Searches for ‘how to sell my house fast’ have skyrocketed by 200 per cent over the past month, with the fastest selling suburbs and top tips revealed.
On average, it takes just 30 days from taking photos to sealing the deal in Australia, much faster than over the ditch in New Zealand where sellers typically wait 47 days.
Mortgage experts at MortgageBroker.com.au have now analysed sales data to reveal the suburbs where homes fly off the market, and reveal their top tips to secure a rapid-fire sale.
But first, to the fastest selling suburbs in Australia.
Leda in Perth came out on top, with homes there typically selling in eight days, the analysis found.
In fact, 10 of the fastest selling suburbs were located in Perth — Brookdale (10 days), Hillman and Darling Downs (12), Ridgewood (14), Hocking and Seville Grove (15), Kwinana Town Centre and Pearsall (16), and Hillbert (17).
The others were located in Sydney — Normanhurst and Dean Park (13 days), Birrong (17) and Wetherill Park (18).
Brendale in Brisbane also typically sees homes change hands in 18 days.
“The quickest-selling houses in Australia are in Perth’s suburb of Leda, where the average time on the market is only eight days,” the analysis revealed.
“With a median house price of $570,000, Leda is a hotspot for buyers, with 52 properties sold over the past year.
“In the last month alone, nine houses were listed, attracting 241 interested buyers, resulting in a competitive 27 to buyers-to-house ratio.”
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Brendale, with an average of 18 days on the market, was the only Brisbane suburb to crack the top 15.
“Offering a strong rental yield of 4.6 per cent, there were a notable 545 interested buyers vying for just six available homes in the last month alone,” the analysis found.
The research comes after PropTrack revealed the top 10 suburbs in every capital city where the median number of days on market (DOM) has declined the most over the past 12 months.
PropTrack senior economist Anne Flaherty said DOM was often a good indicator of where property prices were heading.
“When we see properties start to take longer to sell, we often see home price growth slow or even move backwards,” she said.
“In the areas where properties sell very quickly, buyers recognise that they need to put in competitive offers quickly, so they’ll often put in higher prices which can lead to price growth.”
The PropTrack data also showed that Perth suburbs recorded the biggest falls in DOM in the country compared to 12 months ago, led by South Lake where the median DOM has fallen from 45 days to just 10.
Ms Flaherty said the suburbs with the sharpest declines over the past year had tended to be more affordable locations.
“The proportion of suburbs that a typical first-time buyer can buy is shrinking, and that’s directing increased competition into those affordable areas,” she said.
Elsewhere, the biggest decline in DOM in the following capitals were as follows: Wallon in Brisbane, 14 days or 67 per cent faster; Lawson in Sydney, 22 days or 62 per cent faster; Mount Nelson in Hobart down 56% to 14 days); Hurstbridge in Melbourne (down 44% to 20 days); Morphettville in Adelaide (down 39% to 27 days); Wanniassa in the ACT (down 32% to 37 days) and Coconut Grove in Darwin (down 24% to 65 days).
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TOP TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME BY CHRISTMAS
(Source: mortgagebroker.com.au)
1. Deck the halls (and gardens)
Spring and summer provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing your property’s charm, with blooming flowers and plenty of natural light. Since 76 per cent of buyers believe that first impressions are everything, sellers should enhance both interior and exterior decor. Brighten your garden with lush plants and consider adding festive touches like a wreath on the door or twinkling lights for evening viewings. Make your entryway inviting by adding a fresh doormat and ensuring the door is clean or freshly painted. A strong exterior impression will solidify interest in a well-presented interior.
2. Leverage the emotional appeal
Forty-four per cent of buyers are willing to pay more for a property simply because they “really liked it”. Potential buyers evaluate not only a home’s physical attributes, but also its emotional resonance, which can intensify during the holiday season. To foster this connection, stage your home as a welcoming summer retreat with subtle festive accents like a mini Christmas tree or decorative ornaments to evoke a cosy vibe. Use fresh scents such as citrus or eucalyptus and set a beautifully arranged dining table to help buyers envision future gatherings. Declutter and rearrange furniture for a spacious feel, and opt for light curtains to let in natural light.
3. Research the market and price your home right
Setting the right price for your home is crucial, especially during the holiday season when buyers are motivated to close deals before the new year. By pricing your home strategically, you can leverage this urgency to maximise both visibility and interest, making it more appealing to buyers looking for their next home. Thoroughly research the local market by comparing similar properties that have recently sold or are currently listed. Pay attention to features like square footage, location, and amenities, as these factors can significantly influence pricing. A comprehensive research will help you establish a competitive price that entices buyers while ensuring you receive a fair return.
4. Do your marketing and maximise your home’s appeal
Marketing your property correctly is key to securing a sale, especially with 41 per cent of buyers now begin their search online. High-quality property images are crucial for making a strong first impression – outranking the number of bedrooms and floor plans – with 66 per cent of buyers skipping listings if the first photo is unappealing. Poor-quality photos can even cost sellers, leading 62 per cent of buyers to lower their offers. To reach the right audience, invest in targeted online adverts where you can specify demographics and interests. To stand out, create a high-quality virtual tour allowing buyers to explore your home from the comfort of their own space – especially appealing during the busy holiday season.
5. Time it right for the festive rush
To maximise your chances of selling, list your home early in the spring selling season to catch buyers eager to settle in before the holidays. Emphasise the joys of summer living – think barbecues, pool parties, and family gatherings in your outdoor spaces – to create an enticing image for buyers dreaming of celebrating Christmas in their new home. Also, share insights about the local community and amenities like nearby parks and shopping centres, and spotlight summer events such as markets or festivals, to showcase the vibrant community spirit and desirable lifestyle that comes with the home.