The New Year is synonymous with fresh starts. After the rush of the festive season, many of us enjoy looking forward and making plans for the coming year: new routines, new goals – and perhaps a new home too.
The ‘Boxing Day bounce’ is a yearly burst of online property searches, with data showing that searches increase by 50% on 26th December. According to Zoopla, this bounce “heralds the beginning of a burst of activity that continues to gain momentum throughout January”. It’s not just people browsing out of mere curiosity, either; Boxing Day 2024 saw a 26% increase in new properties being listed compared to the same day in 2023 – the biggest bounce on record so far.
So, if you’re planning a move, now’s the time to act: prepare your home for the market today so you’re ready for the post-Christmas bounce and the wave of motivated buyers starting 2026 with purpose.
Olivia’s non-negotiables
The right move starts with knowing what you’re looking for. What’s non-negotiable? What makes it a home for you? When Olivia started planning her next move, she had a crystal-clear vision of what would make a property irresistible for her and her young daughter:
- A reading nook for Sienna, the little bookworm: Cosy corners and natural light to make story-time extra special
- A pretty home with a picturesque flint exterior: Charmed by traditional Sussex flint walls, Olivia wanted a home with character
- A downstairs shower room for muddy Sunday rugby sessions: when Sienna comes home splattered with mud from the pitch, she can walk in the back door, rinse off, toss her kit straight into the washing machine … and keep the rest of the house pristine – even on the wettest winter day
These might sound specific, but that’s exactly the point. They’re not just features, they’re what makes a house feel truly like home.
The power of now
By listing your home for sale now (or preparing to list for early 2026), you position your home to be seen by motivated buyers who are serious about moving, not just browsing.
- The Boxing Day bounce now seen as a key early indicator of the property market waking up after Christmas – following that record surge on 26th December 2024, buyer enquiries were also up 20%
- Early-year momentum counts: Homes listed in February and March historically have the highest chance of completing a sale (around 66.3%) and some of the shortest times to find a buyer
How we help you capitalise on the Boxing Day bounce
- We start with your story. What does home look and feel like for you? For Olivia, it’s a picture-perfect Sussex flint exterior, that cosy reading nook, and the all-important downstairs shower room
- We filter smart and market early. Instead of waiting until spring to drop your listing into a crowded market, we plan ahead: we help you prep your property so that when momentum hits, you’re ready
- We maximise the opportunity window. The early months of the year are proving to be strong for sellers. By preparing now, you give yourself a headstart and won’t have to play catch-up in a crowded market later
Your next steps…
Whether you’re ready to put your home on the market or just want to talk it through with your friendly, local property experts, get in touch with us. Got your non-negotiables list ready? Even better! We’re ready to help:
- Value your property
- Discuss timing and strategy (so you maximise early-year momentum)
- Set a plan of action so you’re not sidelined when the rush begins
Contact us for your free valuation today, and let’s make sure your next move feels just right.