How can I catch the Autumn Rush?

Q. I was planning to put my home up for sale this month to catch the Autumn rush, but the way things are I’m wondering whether I should postpone things for a while.

A. You’re right, Autumn is traditionally regarded as a good time to sell, since it normally sees an increase in property market activity following the equally traditional Summer lull, when practically everyone is on holiday or seems to have their minds on other things. This surge in market activity usually lasts well into December and even over the Christmas period, which incidentally is why we do our Christmas Day Launch each year.

Of course, there’s no denying that this year is rather different. On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence starting to emerge which suggests that the worst may be over…

Actually, at the end of the day, this sort of question crops up all the time. Whatever the state of the market, it’s always tempting to believe that if you wait just a little while longer, you might achieve an even better selling price. And of course, you might. But then, using that argument, you might as well wait another 5 years – then you’re virtually guaranteed to get a higher price!

The one tiny flaw in this argument, of course, is that whether you wait 3 months or 5 years, all the other properties you might want to buy will also have gone up in price, so you won’t actually gain anything at all.

So, my answer to this question – whenever it crops up – is always the same. If you are serious about moving, then there is really nothing to be gained by waiting. And as it happens, our early bird buyers register has increased over recent months as people wish to be moved by Christmas and with an average 13 weeks between accepting an offer and exchange of contracts time is running out.

Might there be more buyers on the market in a few months’ time – for example, after the festive season? Quite possibly. But for that very reason, there’ll also be a lot more properties for them to choose from and with Brexit worries flooding the media the market could well be dampened then as well.

No, when it comes to putting your home on the market, there really is no time like the present.

Creating happy Home Movers across South Somerset including Yeovil, Ilminster, Crewkerne, Martock, South Petherton and all surrounding villages