Many vendors often believe spring is the only time to sell – and why not? The weather is warming up, flowers are blossoming, and properties pop up for sale like berries in season.

However, with autumn, it’s a case of quality over quantity with usually fewer properties for sale than in spring and summer. Yet the buyer pool stays the same, and with the current exceptional demand for property across Australia together with a shortage of properties on the market, autumn 2021 will be an exceptional time for a property sale.

Property preparation tips

When it comes to getting your home ready for an autumn sale, you won’t need to do anything differently to a December or September preparation. The only way seasonal timing might impact a sale is if your property is in a colder part of Australia where long shadows obstruct presentation or the frostier weather creates mould and mildew issues. If this is your scenario then a sale in the warmer months could make more sense.

When it comes to preparing a home for sale, nothing sells a property like clean windows. My view is don’t skimp on shiny windows and your best course of action is to hire professional window cleaners to complete this important task on your sales checklist.

Whether its December or April, you must declutter the home for successful open for inspections. Start with the knickknacks – secrete them or bin them. Then remove any extra furniture and take a paint brush to any overpowering colours on walls and ceilings. Present your rooms in neutral tones such as beige or whites. You want to allow potential buyers to visualise how they can add their flourishes to the home.

If it’s an older home, you could modernise the bathroom with some tile paint or by changing the tap handles. Likewise, some contemporary doorhandles can help spruce up the kitchen cupboards. If you want to spend a little more, you could remove the kitchen benchtop and replace it with a stone bench. There is a rule of thumb that if you spend $10,000 sensibly when preparing a home for sale, you will get this investment back and more when you sell.  

Also investing some time in presenting your garden and lawn in their best light will go down well with buyers. Trim back all plants and clear away any spider webs, while adding some mulch can freshen up garden beds and pot plants.

If the property has deciduous trees such as elms, maples, oaks, and willows the autumnal leaves will provide your property with a vibrant backdrop – however just be sure to rake up the fallen leaves to ensure large piles of dead foliage don’t frighten off the less enthusiastic green thumbs among your prospective buyers.

At the end of the day, anytime is a good time to sell, and if you’re considering an autumn sale, be sure to contact your local Raine & Horne agent immediately for an obligation-free appraisal.