What do solicitor estate agents think of the current market for sellers?

Spring is usually seen as the best time to sell a home, and in a poll of ESPC’s Instagram followers, the majority (67%) agreed. But what are the benefits of selling in the winter months? 

It is true that there are more properties on the market during the spring months, but the property market does not go into hibernation during winter.  

With this winter involving more challenges for sellers and buyers such as the recent rises in interest rates, the cost-of-living crisis and energy bills increase, many will be reluctant to sell. However, fewer property listings mean that it’s easier to give your property’s advertisement more exposure and encourage competitive interest from serious buyers. 

We asked ESPC member firms what they think of the conditions of the current property market. 

James Shipman, Area Property Manager for ESPC chartered firm Thorntons Law LLP, says: 

“‘While it has been widely reported in the media that we can expect a downturn in the property market, East Central Scotland has a strong history of bucking the trend.   

“The most recent figures suggest activity is still over and above that of the pre-pandemic levels experienced in 2019, and as we move into the winter months we are hopeful of this continuing.” 

Michael Madden, Property Marketing Manager for ESPC chartered firm Aberdein Considine, says:  

“The property market is seasonal and indeed, the spring market is certainly favoured among our clients. However, there are many benefits of selling your property during the colder months.  

 “With fewer new properties being added to the market, this decreases the number of options that are available for potential buyers who often don’t have the luxury of being able to wait until spring/summer. This presents a unique opportunity for sellers to stand out from the crowd, meaning their property has less competition when fighting it out for buyers’ attention.  

 “As temperatures drop and the energy crisis continues, we’ve found that energy-efficient homes or properties with alternative sources of heating have become much more desirable to house hunters. When we feature properties with wood-burning stoves or solar panels, we find that our engagement on social media spikes by over 73%.   

 “Many people in the industry talk about ‘the boxing day boom’ as one of the busiest days of the year for traffic to property websites. As we enter the new year, we find that there is an increase in buyers looking to move home as they look to make a fresh start for the year ahead.  

 “So, don’t let the seasonality of the property market put you off selling your property as there are many benefits of beating the ‘boxing day boom’.” 

Seek expert advice  

If you want to sell your home this winter, expert advice from your ESPC solicitor estate agent on property types and the long-term value of home ownership coupled with monthly affordability advice from ESPC Mortgages is key.