Why winter might be the smart time to buy

Winter gets a bad rap in the housing world. It’s darker, colder, a bit wetter — and yep, people tend to hibernate a bit, including buyers and sellers. But here’s the truth: if you’re looking to get into the market, winter can actually be a great time to do it.

What we typically see in winter

Every year, we notice a few familiar patterns:

• Fewer listings on the market — but also fewer people competing for them
• Less urgency from buyers and sellers — which makes for calmer, more considered decisions
• Homes are judged on their real livability — insulation, heating, and layout matter more when it’s 5 degrees outside

That last one’s big. Winter shows a home for what it really is. If it’s warm, dry, and well built, you’ll feel it. If it’s not — well, you’ll feel that too.

At Faisandier, we design and build with exactly this in mind. Our townhouses are low-maintenance, warm from day one, and built for how Kiwis actually live — winter and all.

Why winter works for buyers

Here’s the upside if you’re in the market right now:

• Less competition = the best pick of a development
• Vendors are more motivated
• You can really consider your decision - without the bidding wars or pressure-cooker weekends

And if you're looking at one of our homes, you're not going to find any curveballs down the track. We believe in clear pricing, no surprises, and a handover process that leaves nothing half-finished. That last 5% matters, especially when you're moving in mid-winter.

Townhouses = smart winter buys

Townhouses shine in winter. Smaller footprints = easier to heat. No big lawns = no soggy yard maintenance. And if they’re well-built (like ours are), you’ll stay dry and comfortable with double glazing, proper insulation, and sensible design that maximises light — even on grey days.

We also build in central, connected spots, so you’re never too far from a café, a train station, or your daily routine. Winter feels a lot easier when everything’s just a short walk away.

In a nutshell

If you’re serious about buying, winter is actually a window of opportunity. The pace slows, the pressure eases, and you can really get a feel for whether a place is home. And if you're looking in the Hutt, chances are we’ve got something cooking nearby — or something coming soon.

So rug up, grab a coffee, and don’t write off winter. It might just be the perfect time to take that first step.