Following a seasonal lull in the property market in the run-up to Christmas, house hunting activity tends to rebound on Boxing Day, signalling the start of a busier home-moving season.
Property platform Rightmove (RMV.L) said visits to its website nearly doubled (+93%) between the quietest day of the year on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, compared with a bounce of 87% last year.
Rightmove’s (RMV.L) research, released on Wednesday, also found that the number of people sending enquiries to estate agents to view homes for sale increased by 67% in the five days after Christmas, compared to five days prior. In addition, the property portal said that the number of new properties being listed for sale on its platform more than doubled (+143%) in the five days after Christmas, compared to the five days before.
Read more: House buying activity rebounds sharply after Christmas
Separate data from Rightmove (RMV.L), released on Thursday, has revealed the 10 most-viewed homes on its platform on Boxing Day.
“There’s a huge variety of homes in Boxing Day’s most-viewed list, highlighting the different types of buyers that are gearing up for a potential 2026 move,” said Steve Pimblett, chief data officer at Rightmove. “As usual, there are some stunning large family homes with luxury features on the list, but there are also some really well-presented smaller properties suited for potential first-time buyers.”
Pimblett said that homes in England, Scotland and Wales featured in the top 10, with a “mix of urban hotspots with commuter links into major cities and homes near lots of green space with privacy”.
Here’s more detail on which listings were attracting the most views in the “Boxing Day bounce”:
Four-bedroom farmhouse with indoor pool and stables. Image courtesy of Miller Town & Country and Rightmove. · Miller Town & Country, Rightmove
A four-bedroom farmhouse with an attached two-bedroom cottage, an adjoining annexe, a detached barn conversion and an indoor pool. The property is set in approximately 13 acres with pasture, stables, woodland, stream borders and landscaped gardens, which includes a large duck pond. Listed by Miller Town & Country.
Charming three-bedroom terrace in sought-after village. Image courtesy of Allen & Harris and Rightmove. · Allen & Harris, Rightmove
A three-bedroom terrace offering “character and comfort”, situated in a sought-after village. The living room and kitchen both feature a fireplace with a log burner. The property has two doubles and a single bedroom, as well as a family bathroom, “making it ideal for families or couples seeking village living with warmth and style”. Listed by Allen & Harris.
A Georgian gem nestled in the market town of Great Dunmow. Image courtesy of Daniel Brewer Estate Agents and Rightmove. · Daniel Brewer Estate Agents, Rightmove
A Grade II listed georgian terraced house that “combines period charm with modern living”. The property has three double bedrooms and two bathrooms, and spans 1,062 square feet. Listed by Daniel Brewer Estate Agents.
Property fully renovated in 2021. Image courtesy of Nest Associates and Rightmove. · Nest Associates, Rightmove
A six-bedroom home with three bathrooms, featuring an open plan kitchen-dining room and a large conservatory. The property was fully renovated in 2021 and has underfloor heating. Listed by Nest Associates.
Newly-fitted kitchen featuring an island and solid wood worktops. Image courtesy of Yopa and Rightmove. · Yopa, Rightmove
An end-of-terrace three-bed home which has been fully renovated, “ideal for a first-time buyer”. The property has a newly-fitted kitchen, which comes with thick solid wood worktops and an island “perfect for dining around with family and friends”. Listed by Yopa.
Easy access to Twickenham and Teddington town centres. Image courtesy of Chase Buchanan and Rightmove. · Chase Buchanan, Rightmove
A four-bedroom home offering nearly 1,800 square foot of space over three levels. The property is located within easy access of Twickenham and Teddington town centres. Listed by Chase Buchanan.
Set in a desirable semi-rural location. Image courtesy of Walker and Lewis Estate Agents and Rightmove. · Walker and Lewis Estate Agents, Rightmove
A five-bedroom detached home, occupying a plot spanning approximately one acre in a “desirable semi-rural location”. The property has development potential (subject to planning permission), a triple garage and separate office space. Listed by Walker and Lewis Estate Agents.
Detached home set within an exclusive woodland enclave. Image courtesy of Moove Happy and Rightmove. · Moove Happy, Rightmove
A five-bedroom detached home located within an “exclusive woodland enclave, offering tranquillity, privacy and exceptional living space just minutes from the beach” and Ayr town centre. The property features a open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, as well as a turret-style reading nook. Listed by Moove Happy.
Features two outbuildings with potential for a home gym, studio or guest accommodation. Image courtesy of Barnard Marcus and Rightmove. · Barnard Marcus, Rightmove
An eight-bed, five-bathroom, detached home built in 2023, offering the “perfect blend of contemporary design and luxurious family living”. The property features a balcony that runs the entire length of the rear of the house, overlooking the garden, and has two outbuildings with potential for a home gym or guest accommodation. Listed by Barnard Marcus.
Home features two glamping units and a commercial tearoom. Image courtesy Cundalls and Rightmove. · Matt Hillier Photograph, Cundalls and Rightmove
A “superb lifestyle” property set in the countryside, featuring a renovated four-bedroom house. The property includes two glamping units, a commercial tearoom, and equestrian facilities. Listed by Cundalls.
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