Estate agents predict Boxing Day bonanza as market springs back

Estate agents are predicting a “Boxing Day bonanza” as pent-up demand after months of Autumn Budget uncertainty drives sellers to put their homes on the market.

Parkers Properties believes that this year’s Boxing Day could see an influx of homes coming onto the market that is “greater than the norm.”

Traditionally, Boxing Day marks the start of the busier home-moving season.

Market is coiling and ready to spring

Brendan Kay, managing director of Parkers Properties, said: “There is usually a Boxing Day bounce, but this year we are anticipating it will be greater than the norm.

“We witnessed two or three months of inertia in the run-up to the Budget with concerns over changes to stamp duty thresholds and even a possible surcharge on homes valued at over £500,000.

“In the end, neither of these rumours materialised and the biggest headline concerned those with homes over £2million who face the introduction of a Mansion Tax, although not until 2028 if it happens at all.

“Fears triggered by Budget uncertainty meant buyers and sellers held back, but now the market is coiling and ready to spring, with Boxing Day the most significant day in the calendar.”

Busy start to 2026

Mr Kay says the drive for people selling includes couples ready to downsize and people reassessing travel to work distances.

Mr Kay adds: “The combination of low housing stock and high buyer intent creates the right environment for motivated sellers.

“We expect the Boxing Day Bonanza to signal the starting pistol for a busy start to 2026 as much of the pent-up demand caused by the Budget inertia is released.”

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, says 2026 could see higher levels of property market activity.

He added: “We expect an increase in online property searches, enquiries with estate agents, and valuation requests as consumers prepare to make moves early in 2026.”