Selling Your Home in December: Is the Festive Season a Good Time to Move?

December might not sound like the ideal time to put your home on the market.
Dark evenings, Christmas chaos, decorations everywhere…
But the truth is, the festive season can actually be a highly effective time to sell — with the right strategy.

*** Remember there is no right or wrong time to market, just whenever is right for you ***

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• What the December property market is really like

• Pros and cons of selling at this time of year

• Whether Christmas decorations help or hurt

• How to stage your home for festive viewings

• The facts behind the Boxing Day / New Year online surge

• SA Property’s professional view on launching in December

What Is the Property Market Like in December?

Traditionally, November and early December see fewer new listings. Many sellers delay until January, which means:

Less competition - Your home isn’t fighting against a long list of new properties.

More motivated buyers - People who book viewings in December usually need to move — they’re not casual browsers.

Your home looks its cosiest - Warm lighting, soft furnishings and (tasteful) decorations help buyers picture themselves living there. At the same time, online activity builds steadily through December before surging after Christmas — especially on Zoopla.

Is December a Good Time to Sell?

It can be, and for many sellers, it’s an excellent time.

Advantages of Selling in December

1. Reduced competition from other sellers

2. Serious buyers actively looking

3. Your property can feel its most welcoming

4. You’re live in time for the post-Christmas surge

Challenges

1. Shorter daylight hours for photos/viewings

2. Homes can feel more cluttered during Christmas

3. You may feel more stretched with festive commitments

None of these challenges are deal-breakers — they simply require planning.

Christmas Decorations: What’s Okay for Photos?

If possible, have your photos taken before decorations go up.
That keeps your listing looking fresh well into January and beyond.

If decorations are already up, keep them:

• Simple

• Neutral

• Unobtrusive

• Away from windows and key features

Avoid:

• Large inflatables

• Flashing lights

• Oversized trees blocking access or light

For viewings, tasteful décor adds warmth — just keep it uncluttered.

Staging Tips for Festive Viewings

1. Maximise Light - Winter days are short, so brighten the space with lamps and open blinds fully.

2. Keep Things Warm but Fresh - A cosy temperature, subtle scent and tidy entrance make a strong first impression.

3. Tidy the Christmas Chaos - Use baskets or boxes to quickly clear presents, wrapping and paperwork before viewings.

The BIG Question ...

Should You Wait Until January Instead?

Both strategies can work — it depends on your readiness and your home.

*** Remember there is no right or wrong time to market, just whenever is right for you ***

List in December if:

• Your home is clean and presentable

• You want to get ahead of the competition

• You’re ready to catch the Boxing Day / New Year surge

Wait until January if:

• Decorations dominate the space

• You’re already overwhelmed

• The property needs a little more preparation

A hybrid option is ideal for many sellers:
Prepare everything in December, launch just after Christmas.

Understanding the Boxing Day / New Year Online Surge

There is a long-standing belief that buyer activity spikes immediately after Christmas — but is it true?

According to Zoopla, yes.

Zoopla’s data shows:

• Buyer searches typically rise by around 50% on Boxing Day compared with the run-up to Christmas

• In some years, traffic has increased by 70%+ in a single day

• January is consistently their busiest month of the year

This means that having your property live just before or just after Christmas can place it perfectly for increased online exposure.

You’d like to tap into the Boxing Day / New Year online surge — with Zoopla reporting that buyer searches typically jump by around 50% on Boxing Day compared with the run-up to Christmas, and in some years traffic has risen by more than 70% in a single day, it’s a window of activity that’s hard to ignore.

SA Property’s Take: Would We Launch in December?

Absolutely — if the home is ready and you feel comfortable, December can be a brilliant time to list.

Here’s why:

• Less competition means your home stands out

• December buyers are serious, not just browsing

• Zoopla’s Boxing Day surge is real, and being live beforehand helps you capitalise on it

• Festive styling makes homes feel warm and inviting

But we’ll always give honest advice.

If your home is crowded with decorations, if you’re exhausted with Christmas planning, or if photos would look too “seasonal,” we may recommend preparing in December but launching just after Christmas or in early January.

For us, it’s all about timing the launch to give you the best possible outcome, not rushing for the sake of it. 

*** Remember there is no right or wrong time to market, just whenever is right for you ***

Thinking of Selling this Winter?

Whether you're planning a December launch or getting ready for early January, we can guide you through:

• Market timing

• Photo strategies

• Decoration/staging tips

• Zoopla and OnTheMarket buyer trends

• Your ideal launch date

Get in touch with SA Property to talk through the best festive-season strategy for your home.