Sellers: Get Ready for the Boxing Day Bounce now

The UK enjoys the odd phenomenon of the ‘Boxing Day property bounce’, with historical figures from Rightmove revealing that we like nothing better than buying and selling homes as we chow down on our pigs in blankets.

The portal’s report for the last festive season revealed visits to Rightmove almost doubled between Christmas Day and Boxing Day. In fact, more than 10,000 new properties came to market when most of us are enjoying some much-needed family time.

It wasn’t just sellers who got a Christmas shift on. Prospective homebuyers flooded the festive market, with the number of enquiries sent to estate agents about available properties tripling from Christmas Day to Boxing Day. In addition, there were 17% more buyer enquiries on Boxing Day 2023 than the same day in 2022.

There is every indication that this year’s Boxing Day bounce will be equally as good – if not better! In many cases, fixed-rate mortgages are up to 1% cheaper than there were at this point in 2023, while there is pressure to complete property sales well before the stamp duty thresholds change on 1^st April 2025.

White & Brooks has developed a foolproof plan for sellers who want to make the most of the seasonal spike in activity. Here are 5 steps to take so you’re ready for the Boxing Day rush:-

1. Book a valuation now: if your intention is to hit the market as soon as the credits have rolled on the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, you’ll need to start preparing in advance. Although the White & Brooks team can launch a home to market really quickly, booking a valuation now will give you - and us - time to perfect your property listing, with it lined up for Boxing Day.

2. Delay putting your Christmas decorations up: keep your home tinsel free for at least the property photographs. As charming as trees and singing Santas are, they can overshadow what buyers really want to see - your home. Having your property snapped now also reduces the risk of there being snow on the ground – a weather event that can date when your property came to market.

3. Prioritise decluttering: while the temptation at this time of year is to bring more things into the home in the shape of gifts and Christmas groceries, hold off. A clear and clutter-free home will look the best in marketing photographs.

4. Complete maintenance and decorating: use the next week or two to complete any DIY tasks, freshen up your décor and fix anything that’s broken. Potential sellers will look out for cracks in walls, mould, condensation and water stains, so make these a priority (but do treat the cause as well as the symptom).

5. Create the right ambience for viewings: it’s fine to add some festive cheer after the marketing photographs have been taken but consider the style and atmosphere you’re creating – warm, soothing and inviting is the way forward. Scandi touches always look classy - think warm white bulbs in fairy lights and soft candlelight. If you have an open fire or wood burner, consider lighting it, and appeal to the olfactory sense by using scented candles or room mists – notes of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus and orange are perfect for this time of year.

Instruct your local branch of White & Brooks to market your home now and we’ll ensure you’re online, in our branch windows and across social media in time for Boxing Day. Our teams in Chichester, Bognor Regis and Gosport are waiting for you to get in touch.