October 2026 selling advice from Team Ants
If you are deciding between selling before Christmas and launching early next year, start with your property’s readiness and your own plans. A clear preparation schedule helps you make the most of either option.
Ready to launch before Christmas?
Walk through the preparation with us now. Agree what needs attention, book photography, assemble the property information and decide how viewings will work. We can then build the campaign around a realistic launch date.
September’s local Palmerston North summary from Andy Stewart at Professionals reports a 42-day median selling time. That is a market observation, not a promise for your home, and it does not cover every step from preparation to settlement. For context, 42 days from 15 October is 26 November; the same interval from the 7 November election ends on 19 December.
Discuss finance, legal checks, inspections and settlement timing early. Confirm your advisers’ and service providers’ availability over the holidays. A sale agreed this year with settlement next year may suit some buyers and sellers.
Preparing for early 2027
We already have a number of clients preparing to go live at the start of next year. Working alongside them now gives us time to prioritise maintenance, presentation and marketing, helping give their homes the best opportunity to achieve a strong price.
- Start with an appraisal and a walk-through. Review comparable sales and identify issues buyers may notice.
- Agree a sensible preparation budget. Address maintenance, cleaning, clutter and street appeal before committing to major renovations.
- Plan the presentation. Decide what furniture stays, whether staging would help, and when the garden and exterior will be ready for photography.
- Get the information organised. Work with your advisers on the title, property file, relevant consents and questions about alterations.
- Reserve campaign dates. Coordinate photography, marketing and access, then refresh comparable sales and pricing close to launch.
Should you wait for the election?
The general election is on 7 November 2026. Some people prefer to wait for more clarity, but the result does not guarantee a change in local prices or buyer demand. Waiting also leaves fewer weeks before the holidays. Consider your circumstances, the readiness of your home and its competition. Election timetable.
Our job is to help you make the best use of the time available and give your home the best opportunity to achieve a strong result. Arrange a free appraisal and preparation plan.
Read the October market update for September’s results and election context.
Feature image: AI-generated illustration of home presentation, not a property listing.
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