The Boxing Day property bounce: Is this the perfect time to list your home?
As we wrap up another year, many of us find ourselves cosied up on the sofa, munching on leftover mince pies and scrolling through our phones. But did you know that Boxing Day isn't just about the sales on the high street? It's also become a red-letter day in the property world!
That's right, Boxing Day has emerged as a surprise hit for the housing market, with a flurry of activity from both buyers and sellers. It's like the property equivalent of the January sales, but it starts even earlier.
According to Rightmove, the UK's largest property website, Boxing Day 2023 saw a record number of homes listed for sale, with over 10,000 new properties coming to the market, which is the highest number of new sellers in one day since 2011. That's a lot of 'For Sale' signs going up while the rest of us were still in our Christmas jumpers.
But it's not just sellers getting in on the action. Rightmove reported that enquiries sent to estate agents about homes for sale more than tripled (+273%) between Christmas Day and Boxing Day last year. It seems that once the presents are unwrapped and the turkey's been demolished, people's thoughts turn to finding their dream home for the new year.
So, should you be joining this festive property frenzy? Well, there are certainly some compelling reasons to consider it:
- Capture the New Year's resolution crowd: Many people use the turn of the year to make big life decisions, and moving house is often one of them. By listing on Boxing Day, you're putting your property in front of these motivated buyers.
- Stand out from the crowd: While there's an increase in listings on Boxing Day, it's still less competitive than the traditional spring market. Your property could shine brighter with less competition.
- Benefit from increased online traffic: With many people off work and browsing on their new devices, property websites see a significant spike in traffic. Your listing could get more eyes on it during this period.
However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here at By Design, we believe in tailoring our approach to each unique property and seller. For some homes, a bespoke marketing campaign launched at a different time might be more effective.
If you are considering a Boxing Day listing, here are a few tips:
- Prepare early: Get your property ready and photos taken before the Christmas rush.
- Declutter and fix up: Use that time between Christmas and New Year to have a big declutter and see to any maintenance issues that may need addressing in your home.
- Be ready for viewings: Some eager buyers might want to view properties between Christmas and New Year, so be prepared to accommodate them if you're comfortable doing so.
Remember, while Boxing Day can offer a great opportunity to kickstart your sale, the most important thing is to list when it feels right for you. Whether that's Boxing Day, the spring market, or any time in between, we're here to help you make the most of it.
Thinking about selling in the new year? Why not pop in for a chat and a mince pie? We'd love to discuss how we can help you make your move, whether that's with a Boxing Day bounce or a strategy tailored just for you. After all, at By Design, we're all about finding the perfect fit for you and your home.
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