There’s a popular belief that summer is the best time to sell a home in Cape Town. But let’s set the record straight: that’s more myth than reality. The truth is, Cape Town’s property market is driven more by location than by the time of year. Some areas are hot (literally and figuratively) for summer sales, while others shine in winter. Instead of following the “summer is best” herd mentality, let’s dive into why different parts of Cape Town favour different selling seasons and why you might be missing a golden opportunity by waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment.
The Atlantic Seaboard, for example, thrives in summer. Why? Because selling a home in Camps Bay, Clifton, or Sea Point is all about selling a lifestyle. Beachfront bliss, poolside lounging, and golden-hour ocean views. Buyers want to envision themselves sipping cocktails on the balcony, basking in the sunset glow, and posting envy-inducing Instagram stories. “It’s all about curb appeal,” says Waynette Rule, Double Diamond and office manager at Northern Suburbs. “The sun is shining, the stacker doors are wide open, the pool is glistening, the birds are chirping, everything is set to showcase the ultimate Cape Town lifestyle,” states Waynette.
With longer daylight hours and vibrant outdoor spaces, summer lets sellers stage their homes to perfection. More natural light, lush gardens, and inviting patios create the ideal setting for buyers to picture themselves living their best life. Plus, there’s something about the smell of freshly cut grass and a cool ocean breeze that makes people want to sign on the dotted line. But does this really mean summer is the only time to sell? Not necessarily.
While the Atlantic Seaboard shines in summer, the Northern Suburbs and Southern Suburbs, often do well in winter as well. Here, family-friendly homes truly come into their own when the temperature drops. Suddenly, those cosy living spaces look like the ultimate haven from the Cape Town chill.
“Many homeowners actually prep their homes during summer to sell in winter,” says Edzard Barnard, area specialist for Northern Suburbs. And winter buyers? They tend to be more serious. Unlike summer, where you get the ‘Sunday browsers’ who get excited about the free snacks on show days, winter buyers mean business. They aren’t braving the cold and rain just for fun, they’re looking for a home, and they’re ready to commit.
Plus, winter is brutally honest. No rose-tinted sunglasses, no illusion of perfection. Leaks, damp spots, and insulation issues are laid bare, which actually builds trust with buyers. “The reason winter is better for buyers is because flaws are harder to hide,” says Edzard. If a home holds up in the rainy season, it’s built to last. And let’s be real, if your house is still standing strong after a Cape Town winter, that’s practically a selling point in itself.
So why does summer still hold the crown? One reason is simple: more sellers list in summer because they think it’s the best time. This creates more stock, which attracts more buyers, and – voilà!. The cycle repeats itself. It’s a classic case of ‘everyone else is doing it, so I should too’.
In reality, demand for Cape Town property remains high year-round, but the market appears more active in summer simply because more homes are available. However, fewer listings in winter mean less competition for sellers. With motivated buyers still on the hunt, properties can move faster and at competitive prices. “I have my best months in winter,” says Waynette, proving that sales success isn’t tied to sunshine. It’s tied to strategy.
At the end of the day, the belief that summer is the time to sell is just that, a belief. People’s lives don’t run on seasonal schedules. Job relocations, growing families, downsizing, financial changes, these are the real factors driving property sales, not the weather forecast. No one says, “Let’s hold off on that job transfer until next summer so we can get a better deal on the house.” Life just doesn’t work that way.
“Life doesn’t just happen during winter or summer, people’s lives are changing all year around,” said Waynette.
So, should you sell in summer? Maybe. Should you sell in winter? Also maybe. The real key is readiness, if your home is in great shape, priced correctly, and marketed well, it will sell no matter the season.
Waiting for the “perfect” time to sell is like waiting for Cape Town traffic to magically clear up – it’s just not happening. There will always be buyers, always be sellers, and always be someone swearing that summer is better. But the right buyer will come at the right time if your home is ready, competitively priced, and showcased effectively.
Instead of stressing about the season, focus on what you can control. And if you’re really unsure? Call a trusted real estate agent. After all, homes are bought and sold every day, whether it’s sunny by the pool or cosy by the fireplace. And remember: the best time to sell is when you are ready, not when the weather forecast tells you to.
This article was proudly sponsored by Abrahams & Gross Attorneys.
