The conventional wisdom says ‘winter = bargains in real estate’.
The logic: Crappy weather = fewer buyers = desperate sellers = sweet deals.
But new data from the REINZ House Price Index shows a different picture. The real story: The best months to negotiate a juicy discount are actually during peak sunshine hours.
Here’s the breakdown:
Prime time to buy
- December/January (everyone’s too busy with holiday chaos)
- April/May (Easter + school breaks = real estate ghost town)
Property prices in summer and winter
Source: REINZ House Price Index
By the numbers
January is statistically the most likely month for price drops. However, even in January, prices only dropped 50% of the time over the last 32 years.
February and September are historically the worst times to hunt for deals
Why this matters
It’s not about the weather – it’s about holidays. When people are distracted by vacations, family time, and their kids being home, the market gets sluggish.
If you’re on the other side of this equation, list your home in February/March or September-November. That’s when prices tend to heat up faster compared to other months.
Property sales in summer and winter
Source: REINZ House Price Index
The bottom line
Waiting for winter to score a deal? You might be left out in the cold. Instead, shop when everyone else is reaching for their beach towels or hunting Easter eggs.
February is a great time to list your house. Call 0800 GOODWINS for a no-obligation appraisal.
