There are lots of advantages to buying a house in Winter. With fewer buyers around to drive up the price, you could get a bargain. And with solicitors, banks and surveyors having lighter workloads than at busier times of year, your sale may progress more quickly too. Here’s what you need to know…
Is now a good time to buy a house?
Buying a house in Winter could be a clever move because you could save money. While Spring is traditionally seen as the best time to buy a house as you’ll usually find more properties available, you’ll also be competing against more buyers too, which can see prices shooting up.
But by buying a house in Winter, there will usually be fewer buyers around. This is partly because some don’t want to do viewings in poor weather, while others prefer not to house-hunt in the run up to Christmas.
So the good news for you if you’re house-hunting in Winter and you find a property you love, you may find you get a lower offer accepted on the house than if you were buying at a different time of year because there’s less competition.
Buying a house in the Winter can save time
If you’re considering the pros and cons of ‘is now a good time to buy a house’, another thing to consider if you’re buying in the winter months, is you’ll find banks, solicitors and surveyors are quieter than at other times of year. This means you’re less likely to have delays that could be encountered at busier times of the year. And your purchase may progress more quickly. Also, at busy times of year it can be tricky to find removal companies that are available on your moving date. This is less likely in the Winter and you may even find it’s possible to get a discount too.
You’ll see the full picture
If you’re viewing a house on a bright and sunny Spring or Summer morning, you’ll be seeing the property at its best. And it can be easy to get swept away and not spot any potential pitfalls. But this is much less likely if you’re buying a house in Winter. And you may spot issues that will affect your decision-making process or negotiations on the price, such as if the rooms are dark. Also, you’ll be able to feel if the house is draughty or if it feels warm and cosy. But while the days may be shorter in winter, don’t only view the property on dark evenings; always view in the daylight too. And remember, if you’re buying a house when it looks at its worst, imagine how nice it will look at its best?
Buying a house in Winter? Consider the garden
However it’s not just houses that look their best in the warmer months, the same is true of gardens. In the summer you might see a garden filled with beautiful, colourful flowers and imagine the pleasure of dining outdoors. This won’t be the case in the Winter. But viewing in the darker months means you’ll be able to spot other important features. Are you overlooked by neighbours when the trees are bare of leaves? And is the garden north-facing with little sunlight? Or you may find that even on a winter’s day it’s a pleasant place to spend time – as long as you’re well wrapped up!
Find out about mortgage rates this Winter
And when it comes to buying a house in Winter, make sure you get advice about your mortgage. By speaking to a mortgage adviser you’ll have an expert to talk you through all your options so you can make sure you get the right mortgage for your needs.
Speak to our award-winning team of expert advisers for a no obligation chat. Give us a call on
0151 305 7222 to arrange a call back or to book an appointment.