It may seem unusual to some to sell a house over the festive period, however, the property market is very much still active at this time of the year. The number of post-Christmas home buyers to browse for properties on Rightmove increases every year, with visits on Boxing Day last year 54% higher than the previous year. People have more free time and motivation to make a change in time for the New Year, so it can be a great time to buy and sell.
With this in mind, here are our top tips for buying and selling over Christmas.
An online presence is vital
If you are selling your home, it needs to be listed and visible on all the major property portals (like Rightmove) over Christmas. People will tend to have more free time and will start to browse properties online over the festive season.
We believe that sellers need to take advantage of this busy time. Once Christmas Day and Boxing Day are over, people are looking towards a New Year move. Don’t miss out the opportunity of hitting the market when it’s hot!
Rightmove say that Boxing Day is their busiest all year. But why is this period so busy? One reason could be due to the new phones and tablets that people are often gifted at Christmas. It is also one of the few holidays that the family will be all together and most likely at home. This means that any discussions about viewings and a move can be had with all the decision makers present. With the upcoming New Year, there's no better fresh start than a new home.
Winter weather
Spring is a popular time to buy and sell, but winter has its benefits, too. Sometimes stepping into a bright, warm, cosy home on a bitterly cold day or drizzly evening can have just as positive an effect as viewing a property on a warm summer day.
Tip: Try to arrange viewings in the daylight. If you arrange a viewing later in the day, you won’t get the true experience of the property, especially if there is outdoor space. It is important to view them before the night draws in.
Ready for the New Year rush
In the New Year, there will be a rush of people looking to buy and sell. Why not beat the rush by instructing an Estate Agent or getting to know the market in December? Many sellers hold off until January and miss out on the busy online searching period. Additionally, because there are typically less properties on the market during the holidays, you may benefit from lower competition levels.
Tip: Don’t underestimate how long it takes to get your home on the market!
Given the time it takes for us to prepare the marketing material for a property, including taking photos, preparing floorplans and commissioning an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), it is advisable for sellers to start the process now to get ahead of the competition and take advantage of these peak periods. 
Don’t wait until spring
It is not essential to wait until Spring to sell. Most sellers wait until spring and then there is more supply and more competition, whereas over the Christmas season, there is less supply but still high demand. By selling your home over the festive period, you may be more likely to achieve a better selling price than you would trying to sell against the flurry of stock in the spring market.
Book a valuation today by calling 01934 815 053 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
