Winter may not seem like peak season for property sales, but in auctions, the colder months often attract the most committed buyers. With fewer time-wasters and a high proportion of cash-ready bidders, December and January can deliver some of the year’s strongest results.
At REMAX Estate Agents, we’ve seen winter auction activity rise sharply, particularly among investors, downsizers, and buyers searching for quick completions before spring. Here’s why selling at auction during the festive period can work to your advantage.
🔥 1. Winter Attracts Motivated Buyers, Not Browsers
The difference between a private sale and an auction is commitment, and winter brings out the most serious buyers, helping you feel confident in your decision.
People attending winter auctions are typically:
- Cash buyers
- Landlords expanding portfolios
- Developers needing fast completions
- Buyers wanting to secure a property before the New Year
They’re not “window shoppers.”
They’re ready to bid.
⏳ 2. Faster Completions Before the New Year Surge
Auction buyers know what they’re doing:
- They’ve prepared finances
- They’ve checked legal packs
- They’re ready to move quickly
This means completions often occur within 28–56 days—far faster than private treaty sales, which can take 10–16 weeks or more.
December auctions help sellers achieve:
- Quick sales
- Reliable timelines
- Vigorous bidding activity from motivated investors
📉 3. Reduced Competition Means Your Property Stands Out
Many sellers avoid the market in winter, assuming it’s slow.
That assumption works in your favour.
With fewer properties available:
- Your listing gains more attention
- Investors have fewer options to bid on
- Demand concentrates on well-presented auction lots
This often results in stronger bidding momentum and higher hammer prices.
📈 4. Investors Love December Deals
December is a strategic month for landlords, BRR investors, and developers.
They’re motivated by:
- Securing a project before January price rises
- Completing before the tax-year cut-off
- Taking advantage of year-end financial planning
- Picking up vacant or repossessed opportunities
Auctions are their preferred route because of speed and certainty.
🎄 5. Boxing Day Traffic Boosts Auction Interest
Just like the residential market, the auction world benefits from the Boxing Day Boom—a huge annual spike in property searches.
Serious buyers spend:
- Christmas Eve analysing deals
- Boxing Day saving properties
- Early January, arranging finance
Listing your auction lot in December puts it in front of this enormous seasonal traffic.
📝 6. Legal Packs Move Faster in Winter
Solicitors, brokers, and conveyancers are often quieter in December.
This creates an unexpected advantage:
- Faster legal pack preparation
- Easier access to pre-auction enquiries
- Quicker checks for buyers
- Smoother post-auction completion
A less crowded pipeline means fewer delays.
In an uncertain market, auctions provide a secure route to sell your property quickly and with certainty-avoiding the risks of chains, collapsed sales, or prolonged negotiations that can occur with private treaty sales. Auctions provide immediate clarity:
- No chains
- No collapsed sales
- No drawn-out negotiations
- No mortgage delays (most buyers are cash-ready)
In a market where mortgage rates move monthly, auction certainty is highly appealing.
🎁 8. December Auctions Can Achieve Exceptional Results
Because of the potent mix of:
- Serious bidders
- Low competition
- High seasonal interest
- Faster completions
- Year-end investor activity
December auctions often produce competitive bidding and excellent sale prices, giving you confidence in a successful sale.
Whether you’re selling a rental property, land, a refurbishment project, or a commercial unit, winter auctions offer tailored advantages that can meet your specific goals and circumstances.
Thinking of Selling by Auction This Winter?
REMAX Estate Agents can help you:
- Prepare your legal pack
- Price your property competitively
- Market your auction lot across all major portals
- Manage bidding interest and viewings
- Secure a fast, reliable winter sale
Our Modern Method of Auction also offers:
- 0% selling fees
- Buyer-paid reservation fees
- A 56-day completion timeframe
Perfect for December and early January sales.
