sell your home over the December holidays

Are you thinking of selling your home during the December holidays? While the festive season brings unique challenges—like buyers being on vacation or companies closing—you can still turn this into an opportunity. With careful planning and the right strategies, you can attract motivated buyers looking to close before the new year.

Plan for Deeds office holiday closures

One crucial factor to keep in mind is the Deeds Office holiday schedule. The office typically closes over the festive season, causing delays in property transfers. While the official dates for the 2024/2025 holiday season haven’t been announced, last year the office was closed from 22 December to 2 January. Expect similar dates this year and plan your timeline accordingly to avoid unexpected setbacks.

Key Tip: If you’re planning to sell during this period, communicate with your real estate agent and legal team early to ensure all necessary documents are submitted before the closures.

Communication with your real estate agent is key

During the holidays, many real estate agents also take time off. Now more than ever, communication with your real estate agent is vital. To ensure you are on the same page check ahead of time with your property professional about their availability over the festive season. Likewise, if you’re planning to be away, arrange for them to access the property so they can show potential buyers.

Building a good rapport and clear communication plan with your agent ensures your home gets the attention it deserves, even during a busy season.

Keep your home show ready over the holidays

The holidays can make it tricky to keep your home tidy, especially with kids on school break. However, maintaining a clean and inviting space is essential for attracting buyers. We suggest that you plan fun outings to keep your family entertained and out of the house - not only is this creating lasting memories - it is minimising the clean-up time before a showing.

Here are some of our top tips for ways to keep your kids entertained and your home show ready:

• A day at the park - pack a picnic and head to your local park, national botanical garden, or hiking spot.
• A visit to the beach is always a win - make a day of it and don't forget the sunscreen!
• The holiday season is a time for families and friends to come together so why not arrange for play dates? Make the load easier for those helping out by packing snacks, activities, and a treat for the adults looking after the kids if you can't join in.
• If you are spending time at home always tidy up immediately after meals and gatherings to prevent clutter from building up. Divide cleaning tasks amongst everyone and reward the kids once they have completed all their tasks.

A clean and organized home creates a positive impression and makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Simplify your holiday decorations to appeal to buyers

Holiday decorations can enhance your home’s charm, but overdoing it may distract buyers. Keep decorations minimal to help buyers visualize the home as their own. A decluttered and depersonalized space works best, even during the festive season.

Choose tasteful and neutral decorations that complement your home’s style without overwhelming the space. For example, opt for:

• A simple wreath on the door

• Elegant fairy lights

• Minimalistic table settings

Despite the challenges, a knowledgeable real estate agent can ensure your home stands out. Selling your home in December can be a smart move, as motivated buyers often want to close before the new year. With the right preparation and marketing, your home can attract the perfect buyer.

An experienced agent will know how to navigate market dynamics, utilize digital marketing tools, and schedule showings to maximize your property’s exposure.