Boxing Day boom for property listings – why timing could be your secret weapon 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. New data from Hillarys reveals Boxing Day is now one of the single busiest days for property portals, with record numbers of buyers heading to sites like Rightmove and Zoopla once the Christmas leftovers are cleared away.

Because many buyers sort by 'newest' or rely on email alerts, relisting your home for sale around Boxing Day can push it back to the top of their search results at the very moment activity surges – increasing the chances of securing fresh viewings. Some agents now plan their launch or relaunch strategies specifically for this post-Christmas spike, to make sure their sellers' homes are seen by as many serious home-hunters as possible.

The Boxing Day surge is no fluke

Hillarys have partnered with property data specialists TwentyCi, and reported high supply on Boxing Day has been growing consistently since 2020. In fact, 2024 saw a 19% increase on the prior year – and a staggering 128% rise compared to 2019. While Boxing Day is also a peak time for re-listings, this trend varies year to year.

Susan Corless from TwentyCi explains:
"Boxing Day is a busy one for site traffic to the likes of Rightmove and Zoopla. The benefit of re-listing your property is that you reappear at the top of search results, making it far more likely to attract viewings. We've even seen agents delist and relist all their properties on this day to capitalise on the surge."

The Winter Viewing Trap

Estate agents warn that while timing is crucial, presentation matters just as much. Common turn-offs include chilly rooms that make buyers rush through viewings, condensation on windows hinting at poor ventilation, and gloomy interiors once daylight fades. Cluttered hallways, muddy footprints and over-the-top festive decorations can also make rooms feel smaller than they really are.

Charlotte Hampton, estate agent at Frank Modern, says:
"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."

Comfort and Style Tips from Hillarys

To help sellers make the most of increased Boxing Day interest, interiors and window dressing experts at Hillarys recommend focusing on warmth, light and kerb appeal.

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.