Boxing Day record-breaking ‘bounce’

What is the Boxing Day bounce?

The Boxing Day bounce refers to the jump in home-moving activity that happens immediately after Christmas. It’s when the market springs back following what’s typically the quietest period of the year in December.

And this year’s bounce was bigger than ever. Visits to Rightmove nearly doubled – jumping 93% from Christmas Day into Boxing Day. That’s a bigger increase than last year’s 87% rise, and it helped make Boxing Day 2025 the busiest Boxing Day on record.

Plus, buyer enquiries to estate agents increased by 67% in the five days after Christmas compared to the five days before, while new property listings more than doubled – up 143% in the same period.

Steve Pimblett, our Chief Data Officer, says: “It’s early days but Boxing Day’s data suggests agents could have a busy start to 2026 after a quieter festive period during December, which was also impacted by the lateness of the Budget and the uncertainty around potential policies in the lead up to it. Record breaking visit numbers indicates many are looking to put some of the uncertainty of last year behind them and get going with a 2026 move.”

Activity was busiest in the South East, East of England and London, while the most popular type of homes being listed were smaller 0-2 bedroom properties – the kind that first-time buyers typically look for.

Why does buyer activity surge after Christmas?

There are a few reasons why so many people start their property search right after Christmas. For many people, it’s the classic case of a new year fresh start – a ‘new home, new you’ feeling that kicks in once January arrives and makes house-hunting feel like the natural next step.

The Christmas break also gives people breathing space to think properly about where they’re living and what they need. Maybe the family’s outgrowing the current place, or the commute’s getting tiresome, or it simply feels like time for something different. Either way, those quiet days between Christmas and New Year will give some the space to start making plans.

There is also a practical element. Boxing Day is key milestone in the calendar for new properties starting to appear on the market. Sellers who have been waiting for the right moment often choose to list just after Christmas, when they know more buyers will be actively looking. This creates a positive cycle – more properties attract more buyers, which in turn encourages more sellers to list their homes.

Is Boxing Day the best time to sell?

While Boxing Day sees a notable spike in activity, whether it’s the best time for you to sell is another question.

Historically, our research shows that February and March are the best months to list your home for sale. Nearly seven in 10 homes (66.3%) listed during these months went on to complete – a higher-than-normal success rate. Spring typically remains the most popular time to buy and sell, with March and April seeing the highest number of buyer enquiries and quicker-than-average times to sell.

That said, there are benefits to listing in early January. The buyers you’ll meet tend to be more committed to making a move happen, and there won’t be as many competing properties on the market as there will be once spring arrives. If you list in January, you could also be looking at completing somewhere between spring and early summer – ideal if you’ve got children and want to be settled ahead of the new school year.

The main thing to remember is that timing matters, but not as much as your own situation. Yes, it helps to know when house prices are rising and when the market’s busiest, but what’s happening in your life and your local area should be what drives your decision.

How to prepare your property if you’re thinking of selling

If all this Boxing Day activity has got you thinking about selling, here’s what you need to sort out before listing.

Start by working out what your property’s worth and setting a realistic price. Get this right from the off and you’ll attract the kind of buyers who are ready to make an offer. Our guide on how much is your house worth explains how to understand property values where you live.

Then there’s presentation. A good declutter, thorough clean and fixing any obvious issues can seriously speed up your sale. Small touches make a bigger difference than you might think. Take a look at our guide to preparing your property for sale for some practical ideas.

And don’t underestimate how important choosing the right agent is. You want someone who really knows your local market, can give you honest valuations, and will put in the effort to find your buyer. Our guide on how to choose the right agent covers what to look for.

Source: Rightmove property news January 2026.