Why the ‘Rightmove Bounce’ Matters To Sellers at Christmas

As we approach the festive season, you might expect the pace of the property market to slow down. And yet, according to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, something interesting is happening.

While average asking prices have slightly dipped as 2025 draws to a close, Rightmove is forecasting a bigger-than-usual “Boxing Day bounce” in activity and even a modest rise in prices in 2026, as are major lenders.

At Mackenzie Smith Estate Agents, we’re not just watching these trends. We’re helping local homeowners make the most of them. So, if you’re thinking of selling, read on to find out why Rightmove’s data means having your property ready online for Christmas could be one of the best things you do this year.

Isn’t There a Seasonal Slowdown?

Whilst it might sound worrying at first, Rightmove’s latest index shows that average asking prices have fallen by around 1.8% month-on-month, and prices at the end of 2025 are marginally lower than at the same point last year. Property prices can sometimes soften as the market slows for holidays, so that’s nothing to be alarmed about. What’s significant this year is that the drop has been slightly larger than the historical average.

This tells us that pricing wisely from the outset matters — especially when buyers are selective and cautious.

The “Boxing Day Bounce” — Your Early Advantage

Here’s the exciting part: Rightmove is predicting a strong rebound in interest from Boxing Day onwards.

Why?

• Many buyers who held off over late autumn are ready to return once Christmas is over.
• Early momentum in late December creates a surge of searches and enquiries.
• Buyers are already envisioning how 2026 will look and many start their search on Boxing Day itself

For sellers, if you’re already live online when that surge hits, it’s a golden opportunity

Get Ahead — Why Being Online Over Christmas Matters

It’s easy to assume nobody is browsing property while they’re wrapping gifts. However, the reality is different.

Buyers Are Active

Many start researching homes during the quieter moments over the holidays. Boxing Day and the days immediately after see a spike in Rightmove activity, as people settle back in and begin forward-planning.

First Impressions Count

Being live early means your property is one of the first buyers see when activity rises and it can start collecting viewing requests straight away, ready for 2026.

Better Pricing Insight

Listings that go live now help gauge genuine buyer sentiment, allowing for adjustments to marketing strategies before competition intensifies if necessary.

Tips from Mackenzie Smith

Don’t wait for January! While other prospective home sellers are still wrapping gifts, your property can already be working for you. A Christmas-ready listing captures attention, drives early enquiries and positions your home at the forefront of the post-holiday market surge.

Whether it’s crafting standout content, or planning your personal property marketing strategy, we’ve got you covered. To arrange a free, no-obligation valuation today, click here.

Source:

Rightmove House Price Index

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