The UK housing market has shown a strong rebound following the Christmas period, indicating an early and busy start to 2026. Rightmove (RMV.L) reported its highest-ever Boxing Day traffic, as buyers and sellers quickly returned to the market after the festive slowdown.
In the first five days after Christmas, enquiries sent to estate agents jumped by 67% compared with the five days preceding the holiday. This surge highlights the eagerness of potential buyers to resume their property searches as soon as the festive break ends.
At the same time, the number of new properties listed for sale more than doubled, rising by 143% over the same period. Sellers clearly aimed to take advantage of the renewed buyer interest, launching homes at a moment when demand was on the rise.
Boxing Day has traditionally marked the start of increased housing activity following December’s usual quiet spell. This year, the trend was particularly pronounced, with both buyers and sellers returning to active searching and listing sooner than in previous years.
Geographically, the highest levels of new activity were seen in the South East, the East of England, and London. These regions, often experiencing higher property demand, saw a noticeable increase in both enquiries and listings.
Smaller properties dominated the surge in new listings, with homes ranging from zero to two bedrooms being the most common. These types of properties are typically targeted by first-time buyers seeking entry into the housing market.
Traffic to Rightmove on Boxing Day 2025 surpassed all previous records, exceeding the peak seen in 2024. Visits to the platform nearly doubled from Christmas Day to Boxing Day, increasing by 93%, compared with an 87% rise in the previous year.
Steve Pimblett, Rightmove’s chief data officer, explained that these figures suggest the market could enjoy a strong start to 2026. He noted that agents may face a busy early period following a quieter December, which was impacted by the timing of the budget and general uncertainty about potential policies.
“Record-breaking visit numbers show that buyers and sellers are eager to put last year’s uncertainties behind them and start the new year with property activity,” Pimblett added.
The Bank of England’s decision in December to cut the base rate from 4% to 3.75% also played a role in boosting buyer confidence. This reduction, along with several lenders lowering mortgage rates, has improved affordability for prospective homeowners.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, noted that the festive period often acts as a reset for buyers and sellers, giving them an opportunity to begin the year afresh. He said the sharp rise in enquiries and listings reflects strong motivation among buyers, especially first-time buyers interested in smaller homes.
Easing inflation and lower base rates compared to this time last year are helping to increase both affordability and confidence in the market. These factors provide a stronger platform for housing activity as 2026 begins.
However, Emerson cautioned that sustaining this momentum will depend on ongoing market stability and confidence. Affordability pressures, limited property supply, and policy certainty will continue to influence whether the early surge in interest translates into completed transactions.
For estate agents and landlords, understanding these early trends is crucial. Planning listings, marketing strategies, and property management approaches around the renewed buyer activity can help make the most of the post-Christmas market surge.
As 2026 progresses, analysts will closely monitor whether this spike in interest continues throughout the spring. Maintaining confidence in the market, ensuring competitive mortgage products, and addressing supply constraints will all play a key role in supporting buyers and sellers alike.
Overall, the post-Christmas rebound offers an optimistic start to the year. It highlights the resilience of the housing market and the continued demand from buyers eager to move quickly once the festive break ends, particularly for entry-level and smaller properties.
Download NOW
4 Simple Steps To Becoming Wealthy Through Property