As the festive season draws near and the New Year looms, now is the perfect moment to prepare to vie for the spike in buyer interest that follows the festive season. At Ativa Property we’re advising our sellers to treat the run-up to Christmas and into January not simply as a lull, but as the build-up to one of the best times of year to sell.
Why New Year is a Great Time to Sell
There’s a well-observed phenomenon known in the UK property market as the “Boxing Day Bounce”. After the calm (and distraction) of Christmas Day many buyers pick up their property search on Boxing Day and into the New Year. Sellers who are ready can reap the benefits.
According to data from the property portal Rightmove:
- Buyer enquiries to estate-agents increased by 273% from Christmas Day to Boxing Day in recent years.
- On 26th December 2024 the number of new properties listed was 26% higher than the same day in 2023.
- The “new sellers” coming to market early give buyers more choice – and sellers the chance to capture the early-mover attention.
The lesson: buyers are ready post-festivities, and a home that is market-ready when that wave hits can attract interest, possibly more quickly and from more motivated purchasers.
How to Prepare Your Home in the Countdown
Selling in the New Year means thinking ahead now. The run-up to Christmas offers a useful parallel: you prepare your home for guests, parties and a festive atmosphere – but you can channel that same preparation into making your property “viewing-ready”.
1. Declutter and Neutralise
As you tidy up for Christmas, box away excess ornaments, clear surfaces and overloaded book shelves and give the house a fresh feel. A clean, organised space appeals to buyers and helps them imagine themselves living there.
2. Create the Right ‘Mood’
During the festive season you may focus on lighting, warmth and presentation. For viewings, ensure good lighting (natural and artificial), a welcoming temperature, and fresh scents (but nothing overpowering). Little touches matter: fresh bedding, a clean carpet, polished floors.
3. Tidy Outdoor Spaces
Guests may enter via the garden or front path. Make sure pathways are clear, leaves raked up, bins are tidy/out of sight, lights functional and if snow or frost is likely (as we are in Scotland), consider salt/grit for safety. A good first impression starts outside.
4. Think About Timing and Marketing
Since buyer activity spikes around Boxing Day and into January, aim to have your home photographed ahead of Christmas decorations going up (we can book our photographer within the week you contact us!). Many sellers wait until January, but that means more competition. By being ready in December you can hit the market when interest surges.
5. Pricing and Presentation Count
Rightmove warn that sellers need to work harder to stand out in the crowd and that those who price too optimistically may be left on the shelf. So make sure your asking price is realistic and your home well-presented.
Why This Strategy Works in Edinburgh & Surrounding Areas
For homeowners in Edinburgh and the Lothians, taking advantage of the New Year surge means you can capitalise on motivated buyers coming off the holidays and looking to move in the new year. You’ll benefit from:
- Increased buyer searches post-festivity, fewer distractions from other life events
- Less competition if you list early and are ready to go
- A better chance of going under offer swiftly, giving you momentum into the spring
At Ativa Property we’ll guide you through each step, from decluttering checklists to photographic timing to pricing strategy, so you’re ready to hit the market when the momentum returns.
In short: don’t treat November and December simply as downtime for selling. Instead, treat them as your preparation window. Think of getting your home in the best shape for its “big reveal” in the New Year. The buyer engine is revving up, and those homes that are polished, presented and priced correctly will stand out.
If you’d like a tailored checklist or to discuss your timeline for launching into the New Year market, get in touch with Fiona directly on 07900 605674 or email [email protected]
