Propertymark is forecasting another strong Boxing Day bounce this year, with millions of prospective buyers and renters expected to head online on 26th December to search for a new home.
The organisation says the post-Christmas spike has become one of the busiest marketing moments of the year, acting as an early trigger for activity that carries into January.
Boxing Day has increasingly become a key date in the housing calendar. With families gathered, people reflecting on their ambitions for the new year and extended downtime encouraging browsing on phones and laptops, estate and letting agents consistently report higher levels of website traffic, enquiries and requests for early January viewings.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said: “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.”
Search activity typically reaches some of its highest levels of the year, giving sellers early exposure to motivated buyers who want to move quickly in the new year.
Renters also use the period to plan relocations linked to job changes, new contracts or shifting personal circumstances, contributing to elevated demand across the market.
With agents preparing new listings and refreshed marketing campaigns for launch during this period, Propertymark says the ambition and momentum generated on Boxing Day can set the tone for the first quarter of the year.
