Pros and cons of buying a home over Christmas

While most home buyers and sellers are doing all they can to get their homes settled prior to Christmas, there might still be an opportunity for savvy buyers to make a purchase over the period.

Traditionally, home sales fall during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities out there for buyers. However, there are some things you’ll need to consider if you’re thinking about making a purchase during the Christmas break.

Advantages of buying a house over Christmas

Accelerated settlement

Sellers who list their properties during the holiday season are typically motivated for a quick sale. This is going to be even more evident if the property has been on the market for a while, as they would likely have been hoping to have it wrapped up earlier. This can mean there is a chance for a quicker settlement period and the sellers might even entertain more competitive offers.

Ability to negotiate

Given how close it is to the end of the year, most sellers would like to wrap things up quickly so they can go on holidays. This might mean there is more room to negotiate on price. A buyer who can present a competitive offer might just be able to get a deal done quicker this time of year.

Reduced competition

With many potential buyers deferring their search until the new year, the Christmas period presents a unique scenario with decreased competition. A lack of competition means your chances as a buyer improve.

Disadvantages of buying a house over Christmas

Limited inventory

The decision of some sellers to postpone listing their properties until the new year can lead to a reduced inventory during the festive season. This limitation may restrict the available options for buyers.

Potential settlement delays

Despite the shared motivation for a quick sale, the holiday season may add some challenges that result in settlement delays. Closures of businesses and offices during this period can extend the time required to finalise the transaction. This isn’t a deal breaker, but you will have to factor it in.

Holiday sacrifices

House hunting during the festive season may require buyers to allocate time away from holiday activities. While others unwind at the beach, prospective homeowners might find themselves busy searching for properties, which isn’t something everyone wants to be doing.