Selling a property in December – what you need to know

Selling a property during the festive season can be challenging, and property experts say that potential sellers should make sure they are prepared—and manage their expectations—to avoid disappointment and delays.

From the end of November to early January, the property market is shaped by administrative closures, changes in buyer behaviour, and the availability of essential services.

By understanding these factors, sellers can take proactive steps to ensure a smoother process.

Pearl Scheltema, CEO of Fitzanne Estates, highlighted key points that sellers need to know when tackling a challenging December sale.

Registrar of Deeds closures

A key consideration for sellers during this period is the annual closure of the South African Registrar of Deeds offices, which process property registrations.

These offices typically close from mid-December to early January, temporarily halting all property transfers.

This means any sales not finalised before mid-December will likely only be registered in late January or early February.

“Registrar office closures are often overlooked by first-time sellers,” Scheltema said.

“The shutdown creates a bottleneck, so it’s essential to have all your documentation in order and submitted well in advance to avoid additional delays.”

Sellers can mitigate this by working closely with their conveyancer to fast-track processes.

Early preparation of required documents, including title deeds, compliance certificates, and financial clearance certificates, is critical.

“The earlier you start preparing, the better your chances of beating the deadline,” adds Scheltema.

Administrative delays

The holiday season often sees reduced staffing at key institutions, including municipal offices and banks.

This can delay the issuance of municipal clearance certificates, a necessary document for property transfers, and slow the processing of home loan applications.

“Municipal offices and financial institutions operate on skeleton staff during December, which naturally extends timelines,” said Scheltema.

“Sellers need to factor this into their planning. Leaving things to the last minute can result in weeks of unnecessary delays.”

To stay ahead, sellers should request municipal clearance certificates and begin engaging with banks as early as possible. A delay in these administrative processes could disrupt the entire transfer schedule, impacting both the buyer and seller.

Buyer behaviour during the festive season

The festive season brings a noticeable shift in buyer activity. While some buyers use their time off to search for properties and attend viewings, others may put decisions on hold until after the holidays.

This creates a mixed landscape for sellers.

“Buyers during this period are often either highly motivated or completely disengaged,” noted Scheltema. “Sellers need to be prepared for slower decision-making from some parties while remaining responsive to those who are ready to make an offer.”

Sellers can make their properties more appealing by ensuring they are well-maintained, clean, and ready for immediate occupation.

Highlighting these qualities in listings and viewings can help attract serious buyers who are looking to close deals quickly.

Online property searches

Another important factor to consider is the spike in online property searches during the holiday season.

Many people spend more time at home during this period, browsing for properties online in their free time.

“Your online presence becomes critical during this time,” said Scheltema. “Well-presented listings with high-quality photos, accurate descriptions, and a competitive price point are far more likely to grab attention.”

Sellers should work with their estate agents to optimise their online listings, ensuring they stand out among the competition.

Investing in digital marketing can also help reach a broader audience, especially as more buyers turn to online platforms to research properties.

Planning ahead

Selling a home from November to January requires careful planning and realistic expectations.

Beyond registrar closures and administrative delays, sellers should also anticipate challenges such as contractor unavailability, which can affect last-minute repairs or maintenance.

“Many contractors also take a break over the festive season, so it’s important to complete any necessary work well in advance,” said Scheltema.

“Being proactive in every aspect of the sale process will save you from unnecessary stress.”

By starting early, being flexible, and maintaining open communication with estate agents and conveyancers, sellers can navigate the unique challenges of this season with confidence.

Read: Things are looking up for South Africa’s property market