Canberra agents on why spring is a good time to sell in the local market

Spring has arrived and it has injected a measure of optimism into home sellers.

Robert Peaker of Blackshaw Woden, Weston Creek & Molonglo says the convergence of several elements has seen people make the decision to sell.

“It’s been a challenging year and I think many selling decisions were on hold while home owners gauged how we would weather the lockdown,” he says.

“I think they’re now coming around to the realisation that Canberra is in a relatively good position, compared with others, and confidence is growing.”

Peaker says spring is traditionally a good time to sell with the warmer weather bringing out even more buyers.

“If you’re going to sell, then it’s time to think about presentation,” he says.

“Gardens, maintenance, decluttering and styling – it all takes time, but it makes a real difference to the sales appeal.”

Jonathan Charles of Independent Woden says buyers won’t likely find a better time to get onto or move up the property ladder.

“Interest rates are historically low and there is also a range of other incentives and grants on offer,” he says.

“There’s plenty of financial incentives right now for first-home buyers, upgraders, downsizers or renovators.”

Charles says this should be a signal to sell for home owners who have been considering putting their homes on the market.

“There’s a strong appetite for well-presented properties and buyers are also prepared to take on renovations,” he says.

“Another hot button now are homes that have a dedicated home office/study or a multi-purpose space that can act as one.”

• Picture perfect. Presentation is everything and for potential buyers, it begins online when deciding which properties to inspect. Begin a clean-up at the kerb and work your way to the back fence.
• No work zone. Buyers are looking for a relaxed lifestyle option, not a second job. Your home should present as a low-maintenance prospect, as though everything magically takes care of itself.
• Spending equation. Effective home presentation is relatively affordable and powered by DIY: plants, paint, maybe new carpets, window treatments and soft furnishings. Discuss with your agent before investing in big-ticket spends.

Allhomes’ top pick of homes on the market in spring:

Yarralumla

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There are just a few addresses in Canberra that say you’ve made it. Arguably, Yarralumla is one of them.

Of course, that claim has been endorsed by any number of countries that have made it home for their embassies and diplomatic residences.

And why not? It’s peaceful, leafy, close to the lake, Canberra Grammar School, Parliament House and just about everything else.

They are some of the rolled gold reasons that will draw buyers to this elegant two-storey home in Clarke Street when it goes under the hammer on September 19.

This is a home with an abundance of character and nearly 300 square metres of living on a prime, elevated block of 836 square metres.

It has enjoyed a substantial extension and renovation that has retained character features including a fireplace and extensive incorporation of cedar-framed windows.

Those who enjoy the option of formal spaces will appreciate the separate living and dining rooms.

The large, new kitchen with quality appliances is part of the family room space with a cathedral ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. That leads onto an outdoor entertaining space within beautifully landscaped grounds.

There are four large bedrooms, two on each level, and three bathrooms.

Comfort is provided by zoned and ducted gas heating and airconditioning on the ground floor and reverse-cycle heating and cooling on the upper level.

An oversized double garage completes the package.

Price guide: $2 million +

Auction: Noon, September 19

Agent: BlackshawWoden, Weston Creek & Molonglo, Robert Peaker 0412 726 025

Or try these:

Farrer

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Price guide: $950,000 +

Auction: 2pm, September 19

Agent: Independent Woden, Jonathan Charles 0413 909 158

Cook

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Price guide: $550,000 +

Auction: 10am, September 19

Agent: Belle Property Kingston, Amy Wilson 0405 130 332

McKellar

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Price guide: $770,000 +

Auction: 11am, September 19

Agent: LJ Hooker Kaleen, Michael Rodden 0401 094 955