Boxing Day boom for property listings - Experts reveal how to make your home stand out this winter

The festive season isn't just about mince pies and mistletoe – it's also one of the hottest moments of the year for home movers, with the number of new properties listed for sale on Boxing Day up 26% year on year. With even more sellers expected to join the Boxing Day boom this year, standing out from the crowd is about more than just good photography – it is about how a home feels during those cold, dark winter viewings.

The winter viewing trap

Estate agents say many sellers underestimate how off-putting a home can be in winter if it feels cold, dark or damp. Common turn-offs include chilly rooms that make buyers rush through viewings, condensation on windows that hints at poor ventilation, and gloomy interiors once the daylight fades. Cluttered hallways, muddy footprints and over-the-top festive decorations can also distract buyers from the space itself and make rooms feel smaller than they really are.

Charlotte Hampton, estate agent at Frank Modern, explains: "Selling properties in winter can be challenging. There's nothing worse than stepping into a freezing home or seeing condensation on every window. First impressions matter more than ever at this time of year."

Boxing Day success story

For some sellers, relisting around Boxing Day can be the turning point. Home owner Kim Heron from Nottingham experienced a complete change in momentum after switching her timing to the festive period.

"When we first listed in May, interest was slow. Re-listing on Boxing Day completely changed the game – eight viewings booked within days, and two offers over asking price by January 2nd. Timing was everything."

Comfort and style tips from Hillarys

To help sellers make the most of increased Boxing Day interest, interiors and window dressing experts at Hillarys say focusing on warmth, light and kerb appeal can transform the way a home feels.  Product expert Yvonne Keal advises: "Set your heating on a timer so the home feels comfortably warm as soon as buyers walk in, and if you have a log burner or open fire, use it to create instant cosiness."

Lighting also makes a big difference on short winter days; opening blinds and curtains to maximise natural light, then switching to soft, layered lighting with table and floor lamps as dusk falls, helps create a welcoming glow. Clean, well-dressed windows with blinds and curtains fully opened show off both the glass and the view, while simple festive touches – such as a door wreath, fairy lights and seasonal flowers – add charm without overpowering the space.

First impressions start at the kerb

With more buyers browsing online and arranging viewings over the festive break, the outside of a property needs as much attention as the inside. Clearing paths of leaves, switching on outdoor lights and tidying entrance halls can all help create a polished first impression before buyers have even stepped over the threshold.

Experts say these small details are not just about aesthetics – they help viewers picture themselves living there, which is crucial when they are making swift decisions in a busy winter market.