Taking the decision to sell your home is a big step. Lowering inflation has led to lower interest rates and this is encouraging many people to get on the move. If you were too busy enjoying the holidays to put your home on the market in time for the Boxing Day Boom, don’t worry. Here are 5 reasons why you should put your property up for sale after Christmas.

What is the Boxing Day Boom?

According to Rightmove, more than 10,000* homes came to the market on Boxing Day last year. In essence, the Boxing Day Boom is a bit like the Boxing Day sales, without the reduction in prices. This is appealing if you are thinking of selling, as many buyers go online to take a peek. But the good news is that this also kicks off the market nice and early.

The market is in a good spot

Numerous factors have contributed to the market steadily strengthening as the year has progressed. More competitive interest rates and a 27%* increase in the number of sales agreed, towards the close of the year places you in a good spot if you are thinking of selling. This should help you to achieve a smoother sale, helping you to discover your next home as the market goes from strength to strength.

Make an early start

Time goes by quickly, so getting an early start as one year ends and another begins can be a shrewd move. There are so many ways to get the ball rolling. You can book a valuation, list your property, and discuss a strategy with your local property experts. Many indicators suggest that next year is going to build on last year, so being decisive now can save you time in the future.

A January clear-out

After the holidays, chances are you will be having a bit of a clear-out and a tidy up. This is your chance to have a spring clean and carry out a bit of decluttering. During this process, you might feel the need to organise your paperwork and make trips to the recycling depot. This makes life much easier when it’s time to move, saving you precious hours and your potential stress levels.

Find the home you love

It can take time to find the right property for you and your loved ones. Whether you are investing in the buy-to-let market or searching for your forever home. You will feel happy when you have found it. However, occasionally, your ideal property may surprise you with an unexpected appearance. This can occur in your inbox, as you browse or during a property match. So, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your agent about your property requirements.

Next year is going to be a good one, thanks largely to the lowest mortgage rates for well over a year. This is encouraging a lot of buying and selling activity and is very positive for the UK property market. So, if you are one of those people who was waiting to see what happens, perhaps now you can finally begin your New Year property resolution. We examine various options.

Buy a first home

More competitive mortgage rates and an expanding range of mortgage products are finally enabling first-time homebuyers to enter the property market. The mortgage guarantee scheme, with its renewed deadline of June 30, 2025, is one way in which you may get a foothold inside your own home. Perhaps your resolution is to help a loved one buy their first home. If this is your goal, you have a variety of options, from guarantor mortgages to equity release.

Improve your property

Perhaps you have already found the perfect property, but you want to make improvements. You may be doing this to add to its value or simply want to enjoy a better kitchen, glass door walls, or a stunning garden. Once your renovations are complete, booking a valuation to update the real value of your home can be both exciting and rewarding.

Sell your property

Given that the market's performance has exceeded many expectations, you may be considering selling. There are promising signs that the 2025 market will offer quicker selling times, better selling prices, and very healthy levels of demand. Toward the end of 2024, buyer demand and sales agreed were up 25% compared to the previous year.*

Begin a property portfolio

You may fancy investing in the lettings market. If you are interested in investing in the lettings market, 2025 could be a good year to start. Many retiring landlords are leaving this market; others are wrongly fearful of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which if implemented could improve life for landlords and tenants. This means you may be able to buy ready-to-let properties with tenants in place. This sector needs new entrepreneurs who can meet the high levels of demand for rental homes.

Get the keys to your forever home

Maybe you are looking for your forever home. In this wonderful time in your life, you'll want every detail to be perfect for you and your loved ones. On the other hand, you will most likely have big plans for it. Over the years, these plans may change, and you will want to own a property that offers that flexibility. You may work from home in a workshop, an office, or both and want more space, maybe you want a home with more land. Whatever you are looking for it’s there waiting for you.

Decide to downsize

You may prefer a modest space that gives you more disposable income and choose to downsize into an energy-efficient property. If you own a larger home that has significantly increased in value in recent years, downsizing could be a wise decision. Your home may surprise you and open the doors to a more comfortable retirement, the opportunity to buy a second home, or simply a chance to do all the things you have always wanted to.

Buy a holiday home

Purchasing a holiday home can be a solid investment—a place to unwind while potentially returning income. There is a steady influx of second homes entering the UK property market. This could be your chance to buy the home you have always wanted by the coast, a rural retreat, or perhaps the city escape you can enjoy at the weekends.

The UK property market has a lot going for it thanks to a year in which mortgage rates finally dropped and confidence replaced uncertainty. This encouraged buyer demand, and the number of sales agreed increased by 25% on the previous year.* If you're considering relocating in 2025, there are numerous compelling reasons to get started. Here are 10 reasons to buy in 2025.

Fair pricing

House prices did not skyrocket in 2024, rising by an average of 1% compared with 2023.* This means you will not pay through the nose and get the house you want at a fair price, and the earlier you start, the better.

Achieve a good selling price

You will also get a good price for your current home, which will have likely enjoyed excellent increases in value over the years. Strong levels of demand mean you will not be left waiting around for a buyer.

Good mortgage deals

Mortgage rates improved during 2024, and the good news is this is set to continue in 2025. Now that we are getting closer to a settling point and have not fallen to the previous unsustainably low levels, the market sentiment is one of ‘move now’.

Move up

If you are moving up or selling up, buying is always worth considering when the market is on the up. The conditions for moving up the ladder are ideal, creating a real window of opportunity in 2025.

Fabulous choice

Fabulous properties are appearing in every county and almost on every street, increasing your chances of finding what you want. This is boosted further with some second homeowners and landlords selling up.

No elections

Unless something rather unpredictable occurs, 2025 does not have to contend with the uncertainty that a general election can bring. This means you can focus on any tax or buying advantages the government offers.

Good timing

Making an early start has numerous benefits. Many sellers are already placing their homes on the market in December in anticipation of the Boxing Day Boom and the January rush, not forgetting the early build up to the spring market.

Start your future

With future growth levels appearing to be favourable, investing in your future now could be a good move. Investing in property can help secure your future while providing the perfect setting to enjoy so many magical moments.

Less stress more certainty

More certainty means less stress. Moving home is a big decision, but the right guidance prevents niggling worries from becoming big concerns. You will have many questions, and the answer to all of them is to use good property professionals.

It’s easier

Evolving technology that connects you to the right homes that allows virtual viewings to virtually all you will ever need during your move, makes the buying process easier. Agents in 2025 will combine tech with local expertise to give you better service.

October Zoopla HPI*

Adding value to your home doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Despite common belief, a flashy renovation isn’t the only way to enhance your property’s appeal, in fact, there are plenty of simple and cost-effective touch-ups that could bump up your home’s value. Here are our top tips:

Prevent water damage

Damp can de-value your home substantially, so preventative measures are essential. You can protect your property from water damage by having your gutters and downpipes cleaned out regularly. If your home is older, you should also consider checking for any damaged roof tiles which might need replacing.

A fresh coat of paint

Refreshing your paintwork can make all the difference to your home’s interior and exterior. It might also be worth covering up bold colours with more neutral shades to depersonalise the space and make it look brand new. If your property only needs a slight touch-up, you can save on paint expenses by focusing on noticeable areas such as the fencing, the living room walls, or the front door.

Obtain planning permission

Depending on your location, applying for planning permission might be one of the most worthwhile investments you could make when improving your home. Applications cost around £170 on average, which is a small price to pay when granted planning permission could add thousands to the value of your home.

Focus on the bathroom

Bathrooms are small spaces where you can make impactful changes, so if you’re improving on a budget, your bathroom could be the best place to start. You can create an attractive, modern space with a few simple updates, such as changing the blinds, refreshing the caulk, and replacing the toilet seat.

Enhance the kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. You can improve its appeal without a full remodel by replacing cabinet handles, updating lighting fixtures, or resurfacing countertops. These small changes can give your kitchen a fresh look and increase its attractiveness to potential buyers.

Boost kerb appeal

First impressions matter. Invest some time into landscaping by trimming overgrown bushes, planting colourful flowers, and maintaining a neat lawn. Don’t forget to decorate the front door to reflect the season and consider adding outdoor lighting to make your home more inviting from the kerb.

Upgrade lighting

Modern lighting can transform the ambience of your home. Replace outdated fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights or install dimmer switches to create a more adaptable atmosphere in different rooms.

Add storage solutions

Clever storage solutions can make your home feel more organised and spacious. Install built-in shelves, wardrobe organisers, or under-stair storage to maximise space and showcase your home's potential for buyers.

Energy efficiency improvements

Enhancing your home's energy efficiency not only reduces utility bills but also appeals to environmentally conscious buyers. Consider upgrading insulation, installing double-glazed windows, or investing in energy-efficient appliances to make your home more attractive and economical for potential buyers.