24.10.2025

Selling Your Home at Christmas: Why Now Could Be the Smartest Move You Make

By Jenna Coghlan

There’s something about Christmas that makes us think about home. Maybe it’s the glow of fairy lights, the smell of pine needles, or that special moment when everyone finally sits down together and you realise half the family doesn’t fit around the kitchen table anymore…

It’s the season when the kettle’s always on, the house feels fuller, and conversations naturally turn to what comes next.

“We’ll need more space next year.”

“Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a garden?”

“Imagine living closer to the coast.”

It’s these discussions that spark many house moves across the UK.

And although it might sound counterintuitive, December can be one of the best months to start. While most people are winding down, the property market is quietly warming up – so for sellers who plan ahead, Christmas isn’t a time to pause, it’s a time to prepare.

The Boxing Day Boom

It’s become something of a British ritual. Boxing Day: turkey sandwiches, leftover trifle, and a casual scroll through Rightmove.

Every year, the lull between Christmas and New Year sends millions of people online. There’s space to think, family to discuss plans with, and time to browse. In fact, Rightmove regularly reports swathes of activity during this window, with Boxing Day consistently ranking among the busiest days for property searches – and this trend is showing no signs of stopping, with Boxing Day 2024 breaking records.

We see it locally, too. Enquiries spike, viewing requests start arriving before the tree’s even down, and buyers who have been quietly watching the market suddenly make their move.

If your home is already listed by then, you’ll be ready when those dreamers turn into decision-makers, and while everyone else is waiting for January, your home is already part of their post-Christmas plans.

Serious Buyers, Not Browsers

The truth is, people looking for homes in December aren’t casual, and they’re not scrolling aimlessly – they have intent.

Some are relocating for work, others are moving closer to family, and a few simply want to begin the new year with a fresh start. They’ve often done the financial legwork already, and are just waiting for the right property to appear.

In December, the buyers who come through your door tend to be ready to proceed. That means fewer wasted viewings and more meaningful conversations since viewers have already made their decision; they’re simply looking for somewhere that feels like home.

Homes Feel Their Best in Winter

A well-loved home can sell itself in winter. The warmth, the light, the scent of baking – these things make people feel something, and emotion plays a big part in buying decisions.

This is the season when homes come to life – lamps glowing in windows, soft throws on sofas, candles flickering as daylight fades. It’s less about square footage and more about atmosphere.

Of course, there’s a balance to strike. Decorations should feel inviting but not distracting – for example, a tree that takes over the room or tinsel draped across every surface can shrink the sense of space. So, if you’re planning to photograph your home, do it before the decorations go up: that way, your listing looks timeless and continues to appeal long after the festivities end.

Less Competition, More Attention

December is when many sellers take a break. They tell themselves they’ll “get everything ready in the new year” – and that’s exactly why it’s such a great time to stand out when everyone else is set on delaying.

With fewer homes on the market, your property won’t be competing for attention. Buyers who are actively searching will have fewer choices, which means more eyes on your listing and, often, stronger offers.

And when those Boxing Day browsers return in January with viewing lists in hand, you’ll already be there – polished, prepared, and perfectly placed to catch the rush.

Selling Without the Stress

Nobody wants estate agents turning up halfway through Christmas dinner, and thankfully, that’s not how it works. In fact, selling during the holidays can be remarkably calm when handled properly.

At Rowe & Co, we often help clients get everything ready in November: professional photography, valuation, floorplans, and marketing assets, all set before the first Christmas card lands on the doormat. Then, the listing quietly goes live while you’re enjoying time with your family.

Viewings can be managed carefully – sometimes virtually, sometimes scheduled for the first week of January. The point is, you stay in control. You enjoy your Christmas, and your home quietly begins attracting attention behind the scenes.

Planning for the Year Ahead

Selling now isn’t only about catching Christmas browsers. It’s about being ready when the new year market wakes up.

By early January, your property will already be live, visible and generating enquiries while others are still waiting for photos or valuations. It’s a head start that can make a real difference.

If you’re already planning a move in 2026, getting ahead of the crowd could save weeks of waiting – and put you in a stronger position when new listings start flooding in. Preparation is everything, and December is the perfect month for it.

A Hampshire Kind of Christmas

Hampshire has its own charm at this time of year. The smell of mulled wine at Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas market, walks through frost-tipped fields, and the glow of a pub fire after a long day – this county shines in winter.

We often meet buyers visiting family who end up falling in love with the area all over again. They see the light on a Georgian terrace, or the view from a village lane, and start imagining themselves here. For local sellers, that’s a golden opportunity. Christmas brings people back – and often, it makes them want to stay.

Common Myths About Selling at Christmas

Myth 1: No one buys at Christmas.

They do – thousands of them. Serious buyers don’t wait for the calendar to change.

Myth 2: Winter photos look gloomy.

Not with the right lighting. A crisp morning shot or a warm interior image can be far more atmospheric than any bright summer picture.

Myth 3: It’s too late to start.

It’s not. With a proactive agent, your home can be market-ready within days.

Frequently Asked Questions: Selling and Moving at Christmas

Is Christmas really a good time to move house?

It is. Buyers searching over Christmas are serious, and your home faces far less competition. Rightmove’s Boxing Day traffic proves it — people are looking, and they’re ready.

Does the market slow down?

Completions do, but buyer interest doesn’t. Many people use the festive break to plan, browse, and get ready for viewings in January.

When should I list if I want to move before Christmas?

Ideally, by late autumn. But if you’re thinking ahead to early 2026, listing in December ensures you’re visible when the market wakes up again.

Does selling in December affect my price?

Not at all. In fact, lower competition often helps. Motivated buyers plus fewer listings can equal stronger offers.

Do buyers actually look for homes over the holidays?

They do — usually from the sofa, surrounded by family and Quality Street. The relaxed pace helps them focus on what’s next.

Should I decorate if my home is for sale?

Yes, but lightly. A few warm touches go a long way. Let the home feel festive without overwhelming it.

What’s the best way to prepare for a post-Christmas move?

Get your valuation booked, arrange professional photos, and make small improvements before December. Then relax. Your listing will be ready for the new year rush.

Every Home Has a Story

Every home has its story — the dinners, the laughter, the late-night conversations that make it yours. When it’s time for a new chapter, that story deserves to be told well.

If you’re thinking about selling this winter, we’d love to help you make the most of the season. Whether you’re ready to list now or planning for the new year, we’ll guide you through every step with local knowledge and honest advice.