Boxing Day 2024 has marked a record-breaking day for new seller activity and buyer interest on Rightmove, as home-hunters took advantage of increased market opportunities ahead of a 2025 move.
The UK’s largest property platform recorded a 26% rise in new properties listed for sale compared to Boxing Day 2023, setting a new record. The majority of homes listed (46%) were mid-market three and four-bedroom properties, while 35% were smaller first-time buyer homes, and 18% were larger properties at the top of the ladder.
The South East led the regions for new property listings, followed by the East of England and the South West.
In addition to record listings, Boxing Day also saw Rightmove’s busiest-ever day for platform visits, with total buyer demand—measured by enquiries sent to estate agents—20% higher than the same day in 2023.
Steve Pimblett, Rightmove’s chief data officer, said: “We’ve seen a record-breaking Boxing Day, not only for people turning to the Rightmove platform once the Christmas Day festivities are over, but also for home-movers taking action and getting ahead of 2025.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, added: “The festive period can prove a real inspiration for many who are thinking of potentially moving house. When you consider just how much progression the last twelve months has delivered to the housing market, it’s extremely encouraging to see enhanced levels of confidence translate into record numbers of people having the certainty to approach the buying and selling process.
“We started the year with inflation standing at 4% and the Bank of England base rate at 5.25%. Both are now trending steadily back downwards, and in turn, this is helping to provide much-needed affordability. Overall, we are expecting to see an extremely promising start to 2025, as people find themselves in a much more robust financial position than witnessed last year.”
