Why Boxing Day Is One of the Busiest Days in the Property Calendar

For many people, Christmas is a chance to slow down, spend time with family and reset for the year ahead. But while the kettle is on and the mince pies are out, something else is happening quietly in the background. Thousands of buyers and investors are scrolling property portals, thinking about what they want to do next.

Boxing Day has become the busiest day of the year for property searches according to Rightmove. Other major portals also consistently see a surge in traffic over the Christmas period, driven by people who finally have the time and headspace to properly consider their property plans. For most, Boxing Day isn’t about making offers there and then – it’s about lining things up so they’re ready to act as soon as January begins.

Christmas Break Is the Starting Point, Not the Finish Line

The days between Christmas and New Year are often when clarity sets in. For owner-occupiers, busy households highlight space issues, travel to family puts location into question, and time away from work allows for focused searching rather than rushed scrolling.

For investors, this period is about preparation. It’s when portfolios are often thought about, goals are refined and decisions are made around where to deploy capital in the year ahead. Many of the investors who move quickly in January are the ones doing the groundwork now, using the festive break to assess opportunities and get organised.

Prepping in December, not January.

There’s a misconception that property activity starts in January. In reality, January is when momentum accelerates. Buyers and investors who have spent the Christmas break researching are ready to book viewings, speak to agents and move decisively once normal working weeks resume.

If you wait until January to start thinking about selling or investing, you may find yourself reacting rather than leading. Competition typically increases as more stock comes to market, and the best opportunities often go to those who are already prepared. Being visible and organised now means you’re front of mind when the market fully reopens.

What This Means If You’re Looking to Elevate Your Portfolio

For investors, Boxing Day is an ideal moment to take stock. Whether you’re looking to grow, rebalance or improve returns, this is the point where plans for the year ahead start to solidify. Reviewing finances, refining your criteria and starting conversations now allows you to move quickly when the right opportunity presents itself in January.

Those who use this period well often secure stronger deals earlier in the year, simply because they are ready to act while others are still finding their feet.

How to Use This Window to Your Advantage

For sellers, having your property ready and marketed now means it’s already being seen and shortlisted by motivated buyers. Even if viewings are scheduled for early January, you’re building momentum before the new year begins.

For investors, this is the time to line everything up. That might mean reviewing your portfolio, confirming finance, or speaking with an agent about the types of opportunities you want to pursue. Small steps taken now can make a significant difference to how quickly and confidently you’re able to move in January.

Thinking Ahead to January?

If you’re planning to sell, invest or take the next step with your property portfolio in the new year, Boxing Day is the perfect moment to start. The decisions made over the Christmas break are often the ones that shape the months ahead.

At Donelan Property, we work with sellers and investors who want to be ready to move when January momentum hits. If you’re thinking about how to position yourself for the start of the year, now is the right time to begin the conversation.

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