Agent's view: Debbie Maddigan of Peter Blackshaw Manuka

If you are considering selling in the next few months, now is a good time to start preparing your property for sale.

There are advantages in selling early in the year, due to many motivated buyers having missed out over the busy spring season. There are also typically fewer properties on the market, which can increase buyer demand and competition.

The weeks leading up to the end of 2015 are a great time to work with your agent to prepare your property for sale. This includes arranging building and pest inspection reports, which are mandatory in ACT. Also, if your property is in need of repair or enhancement before it goes on the market, this time of year is an opportunity to co-ordinate the different trades required or take the time to complete the work yourself; whether it’s painting, garden maintenance or general decluttering.

Once you have your property looking its best, photography can be arranged and all other requirements finalised with the aim of launching your property to the market in January, ready for all those motivated buyers.