How to sell your Canberra home in Autumn

Summer is still lingering, but – officially – we are in autumn, a time of the year when tactics on home buying and selling begin to factor changes in weather.

Boris Teodorowych of Boris Property, says the weather definitely plays a role in how buyers and sellers assess their approach to the market.

“Quite often fireplaces are first lit toward the end of April and they convey a sense of warmth and cosiness that becomes a very strong selling point,” he says.

“I always recommend sellers style their homes with an emphasis on muted, neutral colours that contribute toward a sense of warmth – a series of lit candles around the home can achieve a similar welcoming ambience.”

Teodorowych says sales remain fairly consistent in the transition from summer to autumn, but winter was often a wait-and-see.

Mike Ryan of Value Properties says autumn in Canberra is one of his favourite selling seasons.

“Properties take on a very welcoming aura if they are surrounded by a halo of tree canopies in hues of orange, red and yellow,” he says. “Even a light feathering of leaves on the lawn can enhance the appeal.”

Ryan says home sellers should be conscious of temperature and adjust interior conditions depending on weather.

“If it’s warm outside, concentrate on creating a cooling atmosphere; alternatively, if it’s cold then focus on creating a cosy retreat,” he says.

The Value Properties’ principal says autumn’s variety of weather provided options for both cool and warm weather buyers.

• Kerb Appeal. Autumn selling brings with it a flurry of falling leaves. While a light dusting of red, orange and yellow can enhance appeal, a covering of dead leaves is a no-no.
• Cosy. The first home fires of the season are usually lit toward the end of April. An open fireplace with a crackling blaze creates a warm welcome, a real winner with buyers.
• Colours. Cushions, throws, quilts, rugs and other soft furnishings should reflect the heat-seeking buyer mood generated by the cooler months with a focus on warming shades of browns, creams and taupes.

HOMES ON THE AUTUMN MARKET

Griffith – 9 La Perouse Street

Price guide: $2.3 million +

Agent: Belle Property Kingston, Dan McAlpine, 0401 005 282

Auction: 9.30am, May 12

9 La Perouse Street is one of the last of its era to grace Canberra’s inner city streets.

The 1926 home is filled with all the charm you would expect from a period home.

In the original wing is a generous open plan living space, with a formal dining room, study and library all branching from this area.

To the rear, a large extension contains the modern kitchen, a light-filled family room, and an informal dining area.

Large windows seem to bring the outdoors in, making seamless the transition to an outdoor entertaining area.

Screened by well-established hedging, the in-ground swimming pool will be a private oasis.

Four spacious bedrooms sit in both the original and the modern wing of the home. Two feature built-in robes.

Phillip (Swinger Hill) – 19 English Court

Price guide: $575,000 +

Agent: Ray White Canberra, Stephanie Hendry 0404 491 413

Auction: 11.30am, May 5

Swinger Hill is a popular Woden Valley precinct with a name that still conjures some of the more colourful trends associated with the 1970s.

But there’s nothing dated about the transformation of this distinctive Willemsen-designed three-bedroom townhouse that has skilfully fused its retro architectural lines with the latest in contemporary living expectations.

 

Swinger Hill is in Phillip, but separated by Hindmarsh Drive and Athllon Drive. It boasts a village-like lifestyle with local shops, restaurants and schools, set among trees and bushland.

And Number 19 English Court nestles into its natural setting next to a reserve in a private setting at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. A highlight of the residence is its no-expense spared gourmet kitchen with European influences, new premium quality appliances (including wall heating), Spanish tile splashback and soft blonde timber highlights.