Moving House After Christmas: How to Prepare for the Busy New Year Period

The New Year period has long been one of the busiest times in the property market. Whether you’re moving house after Christmas or taking your first steps onto the property ladder, January often feels like the right moment to begin

The New Year period has long been one of the busiest times in the property market. Whether you’re moving house after Christmas or taking your first steps onto the property ladder, January often feels like the right moment to begin exploring your next move.

Boxing Day’s growing importance in the property market

Boxing Day has also traditionally given the market a bit of a “bounce”, as people unwind from Christmas and start browsing what’s available. But in recent years, Boxing Day has become far more than a gentle lift, rather it has turned into one of the busiest days of the entire year.
For example, Rightmove recorded its busiest ever Boxing Day for new seller activity in 2024, with:
  • Listings up 26% on Boxing Day than in 2023 and
  • Enquiries 20% higher as people accelerated their plans for 2025
But Boxing Day doesn’t stand on its own. That burst of activity flows straight into a very busy early-January period, creating a double rush that drives the market from the day after Christmas right through the start of the year. More people searching, more people viewing, and more people making decisions mean things start moving quickly, often faster than many expect.

Why it pays to be prepared

If you’re thinking of moving, this increased pace makes good preparation more important than ever. That includes getting your survey or valuation booked early, so you’re not caught in the holiday backlog.

Surveys protect your investment, uncover hidden issues, and give you confidence before committing to a purchase, but peak demand can mean limited appointment slots.

How a survey can help protect your investment:

An RICS Home Survey will:

  1. Include a detailed report from a local surveyor who knows the area.
  2. Give you confidence to make informed decisions before you buy.
  3. Help you determine if the property is worth the price or whether you should renegotiate (Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey & Valuation).
  4. Highlight hidden defects, potential risks, and maintenance needs.
  5. Offer expert advice to keep your home safe and sound.

How Avery & Co can help

At Avery & Co, we’re here for all your surveying and valuation needs. Our RICS-qualified surveyors provide HomeBuyer Reports, Level 3 Building Surveys, Help-to-Buy and shared-ownership valuations, plus a full range of residential assessments. Whether you’re browsing Boxing Day listings or planning a New-Year move, we’ll give you clear, expert advice you can rely on.
⭐Visit our web page for a full list of our available services:
Avery & Co
Alternatively, give us a call to speak with a member of our lovely team:
☎️ 0330 088 5040
🏠 Read the Rightmove article:
Rightmove