Is Winter Secretly The Best Time of Year to Buy a House

As Winter well and truly settles in, the housing market tends to cool with it. Colder days can tend to send home buyers and sellers into hibernation. Traditionally, when it comes to the best time of year to buy a house, Spring has been touted as the right time for market activity; however, is this always the case, and does buying in Winter have unexpected benefits we don’t talk about?

The “Right Time” Myth

If you’re looking to buy when optimal, it may be best to do away with asking what time of year is best to buy a house. Despite the market having some expected fluctuations depending on the time of year, the property market hinges on one main factor: Supply and demand. Demand for property in Spring is typically higher than in other months, although our report from last year found that buyer activity was consistently high year-round. The truth is, when looking to buy, the right time is when youre ready , finances and readiness, as well as the availability of the ‘right’ property for you. Ultimately, the right time to buy is when you can confidently afford it. That being said, each season has pros and cons to purchasing.

Buying in Winter

There are several unexpected benefits when buying in Winter that can put it ahead of buying in other months.

Less Competition:

Buyer and Vendor activity typically reduces in Winter, however that doesn’t mean the opportunities disappear entirely. Property owners are looking to sell throughout the entirety of the year, if you explore options while other buyers have gone into hibernation, you may be able to secure a property you might be outbid on otherwise. It’s worth keeping in mind that less activity doesn’t necessarily mean paying less for a property, but you may be more attractive as a buyer with less competition.

See a Property at Its Worst (Which Is a Good Thing):

Most properties look great in Spring and are taken care of going into the traditional buying season. Inspecting a home in Winter can provide more insight into the structural and functional elements of a home. Does it keep the heat well in cooler months? Are there any faults that are exacerbated in harsher weather conditions? A home needs to be comfortable in every season, and assess its integrity and state in Winter to ensure that this is the right choice for you. A great Winter home is usually a great home.

Quicker Closing Times:

With less market activity, the process from exploration to settlement may be quicker. You and the vendor are likely seriously motivated if you’re buying and selling in winter, which can mean a faster outcome.

Things to be Aware of

Less Competition Doesn’t Mean Less Thoroughness:

Buying in winter may be a more straightforward process, but if you do find yourself buying during the colder months, ensure you aren’t rushing through the process. Don’t try to reach the finishing line faster.

Limited Stock:

Fewer vendors can mean a more streamlined buying process, but it also means fewer properties will be on the market. If you do choose to buy in Winter, be sure you won’t experience FOMO when more properties roll around in Spring.

What’s changed in 2025?

Two cash rate cuts early this year may have suggested buyer activity this winter would be larger than last year. Larger clearance rates early in this winter reflect more market activity[1]. Whether a higher amount of demand this winter will lead to more properties entering the market remains to be seen, but we may need to settle in to a warmer winter than usual when it comes to the property market.

If you are for the best time of year to buy a house, the time to start searching is now. Winter, it’s a great time for prospective buyers to research the market. It’s never too soon to start your property journey, so reach out to your local MoneyQuest broker today.

[1] Fono, C. Property Market Indicator Summary – Week ending 15 June 2025. CoreLogic, 16 June 2025 https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/news/2025/auction-market-preview-15-june-2025

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