How to spot a property buyer’s or seller’s market

JUST ABOUT everyone knows that the property market is cyclical – or that there is sometimes more demand for homes than the supply of properties for sale, and sometimes an oversupply because demand has dropped off.

What they often don’t know, however, is what this means in practical terms to those who are in the market to buy property and those who are trying to sell their homes, says Bill Rawson, chairman of the Rawson Property Group.

“When you hear people talk about a ‘sellers’ market’, for example, what they are really saying is that there are more prospective buyers than properties for sale – so sellers are in a strong position to negotiate higher prices for the homes they are selling.”

During this stage of the property cycle, he says, you often hear about buyers queuing up to buy units in new developments, for example, or home sellers receiving several offers after a single show day as buyers try to outbid each other for the limited amount of available stock. It usually also doesn’t take long for “for sale” boards in the area to become “sold” signs.

“This is also the market phase during which property prices tend to rise fastest – and usually not the best time to be a buyer. First-time buyers, especially, can have a hard time keeping up with rapidly rising prices and the resulting need for bigger home loans and bigger incomes to support those loans.”

Being in a “buyers’ market” means that the situation is reversed and it becomes easier for buyers to negotiate favourable deals because there are more homes for sale than people who are willing and able to buy them.

“This situation can occur for a number of reasons, such they are sold, and that there are much bigger differences between listing and selling prices.”

For obvious reasons, he says, this is generally an anxious time to be a seller – although it is important to note that being in this phase of the market does not mean that your property won’t sell at all.

“What is more, once it is sold and you have the proceeds in hand, you are going to be in a very strong position when it comes to negotiating the price of your next home, so it is worth doing whatever it takes to achieve your sale in the shortest possible timeframe.”

The key is to price your home correctly from the outset, says Rawson, with the help of a properly qualified and experienced estate agent who knows the market in your area.

“An agent like that will give you the best advice about how your home compares to others on the market, about the level of buyer demand in your neighbourhood, and about what your asking price should be to attract the most prospective buyers as soon as the property is listed for sale.”

It also helps, he says, to ensure that your home is in the best possible condition and “show ready”, bearing in mind that buyers who have many properties to choose from are likely to dismiss any property that looks as if it needs a lot of work and just move on to the next viewing.

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