Navigating the housing market can be a daunting prospect for buyers at any time of the year, but when the time is right for you, then the time is right. If you’re considering looking for and buying a new home over the next few months, then this is the blog for you, as we’ll discuss the pros and cons of looking for a new home in the winter months.
Pros
Less Competition
Spring and autumn tend to be the most popular seasons for people to buy a home, as weather conditions tend to be relatively favourable and people aren’t away on holidays for the summer, Christmas or new year.
The winter months, in comparison, tend to be less busy for the housing market, with less people looking for new homes. As such, you have the benefit of there being less competition when looking for your perfect new home, meaning when you do find a property you like you’re likely to have more of a chance of securing it, since there will be less competing offers.
Better Deals
Because there are often less buyers looking for houses, you won’t have to be worried about competing with lots of high offers. As such, you’re in a better position to negotiate a realistic price with sellers that is better suited to your budget.
Sellers may also be more willing to shift on their initial asking price, which leads us onto our next point.
Motivated Sellers
Sellers tend to be more motivated to sell their house in the winter. Because the market tends to be less competitive, they’re aware that it may take longer to sell their house during this season, which is why many are eager to make the process go as swiftly as possible, thus more open to accepting offers and progressing with haste.
Cons
Fewer Homes
Just as there are fewer buyers during the winter months, often there are also fewer sellers. This does mean that there will be fewer homes on the market for you to choose from, so it’s not guaranteed that any of these will meet all of your requirements.
As such, you may have to be willing to make some compromises when looking for your home.
Weather Delays
It’s no shock that winter brings with it less favourable weather conditions. This includes more rain, frost, ice and, on the odd occasion, even snow. This can cause delays in you, your property solicitors and property surveyors making it to viewings on time.
Viewings May Be Less Revealing
There are various reasons why viewings may be less revealing in the winter months. For example, daylight hours are much shorter, meaning if you work and can’t make it to a viewing until the evening, then you’ll be viewing the house in the dark and won’t be able to clearly view the state of its exterior.
The cold temperatures can also make it harder for surveyors to safely inspect certain elements of the home. On top of that, certain pipes are more prone to freezing or failing during the winter, which can result in an inaccurate representation of their status being recorded during inspections.
Help with Conveyancing from Local Solicitors
If you’ve weighed up the pros and cons and have decided to go ahead with buying a new home this winter, then look to us here at Mark Redler & Co Solicitors to support you throughout the process.
For transparent advice on conveyancing costs, leasing agreements or first time ownership and more, get in touch with us today to speak with a member of our experienced conveyancing team.
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