Propertymark is forecasting another strong “Boxing Day Bounce” this year, as millions of prospective buyers and renters are expected to jump online on 26 December.

Boxing Day has become a pivotal moment for the housing market. With families gathered, new-year planning underway and plenty of spare time spent browsing phones and laptops, estate and letting agents routinely report a sharp uplift in enquiries, web traffic and viewing requests heading into early January.

“The real start of the housing cycle”

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, says:  “Most years, Boxing Day marks the true start of the new housing cycle. Once the festive excitement has passed, people turn their attention to the year ahead, and moving home is often right at the top of that list. We expect to see an increase in online searches, enquiries, and valuation requests as consumers prepare to act early in 2026.”

Why Boxing Day matters

• Search activity spikes – portals regularly record some of their highest visitor numbers of the entire year
• Sellers gain early-bird visibility, often catching motivated buyers determined to move quickly in the New Year
• Renters start planning moves linked to jobs, new contracts or lifestyle changes that reset in January
• Marketing momentum kicks in, with new listings timed for maximum visibility during a high-attention period

Propertymark advice for landlords and sellers

1. Declutter and depersonalise

Holiday browsing means potential buyers are scanning quickly. Neutral, uncluttered rooms help people imagine themselves in the space.

2. Carry out minor repairs

Small, inexpensive improvements—fresh paint, working lights, and tidy fittings—boost the all-important first impression.

3. Improve kerb appeal

Even in winter, tidy entrances, clean pathways and good lighting help a listing stand out. People make a judgement within seconds.

4. Photograph before decorations dominate

Christmas décor looks great in person but dates the photographs. Propertymark recommends capturing images early December before decorations go up.

5. Get your paperwork organised

Be ready to respond quickly when enquiries come in.