Propertymark expects this year’s traditional “Boxing Day Bounce” to deliver one of the busiest days of the year for online property searches, as buyers and renters turn to digital platforms on 26 December to begin planning moves for 2026.
The post-Christmas spike has become a key moment in the housing calendar. With families together, New Year plans forming and more time spent on phones and laptops, estate and letting agents typically report sharp increases in website traffic, enquiries and early-January viewing requests.
Industry data in recent years shows that Boxing Day often marks the unofficial start of the new housing cycle, with sellers gaining early exposure and motivated buyers beginning their search before the New Year rush.
Renters also use the period to plan relocations linked to job changes, new contracts or personal circumstances that reset in January.
NEW YEAR LAUNCHPAD
The annual surge provides estate agents with a strong launchpad for new listings and marketing campaigns, capitalising on a rare moment of simultaneous consumer attention.
Nathan Emerson (main picture), Chief Executive of Propertymark, says the pattern is now well established.
“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.”
He adds: “People use the festival period to reflect. With millions of people starting to look at property at the same time, it creates real momentum. The Boxing Day Bounce gives the market a strong launchpad for the year ahead.”
