Homebuyer demand is set to strengthen over the Christmas period following the Autumn Budget according to new research from eXp UK, which suggests the market could start 2026 with renewed momentum.
A survey of prospective buyers found that 73% had paused their search ahead of the Budget. Now that measures have been confirmed, 98% say they are ready to resume looking for a home.
The data also points to unexpectedly high levels of appetite for in-person viewings during the festive week.
Just over four out of 10 (43%) respondents said they would view a property on Christmas Eve, while 16% would do so on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. A further 18% said they would only attend at that time for the “perfect” property.
BOXING DAY BOUNCE
Between 27 December and New Year’s Day, 45% expect to view homes, although a third said this would again depend on finding the right listing. Meanwhile, 71% plan to continue their search virtually over Christmas.
The traditional Boxing Day bounce may be less pronounced this year, with buyers expecting the busiest browsing period to fall between 27 and 30 December. Nevertheless, the findings indicate strong early-year momentum: 86% plan to arrange in-person viewings for January.
The research also highlights the seasonal strain, with 71% of buyers saying the festive surge in house hunting adds to Christmas stress.
BUDGET UNCERTAINTY
Adam Day, head of eXp UK and Europe, says: “The market has been subject to months of Budget uncertainty and this has clearly impacted buyer intent.
“But now that the dust has settled and homeowners have clarity for the year ahead, many appear keen to push forward with their plans – even during the festive period.
“Of course, this surge in activity may not translate into headline market metrics for the final weeks of 2025, but it does suggest that we are likely to start 2026 very much on the front foot.
“With so many buyers preparing to book early-January viewings, market momentum should begin to build almost immediately, helping to negate any traditional property-market January blues.”
