01 Dec BE BOXING DAY READY
It pays to be Boxing Day ready and below we highlight just three of the many reasons why in property it is always best to be organised and ‘get ahead of the game’.
1. Be ready for the ‘Boxing Day boom’ in buyer demand
Boxing Day marks the start of the 2023 home-buying season. Every year sees more and more people access the major property portals during the festive period. In fact, last Boxing Day, visits were 54% higher than the previous year. There were more than 70 million visits to the major property portals between Boxing Day and the first working day of the new year, so it’s a hugely valuable time if you want to make sure your home is going to be seen by lots of potential buyers.
Nick Emery says: “We see a surge in the number of people searching for property from Boxing Day onwards, perhaps with a resolve to enjoy their next Christmas in new surroundings. Some of those additional buyers will also be new sellers who have held back until this period, judging it to be a good time to sell and to move in 2023.”
2. Get your photographs taken now — before festive decorations date your listing
You might decide you want your property advert to go live on Boxing Day by which time a Christmas tree can make your listing look dated. Ask your estate agent to take photos of your home before you put your festive decorations up. Agents are also likely to have much more time to prepare the marketing of your home, now, and over the next few weeks, than during the traditional holiday season between Christmas and the New Year.
3. Do the prep now, sell when you’re ready
Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t need to mean viewings will start next week. It’s kind of like getting your Christmas shopping done early — a big tick off the list. You can arrange your property valuation, instruct an estate agent and finalise the details of your property listing, so whenever you’re ready, you can ask your agent to put your home on the market.
If you’re worried about having time to tidy up after Christmas, you could put your home on the market on Boxing Day, but arrange for viewings to start shortly after once you’ve had time to clear things up and make your home presentable once again. This will also give your agent time to generate interest in your home.
4. Become a ‘power-buyer’ so you’re in a strong position when you do find ‘the one’
If you decide to put your home on the market before Christmas – and you’re able to secure a buyer early in the New Year – you’ll be putting yourself in a great position when you find your next home. “In the current market, it’s a real advantage to be a “power buyer”, and have already sold your current home, subject to contract, when looking for somewhere to buy. This could put you ahead if there are other offers already on the table,” says Nick Emery.