As we approach the height of the festive season, many homeowners find time to reflect on their plans for the new year. For those that are considering selling their property, Boxing Day presents a unique opportunity to make the most of a notable hike in demand. Coined the ‘Boxing Day Bounce’, this surge in market activity has proven to be one of the most significant in the property sector. So why could Boxing Day be perfect for you to list your property?
The Boxing Day Bounce
Every year, Boxing Day brings in a remarkable amount of property related search engine activity. Online property portals Rightmove and Zoopla report significant surges in traffic to their pages, sometimes seeing activity levels rise to as high as 50% when compared to the early December weeks. Late in the day, between 8pm and 10pm, thousands of people log on to explore their options. While Boxing Day offers a particular peak, the momentum of this busy period also tends to continue into and throughout January.
But what is it that makes Boxing Day this way? For many, particularly those that celebrate Christmas, it’s a day of reflection following festive celebrations. Whether it’s first-time buyers motivated by rising rental costs, families seeking more space, or individuals dreaming of a fresh start, Boxing Day provides the perfect moment to start planning. Whatever they may be logging on for, Boxing Day provides you a great opportunity to make the most of year-round record amounts of pairs of eyes on your property.
Is A Boxing Day Listing Right For You?
The type of property you’re selling can significantly influence whether Boxing Dat is the best time to list. Here’s what the data reveals about buyers’ behaviours during the festive season.
First-Time Buyers: The younger buyers, particularly in the 25-34 age range, searching for their first home, represent over 25% of the Boxing Day browsers. These buyers are often searching for one or two bedroom flats, such as the ever popular Tyneside Flat, which see a 7% surge in interest.
Family Homes: At the other end of the spectrum, there is a notable 10% increase in searches for four-bedroom homes, showing that families also look to upgrade to larger spaces.
Three-Bedroom Homes: Interestingly, demand for traditional three-bedroom homes, which typically dominate the market, actually dips slightly on Boxing Day. This could mean that shoppers are looking for the extremes of the housing spectrum, from starter flats to family homes.
Tips To Make Your Listing Stand Out
Stage for the season: If you’re listing before Christmas, tasteful seasonal touches can make your home feel warm and inviting. But beware that if your property is on the market longer than the festive period lasts, you risk the listing looking somewhat out of place. In this case, ensure that you have two sets of photos so that you can update them once the festive period passes.
Professional photography: Great visuals are crucial to capturing attention in a crowded marketplace. Bright, high-quality photos that show your property’s best features are essential.
Prepare for viewings: First impressions matter, so ensure your home is clean, tidy, and well-lit. Remove personal clutter to help buyers visualise themselves in the space. Read more about our best tips for preparing your property here.
Work with experts: A knowledgeable estate agent can help you time your listing perfectly, and will take care of all of the details from valuation to completion. For more than 25 years Pat Robson & Co has been helping vendors achieve the best value from their properties, with expert advice, tailored marketing and extensive market knowledge.
Interested in selling your property? We offer a free no-obligation valuation from our industry experts.
For more information on how to get started with your property sale, get in touch with us today, or visit patrobson.com/sales/sellers-guide.
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