Preparing to Sell in the New Year? How North Shore Sellers Can Get Ahead of the Market Now

Every year, the Auckland property market follows a familiar rhythm. Early January sees motivated buyers returning from holidays with refreshed budgets while listing volumes are still low, and by late summer the number of new listings jumps sharply as sellers re-enter the market. Most homeowners wait until the

end of January or early February to list, assuming that is the safest time to launch.

In reality, the best window of advantage arrives much earlier.

If you are thinking about selling in 2026, the first half of January can offer a powerful head start. Here are the practical steps that can set you up for a stronger result when the market wakes up again.

Bring Your Salesperson in Early

The most valuable time to involve your salesperson is before you touch a paintbrush, call a tradie or head to Bunnings. A walk-through in early December can:

• Identify which improvements will actually add value versus those that will not shift your price

• Help you present the home in a way that photographs beautifully

• Avoid over-spending on prep work that the market will not reward

• Create a plan for decluttering, staging, small repairs and timing

Many sellers wait too long to ask for help, then scramble after the holidays. A calm, well-timed preparation always beats a rushed January tidy-up.

Lock in Your January Marketing Advantage

January offers a unique advantage. Buyers come back from holiday with fresh pre-approvals, a clearer head and renewed motivation. Meanwhile, most sellers are still preparing, so competition is lower.

This creates a short, highly favourable window in the second week of January, when buyer activity lifts but new listings have not yet flooded the market.

To help clients make the most of this period, I am offering a New Year Launch Package for anyone who books their appraisal before Christmas.

Understand How Seasonal Timing Works

Auckland's traditional surge in listings occurs directly after Auckland Anniversary and Waitangi Day, when thousands of homeowners come to market at once. While February can be an excellent month for selling, the large volume of choice can dilute buyer attention.

Launching in mid-January means:

• Less competition for buyer eyeballs

• Stronger open home turnout

• More urgency from buyers who have been waiting over the break

• A better buyer to listing ratio before the February wave hits

This timing advantage is rarely discussed, but it can make a real difference to your campaign momentum.

Get Your Legal and Documentation Ready Now

January is a short month for legal teams. Having your LIM, title search and sale documents underway in December saves delays and allows you to move quickly when the right buyer comes along. If holiday closures slow things down, you will still be ahead of others.

Start the Conversation Early

Selling is a major decision and the best results come from preparation, clarity and good timing. If you are considering a January or February launch, now is the perfect moment to have a no-obligation chat.

I am currently booking pre-Christmas walk-throughs for homeowners who want a smooth and strategic start to 2025.

[With nearly 15 years experience in sales and branch management, Scott Mackenzie helps sellers across Milford, Hillcrest and the North Shore prepare and launch smarter campaigns.]