The “Boxing Day Bounce”, Helpful Signal or Just a Headline?
Around this time each year, you will often hear talk of the so-called “Boxing Day Bounce”. The idea is that Boxing Day is the biggest day of the year for new property listings and online activity, with buyers flooding property portals in record numbers.
According to Rightmove, Boxing Day 2024 did exactly that.
They reported enquiry levels around 20 percent higher than the previous year and the highest number of visits to their website on any single day, surpassing even the peaks seen in 2021.
On the face of it, that sounds like good news for anyone thinking about selling a home in Hertfordshire.
But does it really tell the full story, particularly if you are planning ahead for 2026 rather than rushing into a decision?
Is the Boxing Day Bounce Really What It Seems?
Let’s be honest.
Boxing Day is one of the few days in the year when many people genuinely have time on their hands. The shops are closed, family visits are winding down and scrolling on phones becomes part of the day.
People browse holidays, cars, furniture, jobs and, naturally, property listings too.
So it is no surprise that traffic to property websites spikes. However, high website visits do not automatically mean people are ready to move.
Some are casually browsing.
Some are comparing prices.
Others are simply curious about what has come to market locally in places like Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth or nearby villages.
That curiosity can be useful, but it is not the same as commitment.
In truth, the Boxing Day Bounce has a strong PR element to it. It creates a neat headline at a time of year when the market is quieter.
Even the longer-term data suggests a more balanced approach. February and March, followed closely by April and January, consistently perform well for sellers who are focused on achieving a successful sale and completion, rather than just early online interest.
Why This Matters If You Are Thinking About 2026
For many homeowners, the real question is not “Should I list on Boxing Day?” but “How do I put myself in the best position for next year?”
If you are considering a move in 2026, the coming months are less about rushing to market and more about preparation.
Understanding your home’s true value, watching how buyer demand evolves and planning your next move carefully often puts you in a stronger position than reacting to headlines or seasonal noise.
Those who prepare early tend to have more choice, more control and fewer compromises when the time comes to act.
Our Honest Advice as a Hertfordshire Estate Agent
If you want to launch your property around Boxing Day, that is absolutely fine. There is nothing wrong with it and, in the right circumstances, it can work well.
But equally, there is no need to feel pressured into doing something now if your plans are focused on later in 2025 or into 2026.
In our experience, a well-presented home, marketed properly and priced realistically, will attract the right buyers at any time of year.
Timing helps, but it is rarely the deciding factor.
What matters far more is:
• Accurate pricing based on genuine local evidence
• Strong presentation and professional photography
• Clear, well-planned marketing exposure
• Honest guidance throughout the process
Those are the foundations of a successful move, regardless of the month on the calendar.
Thinking About Selling in 2026?
If you are considering selling and would like a clear, realistic view of your home’s value, now is a sensible time to start that conversation, even if you are not planning to move immediately.
At Putterills, we believe good decisions come from good preparation, not pressure.
Whether you are thinking about early 2026 or simply want to understand your options, we are always happy to offer straightforward advice, with no obligation and no hard sell.
If you know someone locally who might find this useful, please feel free to share it with them.
And if you would like calm, honest guidance from an experienced Hertfordshire estate agent who understands both the local market and the bigger picture, just get in touch.