The festive period often brings with it a flurry of advice, and for homeowners looking to sell, one piece of counsel frequently heard is to hold off listing until Boxing Day. The rationale? Property portals see a significant surge in traffic as people, enjoying time off work, browse homes online. While the increase in eyeballs is undeniable, the conclusion that this is the optimal time to launch your property is, frankly, a misdirection.

The Boxing Day Delusion: High Traffic, Low Intent

It's true that millions of people will be scrolling through property listings on Boxing Day. Many are relaxing after Christmas, perhaps with a new gadget, and idly browsing out of curiosity or boredom. This surge in 'traffic' doesn't necessarily translate into a surge in 'serious buyers'. These are often casual browsers, not individuals actively ready to make a significant financial commitment or arrange immediate viewings.

What happens concurrently with this browsing frenzy is a massive influx of new housing stock onto the market. Estate agents, all following the same conventional wisdom, advise their clients to list on Boxing Day. This creates an immediate and dramatic imbalance: a huge increase in supply (properties for sale) met by a relatively low level of genuine, high-intent buyer demand. The result? Your property, instead of standing out, becomes one of many, potentially getting lost in the sheer volume.

The Strategic Advantage of Pre-Christmas Listing

Consider the period leading up to Christmas. This is often a time when housing stock naturally dwindles. Many sellers, anticipating the festive break, might delay listing until the new year. This creates a window of opportunity for those who choose to act sooner.

When supply is low, and genuine buyers are still actively searching – because serious buyers don't simply stop looking in December – your property faces less competition. This scarcity can work significantly in your favour. With fewer properties on the market, yours has a much greater chance of capturing the attention of those truly motivated to move before the year ends or early in the new year.

At Nicholsons, we believe in candid and transparent advice. Our approach is to gather data and understand the market temperature before listing. We test prices and showcase statistics to ensure your property hits the market at the optimal price point. Listing before Christmas, when supply is typically lower, allows us to better match your property with existing demand, giving you a stronger position to find a buyer and achieve the sale price your home deserves.

Beyond the Listing Date: Maximising Your Property's Exposure

While timing is crucial, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Our innovative marketing strategies ensure your property receives unparalleled exposure, regardless of the listing date. We utilise Netflix-approved 4K cameras for stunning property presentations, reaching millions across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Our presenter-led videos explain property updates and location benefits, hosted on YouTube and advertised across all property websites.

We are the only agent in the Bassetlaw region that promotes all properties through paid Facebook & Instagram ad campaigns, leveraging our extensive social media following. Our Matterport Virtual Tours halve the number of viewings needed to agree sales by allowing buyers to explore and measure details from home, saving time by reducing unsuitable viewings. Furthermore, our extensive buyer database provides a unique advantage in matching properties with serious purchasers.

Don't fall for the Boxing Day myth. A strategic, data-driven approach, combined with cutting-edge marketing, is what truly makes the difference in securing a successful sale. We are committed to providing outstanding customer service and results, delighting clients at every stage, and staying ahead of competitors through innovative property and new business marketing.