Why winter is a hot time to buy property
With the winter months fast approaching, South African sellers are encouraged to shed the outdated view of seasonal lulls.
Contrary to popular belief, the Winter months are not a dead zone in the South African real estate market. In fact, data compiled by REMAX of Southern Africa dispels the myth that property sales go quiet during the colder season.
According to internal national sales figures for REMAX Southern Africa, June, July, and August consistently reflect slightly higher transaction volumes throughout the year. This surprising trend illustrates that Winter offers fertile ground for property transactions, challenging the notion that warmer months are inherently better for buying and selling real estate.
“While our stats pick up from June, our registered sales figures tend to peak in September and November and then drop off in December and January,” says Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of REMAX Southern Africa.
But these peaks don’t necessarily indicate when buyers are most active – they reflect when sales are officially registered. In South Africa, it typically takes up to three months for a property sale to move from the point of offer to full registration in the Deeds Office. This means that homes registered in September and November were often secured by buyers during the Winter months of June, July, and August.
“When you account for the time lag between sale and registration, it becomes clear that Winter is when many buyers are actively making offers,” Goslett explains.
While sales figures appear to dip in December and January, this is also easily explained by external factors. These months coincide with South Africa’s peak holiday season, during which many buyers and sellers are on vacation, and the Deeds Office closes for a period in December, creating natural delays in the registration process.
“It’s not necessarily that the market goes quiet—it’s that administrative processes slow down over this period,” says Goslett. “Buyers and sellers still transact, but you’ll only see those deals finalised and registered in the months that follow.”
According to Goslett, understanding when the property market is most active is essential because it allows buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals to make smarter, more strategic decisions. “For buyers, knowing the peak periods helps them avoid fierce competition and potentially negotiate better deals during quieter months. Sellers, on the other hand, can time their listings to align with periods of heightened buyer activity,” he notes.
With the winter months fast approaching, South African sellers are encouraged to shed the outdated view of seasonal lulls. Winter might feel cold; but in property, it’s heating up.
“Ultimately, seasonal trends can influence pricing, speed of sale, and the overall success of a property transaction. But each suburb can have its own unique trends. Speak to your local real estate professional for some insights into what’s happening in your specific area and how to best position yourself in the current market conditions,” Goslett concludes.
Issued by: Kayla Ferguson
