How to stand out in a seller's market and be moved in by Christmas

Christmas is a deadline for many buyers with the aim of being moved in and having children enrolled in local schools in time for the new school year.

Ante Vatavuk of InStyle Agents says the clock is ticking and there’s not a moment to lose.

“You can put yourself in a stronger position if you already have pre-finance approval,” he says.

“Or being able to make a cash offer would also further strengthen your ability to make a competitive bid.”

Vatavuk says it’s still a seller’s market with plenty of buyers vying for available stock.

“Do your homework and get a sense of the area sales history,” he says.

“Talk to an agent. They will know what’s available and what’s coming to market. That could be your chance to beat the competition to an offer.”

Tim Burke of Luton Properties Weston Creek & Molonglo Valley says buyers should register their interest in a particular property as soon as possible.

“You need to be on the record if you want to be part of the process,” he says.

“Agents need to know if you’re in the mix if an offer is made on the property and you want an option to respond.”

Burke says he is seeing as many as 50 per cent of properties being sold before auction.

“It’s still a seller’s market – buyers have to be prepared to make strong offers,” he says.

Another tip is to keep an eye on agents’ social media pages for those upcoming properties.

• Money talks. There’s not a moment to waste if you want to be in your new or next home by Christmas. You’ll have a fighting chance with lender pre-finance approval in place.
• Research. Do your homework on your suburb of choice including area sales history. Talk to agents for insights into what stock might be coming to market as a chance to beat the competition.
• Pragmatic. It could be a long wait until you find your perfect home. Consider how close a potential purchase is in meeting all your needs – can you customise it to match your ideals?

Allhomes top pick of upcoming auctions:

Curtin

View property

This is a home that ticks all the boxes – and that’s entirely apt with architectural street appeal that presents as a series of interconnected cubes.

But the thinking within this ultra-contemporary home is definitely outside the box in terms of inclusions.

Just check out the floor plan that provides nearly 460 square metres under roof. The lower level not only hosts a double garage, but a home theatre and wine cellar.

If that’s what the basement offers, imagine what might be in the main body of the home? The answers will not disappoint.

The expansive interiors, with burnished concrete floors, are filled with natural light, boast high ceilings and have an abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking well-established gardens on nearly 700 square metres.

There’s a separate living room with open fire, a study and a big entertaining balcony. The hub is a generous open-plan dining/family space, highlighted by a meticulously designed kitchen featuring thick stone benchtops and high-quality appliances. There’s also a fully appointed butler’s pantry.

The main bedroom wing features a connected parents’ retreat, a generous bedroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe with custom cabinetry and a six-star en suite. Upstairs are three spacious bedrooms and the main bathroom.

The al fresco area is under the main roof and features an outdoor kitchen with built-in barbecue enhanced by an inviting, rectangular strip of blue swimming pool.

Price guide: $2 million +

Auction: 12.30pm, October 24

Agent: InStyle Estate Agents, Ante Vatavuk 0419 695 569