Reports show that Boxing Day is the most popular day of the year for buyers, and for sellers, who will get more for their money as buyer demand levels increase for 2022.
Recent data from Rightmove found that the number of people browsing for a new home on Boxing Day in 2020 was 51 million, 50% higher than in 2019[1]. With this number predicted to rise again in 2022, Mishon Mackay has been working with sellers and buyers to promote the busiest day of the year for online property searches.
It is not only Boxing Day where online traffic is high as Rightmove has previously reported a 228% increase in page views between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as well[2]. This increase in activity will give sellers maximum exposure and is the best time of year for those looking to sell their home.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data, said: “Sellers often wait until January to get their home on the market, but this year agents say that more people are trying to get a head-start on making 2022 their year to move by doing a lot of the prep before the New Year, including having their home ready to market during the Christmas period.”
The Boxing Day bounce brings fresh property choices to the market for 2022, as new year’s resolution sellers look to take advantage of the traditional Boxing Day buyer demand.
Plus, while Covid continues to have an ever-changing impact, Rightmove is starting to see signs of a return to traditional norms. This includes seasonal fluctuations in house prices with a 19% jump in property valuation requests compared to this time a year ago, indicating that previously hesitant sellers are now looking to make a move[3].
For those in the market to buy a new home, Boxing Day is the perfect time to get a foot in the door before other potential buyers begin to look to move in the new year. Mishon Mackay is working with sellers to create a portfolio of properties that will go on sale during this period.
Alex Mackay, Managing Director at Mishon Mackay, said: “This busy period between Christmas and the new year is one of the best times not only for sellers, but also for those looking for a new home.
“We’re expecting to see a ‘closer to normal’ housing market in 2022 as property valuation requests from homeowners have increased, which is a great sign there will be more homes available to buy.
“For sellers, it is the perfect time to get the right kind of attention on your property and ensure maximum visibility to potential buyers as there’s a huge level of buyer demand and not enough homes to buy. So, act quick and book in your valuations for this prime time!”
If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a home and need some advice on where to begin, Mishon Mackay will be open throughout the festive period to provide expert advice to start the new year off on the right foot.
[1] https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/property/pre-christmas-price-drop-sellers-position-themselves-for-boxing-day-buyer-wave.html
[2] https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/yes-you-can-sell-your-home-this-christmas-980rjv7p8
[3] https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/2022-moving-home/
