In this blog, we look at how the Boxing Day Bounce kicks off a surge in property market activity after Christmas, with useful tips to help buyers and sellers make the most of this seasonal opportunity. Prepare early to seize the momentum and start the new year with a successful move.
Every year on Boxing Day, property searches surge, kicking off what has become known as the ‘Boxing Day Bounce.’ This seasonal trend gains momentum throughout the week after Christmas as people start planning fresh beginnings in the new year. After the holiday lull, Boxing Day represents a resurgence in activity, fuelled by buyers eager to explore their next move. More than just a spike in searches, it signals the start of a sustained uptick in market activity that typically builds throughout January.
To attract these early-bird buyers, December often sees new sellers listing their properties at some of the most competitive prices of the year. This December is no exception. Rightmove’s House Price Index shows that new seller asking prices have dropped by a seasonal 1.7% (-£6,395) to an average of £360,197. This typical December dip reflects the motivation of sellers eager to capture the attention of buyers who may have been distracted by Christmas festivities over the past few weeks. For buyers, this creates a window of opportunity to secure a new home at more favourable prices.
Although the market slows down during the Christmas lead-up, activity remains strong compared to last year, setting the stage for the anticipated Boxing Day Bounce. This annual tradition marks the return of enthusiastic buyers and sellers, laying the groundwork for a busy January market.
Looking to 2025
House prices have ended the year 1.4% higher than December 2023, reflecting a resilient market despite the challenges of the past year. Rightmove predicts a 4% increase in new seller asking prices for 2025, buoyed by expected mortgage rate drops that will improve affordability and stimulate market activity.
However, challenges persist. The looming stamp duty deadline on March 31, 2025, is already influencing behaviour. Sellers in higher-priced areas, particularly those with smaller properties, are racing to complete sales before the deadline to avoid higher stamp duty charges. First-time buyer properties, less affected by the changes, are holding their value best.
Stamp Duty and Mortgage Rates
Rightmove’s real-time data highlights the urgency among those affected by the stamp duty deadline. Meanwhile, competition among mortgage lenders is intensifying, with major players like NatWest, Santander, and Barclays recently reducing rates in an unusually active December as buyers rush to complete sales ahead of Stamp Duty increases in April. These cuts, along with anticipated reductions in the Bank of England base rate, could go some way to boosting consumer confidence and purchasing power heading into 2025.
While some headwinds remain, such as wage growth and broader economic pressures, the combination of lower mortgage rates and seasonal trends points to a stronger market ahead. Buyers who get a head start after Christmas are likely to find a wealth of options, reinforcing the Boxing Day Bounce as a key moment in the housing market calendar.
Getting ready for the Boxing Day Bounce
If you’re looking to capitalise on the Boxing Day Bounce, here are some tips that can put you in a position to make the most of it.
For sellers
- Get your listing ready: Ensure your property is listed online by Christmas Eve to capitalise on the surge in post-Christmas searches. High-quality photos, a compelling description, and accurate pricing are crucial.
- Price competitively: December is a time for attractive pricing, so work with your agent to position your property strategically in the market.
- Declutter and stage: Use the holiday period to tidy and stage your home to make it look its best for viewings. First impressions matter!
- Leverage online tools: Ask your agent about featured listings or promotions on property portals like Rightmove to boost visibility.
For buyers
Start your research early: Use your time in December to research areas, set budgets, and narrow down must-haves for your next home.
- Get mortgage pre-approval: Speak with lenders now to secure pre-approval, putting you in a strong position to make offers quickly.
- Set alerts: Sign up for alerts on property portals to be notified as soon as new listings go live on Boxing Day.
- Be ready to act: The best properties will attract early interest, so be prepared to arrange viewings or make offers promptly.
By planning ahead, you can make the most of the Boxing Day Bounce whether you're buying or selling and position yourself for success in the competitive post-Christmas market.
