Rightmove has reported that Boxing Day saw the most activity ever on its website and apps between Boxing Day and January 1st. In addition, Rightmove data shows that 30 December saw the most requests for valuations from home sellers since May 2021.
As expected, Rightmove has reported that the period between Boxing Day and the start of the New Year was the busiest on record due to the sheer numbers of those looking to move.
Data from the portal shows that buyer demand was up 23% higher on a yearly basis, and the number of those looking to sell their home from Boxing Day rose by 21% across the same time frame.
There was an increase in the number of homes available as people appeared to decide to make 2022 a year of new starts – including a new place to live. Following 18 months of lockdowns and continued periods of self-isolation, home working and less time travelling, we have all re-assessed what we want from our homes. The drive for another room for or study and more outside space for the summer months has also been a driver for those considering a house move.
Tim Bannister from Rightmove said:
“The increased number of new homes up for sale on Boxing Day compared to last year signals a new group of sellers coming to market who have made it their New Year’s resolution to move in 2022. This group may have held back last year due to the frantic market but are now seeing it as their time to take action.”
Boxing Day tends to signal the beginning of more activity in the housing market as people look towards the coming year after the festivities of Christmas. Although the housing market was busy market in 2021, there were higher levels of buyer demand in the period between Boxing Day and January 1st.