Unwrapping the Magic of the Boxing Day Bounce

Your Guide to Kicking Off 2025 in the UK Property Market!

As the scent of mulled wine fades and the Christmas wrapping paper is packed away, the UK property market gets ready for its own festive tradition—the Boxing Day Bounce! While December is often a quiet month for movers, with new seller asking prices typically dropping by 1.7% (-£6,395) to £360,197 this year, Boxing Day has proven to be a turning point for both buyers and sellers. It’s when the market shakes off its festive slumber and springs back to life.

So, what exactly is the Boxing Day Bounce, and how can you make the most of it? Let’s dive in!

Why December is the Calm Before the Storm

It’s no surprise that the lead-up to Christmas slows things down in the property world. Most sellers need to price competitively in December to grab the attention of buyers distracted by parties, shopping, and festive cheer. But don’t be fooled—while the market may look quiet, there’s a buzz brewing beneath the surface.

In fact, Rightmove’s data shows that, despite the seasonal dip, activity remains stronger than this time last year. Sales agreed are up by an impressive 22%, and new buyer demand has risen by 13%. This sets the stage perfectly for Boxing Day, the unofficial “new year” of the property market.

The Boxing Day Bounce: Where Festivities Meet Fresh Listings

Think of Boxing Day as the Black Friday of UK property. After the Christmas dinner leftovers are packed away and the Monopoly board is folded up, the nation turns to their devices. It’s become a tradition for movers to flood property websites like Rightmove in search of their next dream home.

Here’s why it’s such a big deal:

A Record Surge in Buyer Demand: Last year, buyer demand skyrocketed by a jaw-dropping 273% between Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Fresh Listings Galore: Sellers are increasingly using Boxing Day to launch their properties, creating a surge of new choices for buyers. In 2023, it marked the busiest day of the season for new property listings.

For buyers, it’s the ultimate window-shopping experience with real stakes. For sellers, it’s a golden opportunity to showcase their homes to a sea of motivated buyers ready to make their next move.

What’s Coming in 2025?

Looking ahead, Rightmove predicts new seller asking prices will rise by 4% in 2025, supported by anticipated drops in mortgage rates. This could make homes more affordable and boost buyer confidence.

However, the looming March 31st, 2025 stamp duty deadline is casting a shadow for some. Sellers of smaller properties in higher-priced areas are racing to beat the deadline and avoid higher tax charges. This is especially noticeable in London and the South East, where the number of sellers for two-bedroom properties or smaller has jumped by 20% and 16%, respectively.

Meanwhile, first-time-buyer homes—particularly those under £300,000—are proving resilient. In the North East, prices for this segment are even up by 1% this month, bucking the national trend.

Tips for Sellers: How to Get Ahead of the Boxing Day Bounce

Get a Valuation Now: December may be quiet, but it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the New Year rush. A valuation now ensures you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the buyers come flooding in.
Make Your Home Stand Out: With so many new listings hitting the market on Boxing Day, presentation is key. Consider sprucing up your décor or staging your home for that all-important online first impression.
Price it Right: Buyers on Boxing Day are serious and informed. Competitive pricing will help your property stand out amidst the flurry of fresh listings.

Tips for Buyers: Beat the Rush

Set Your Alerts: Boxing Day is a flurry of activity, and properties can go fast. Set up alerts on platforms like Rightmove to ensure you don’t miss your dream home.
Be Mortgage-Ready: With rates expected to drop, the early months of 2025 could be a sweet spot for securing a deal. Get your finances in order now to act quickly.
Think Strategically: While there’s plenty of fresh choice, competition will be fierce. Know what you’re looking for and be ready to act decisively.

The Bigger Picture: Resilience Amidst Challenges

The property market has proven remarkably resilient this year, with prices ending 1.4% higher than December 2023. But as we step into 2025, the picture is mixed. Anticipated mortgage rate cuts could fuel optimism, but the stamp duty changes will bring challenges for some movers, particularly later in the year.

Still, the Boxing Day Bounce offers a glimpse of the market’s vitality. It’s a moment of opportunity for buyers and sellers alike, setting the tone for a promising year ahead.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you’re a buyer looking for a fresh start or a seller hoping to cash in on Boxing Day buzz, the key is preparation. The UK property market is poised for another lively Boxing Day Bounce—so, why not join in?

Get your house on the market now or start browsing for your dream home. After all, when the turkey’s done, the real action begins!

Your Boxing Day Bounce Partner

Need help navigating the market? Get in touch with us—we’ll make sure you’re ready to make the most of this exciting time.

Let’s kick off 2025 with a bang! 🎉