How to win over buyers in a winter property market

 Want buyers to fall in love with your house when outside temperatures are plummeting?

You’ll need to turn up the heat and sell the romance of winter, says Belle Property Bowral agent Di Dixon.

“People want to feel warm and cosy,” Dixon says. “It can be icy outside but winter has a stark beauty and if it’s warm inside you can sell the romance of the season.”

Central heating and fireplaces certainly set the mood and homes that are oriented to capture natural light and direct sunshine tend to have greater appeal in the winter months.

“Buyers are looking for an aspect that capitalises on the winter sun,” says Andrew Blake, of Andrew Blake Real Estate. “It depends on your lifestyle, but that could be something facing north-east or north-west.”

Blake is also a fan of undercover alfresco space where you can enjoy sitting outdoors even in wet weather.

For Bev Heyman, an agent with Acton Cottesloe, internal access from the garage to the house is a great selling point.

“It’s a big plus to have direct access from parking, so that you stay sheltered and dry in inclement weather.”

• Related: Sydney cements trophy market status
• Related: Winter chill hits Melbourne market
• Related: Homes for sale that golfers will love 

127 Kelvin Road, Barrengarry. Photo: Supplied

​Barrengarry NSW

Lap up jaw-dropping views of the Barrengarry Pass and surrounding countryside from this contemporary country home at 127 Kelvin Road, designed by renowned architects Meacham Nockles + McQuarter. 

While away winter days by the stone fireplace which operates both open and as a combustion heater. 

There’s airconditioning in the master wing and heated flooring and towel rails in the bathrooms. 

“It’s a special house in a special location,” says agent Di Dixon, of Belle Property Bowral. 

“It’s utterly peaceful and beautifully insulated with lovely decks to capture the northern sunshine.”

The four-bedroom house is for sale by negotiation from $2.95 million to $3.25 million.

3 Ackland Way, Cottesloe. Photo: Serena Pearce / Code Lime Photography

Cottesloe WA

Custom-built by award-winning Kensington Design, this Hamptons-style home at 3 Ackland Way is within easy reach of both the beach and Grant Street train station. 

Curl up on the window seats next to the gas fireplace in the living room or sit by the second fireplace in the indoor-outdoor room overlooking the garden. 

“This would be a very cosy winter house,” says agent Bev Heymans. “The home is built to take advantage of the orientation, with living, master bedroom, garden and pool all enjoying the northern aspect.” 

There’s also internal access from the double garage and a western courtyard opposite the library.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is for sale  in the range of  $3.5 million to $3.7 million. Acton Cottesloe has the listing.

20 Grange Avenue, Taroona. Photo: Jonas Haag

Taroona, Tasmania

Gas central heating, open fireplaces and double glazing make light work of a Tassie winter at Pearwood Estate, a 1.3-hectare property surrounded by gorgeous Annie Wilkes-designed gardens.

“On those wet, cold days you can sit inside and be cosy and warm looking out at the river and three acres of garden,” says agent Pam Corkhill, of Knight Frank Tasmania.

A tree-lined drive leads to the Harry Hope-designed manor at 20 Grange Avenue which features formal and informal living zones opening onto a broad terrace overlooking the Derwent. There’s also a lower level rumpus and a shelf-lined library or home office.

The five bedroom, three-bathroom house is for sale by expressions of interest around $3.5 million.

25 Delecta Avenue, Clareville. Photo: Supplied

Clareville NSW

This recently-built beach house at 25 Delecta Avenue has been designed to shine in both summer and winter, with a feature stone fireplace in the living room and sheltered outdoor entertaining spaces enjoying a north-westerly aspect.

There’s also ducted airconditioning throughout and heated floors and towel rails in the upstairs bathrooms.

Enjoy Pittwater views with the beach directly across the road.

“Clareville beach is incredibly beautiful in winter,” agent Andrew Blake says.

“And when you return from a walk along the beach you’ve got the perfect aspect and position at home.”

The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property will be sold at auction on July 1 and has a price guide of $4 million.