4 Ways the Holiday Season Can Make or Break Your Home Sale
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Listing activity, open house attendance and settlement processes are often affected by the holidays, while inventory and competition tend to shift by year's end.
At the same time, festive decorations and family gatherings make properties appear more inviting, which could play into buyers' emotions and motivation. Ultimately, the housing market is a toss-up from December to January, with the following factors making or breaking a home sale.
It's hard to tell which direction the housing market will move. September 2025 trends have indicated an oversupply of inventory, largely due to overpriced properties, giving buyers more room to negotiate. Yet, the situation doesn't make clear what the Christmas and New Year trends might be.
Historically, summer brings more real estate activity, but fewer homes are usually listed for sale during the holidays. This could lead to stronger offers and faster sales through the new year.
The turning point might come on December 1, when the Reserve Bank relaxes the loan-to-value ratio limits, allowing more buyers to enter the market with greater financial access. Experts believe that the impact will be noticeable in 2026, though.
If you're a seller, tasteful holiday decorations can help buyers envision celebrating their own holidays in your home. Simple wreaths, lights and impersonal adornments appeal to wide-ranging tastes. Just be mindful of how much clutter you bring into each room.
Other ways to entice buyers include proper home staging and minor upgrades. For instance, demonstrate how they might utilise an awkward space with furniture, paint the walls a neutral colour and spruce up the curb appeal.
Adding smart home technology is also attractive to potential buyers seeking modernity, convenience and security. The global smart home market will likely reach $630 billion by 2032, highlighting its growing popularity.
Buying a house can take several weeks or up to six months, but the holidays can hinder the process. Buyers hoping to purchase a home before the new year may face increased urgency.
Real estate and attorney offices often close during public holidays, which delays settlements. Scheduling open houses and private viewings might also be more challenging, as agents, sellers and buyers may be away.
Whether you're buying or selling a home, it's essential to plan accordingly. Coordinate critical dates with an agent or solicitor and expect slowdowns.
A September report from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand shows that housing values increased by 0.2% year over year, but some areas saw a drop. This suggests that prices vary according to the region and time of year.
New Zealand's property market undergoes subtle price fluctuations during the holidays, with some buyers and sellers pausing efforts until after the new year. Understanding trends can help parties decide whether it's a good time to sell or buy in a particular area.
Nevertheless, motivated individuals eager to relocate, settle before the next school term or are first-time buyers may remain active.
If you're a buyer or seller during the holiday season, there are a few things you can do to boost your chances of success. For sellers, in particular, consider the following tips:
● Declutter and deep clean your home, adding neutral seasonal trimming to make it more welcoming.
● Schedule open houses strategically, preferably early in the month, while buyers are still in town and not travelling.
● Remain flexible with potential buyers' viewing times.
● Highlight your home's seasonal features, including smart home technologies for energy efficiency.
● Improve marketing materials with high-quality photos, virtual tours and detailed property descriptions.
● Communicate with your agent and respond to buyer interest promptly.
Buyers should conduct research to better understand the current market and fair pricing. They should also seek preapproval for a mortgage before visiting properties.
It's easy to set up alerts to avoid missing out on new listings during the holiday season. Use virtual tours and photos to view properties more accurately, and don't rush your decision if you don't have to. While moving is exciting, you shouldn't give in to the holiday pressure.
Buying or selling a home during the holiday season can be difficult, but not all hope is lost. The market is exceptionally dynamic this time of year, with opportunities for successful home transactions.
About the Author: Evelyn Long is a trusted voice in real estate dedicated to helping millennial and Gen Z buyers make their homeownership dreams a reality. Her insights appear in top publications like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives, where she breaks down market updates and practical steps for young buyers. As editor in chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn is passionate about empowering the next generation to confidently enter the real estate market
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