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Which day of the year do you think is the busiest on Rightmove and Zoopla?
Is it March 21st, the first day of Spring, when people are coming out of a long winter and considering a change of scenery for the summer months?
Or perhaps it’s the first day of September; the kids are back at school and there’s still time to sell, exchange, and be in a new place by Christmas.
Well, you’d be wrong on both counts. The busiest day of the year on both Rightmove and Zoopla is… Boxing Day.
This isn’t because of a deep dissatisfaction at the state of the Christmas decorations, or an overload of turkey. Or even just a longing for brighter days in the dark of winter. Rather, research shows that it’s simply because the majority of people are at home with their families. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, chances are you’ll be off work on Boxing Day and, if you are in the market for a new property, it’s the perfect time to do some research together and see what’s available.
So, why do you need to know this?
Apart from being an interesting bit of trivia (perhaps something to talk about at those festive office parties?) it means that, for vendors, Boxing Day is the best chance you and your property have to get noticed by prospective buyers. In our previous blog post we talked about selling and getting settled in your new place by Christmas but, if that ship has already sailed in terms of time, your best bet to attract buyers is to get your property listed and online by Boxing Day.
A couple of selling tips to keep in mind, though. First, when getting photographs taken of your property, make sure the house is neutrally styled, with nothing visible that can date the photographs (such as Christmas decorations). What may seem festive in the lead up to Christmas can make your property look like yesterday’s news once the season is over. And make sure that everything is in the best possible condition that it can be, regardless of how many muddy boots might be going in and out. Check out our previous post about how to make your home attractive to buyers, from quick fixes to more in depth updates.
Basically, don’t write off the festive season when it comes to selling your property. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to beat the New Year rush, and to reach prospective buyers when they’re at home, full of mince pies, and browsing online. You never know; the darkest days of winter might prove the brightest when it comes to selling your home. So, if you are thinking of listing your property, contact an agent* today, and don’t miss the busiest (house) shopping day of the year.
*Us. We mean us, obviously. We’re standing by. So make that call today!
Want to know more about how we can help you sell your home? Visit our website today!