Spring brings more choice for buyers

With more properties coming to market and buyers taking their time, spring is bringing a shift in Waimate real estate. District Life caught up with Jules Davidson and Dionne Haywood for their take on what’s happening - and what to expect heading into summer.

Local property experts Jules Davidson and Dionne Haywood, of Bayleys Waimate.

Buyers are definitely out there, but they’re still discerning. With more choice available, they’re taking their time, comparing properties carefully and looking closely at price, presentation and location.

Value remains important. When buyers believe a property is fairly priced, we’re seeing genuine interest and people prepared to make decisions.

There’s particularly good activity in the lower to mid-price range from first-home buyers, families and downsizers.

Higher price brackets can take a little longer, with buyers tending to be more considered, making realistic expectations around current market conditions and pricing important.

Watching and waiting

Online activity is also a useful indicator. Properties are being viewed regularly on Trade Me, with watchers building even when enquiries don’t come straight away

Sometimes those buyers are watching, comparing and waiting for the right opportunity before making their move. Others may need to sell their existing home before they can take the next step.

Overall, there are encouraging signs of confidence returning. Buyers remain careful, but seem more prepared to make decisions when the right property comes along.

Presentation, promotion and price

For sellers, it comes down to three key things: presentation, promotion and price.

Spring is a great opportunity to put a property in front of buyers, particularly when gardens and outdoor areas are looking their best, but it’s not a magic wand. The right pricing, presentation and marketing still matter.

The days of putting a property on the market and expecting multiple offers may not apply to every property. Getting the pricing right from the outset can make a big difference, particularly when buyers have plenty of choice and are comparing properties carefully.

If a property has been sitting on the market, a well considered price adjustment can create fresh interest and put it back in front of buyers.

Every property has its own story, and our job is to understand the property, understand the market and give our vendors realistic advice from day one.

Looking towards summer

We think spring has brought a little more confidence into the market. Buyers are definitely out there, but they’re still very discerning. They’re comparing properties carefully and looking for value. We’re seeing encouraging signs of increased activity, and hopefully as we move towards summer, that momentum will continue.

“We love the energy spring brings. Gardens are coming alive, the property market is waking up, and it’s exciting seeing buyers find a property that really feels like home.”