By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-30 22:46:06 | Updated at 2025-01-02 20:43:09
2 days ago
Boxing Day 2024 saw record-breaking activity for new property listings, as home-hunters got ahead of their 2025 moves.
Data from Rightmove reveals the number of new properties coming to market was 26 per cent higher than on Boxing Day 2023, when the previous record was set.
The surge marks a significant jump from Christmas Day, traditionally one of the quietest days for property activity, leading into the busy January moving season.
Rightmove also recorded its busiest-ever Boxing Day for platform visits, surpassing the previous record set in 2021.
There have been a record number of listings on the property market
GETTY
Buyer demand showed strong momentum, with enquiries to estate agents about homes for sale jumping 20 per cent compared to Boxing Day 2023.
The increased activity suggests potential buyers were keen to explore the wider selection of properties available ahead of planned moves in 2025.
Analysis of the new listings revealed that mid-market properties dominated, with 46 per cent being three and four-bedroom homes aimed at second-steppers.
First-time buyer properties made up over a third of new listings at 35 per cent, consisting of smaller homes. The remaining 18 per cent were larger properties at the top end of the housing ladder.
Regional analysis showed the South East leading the way with the highest number of new properties coming to market on Boxing Day.
The East of England came second with the South West rounding out the top three regions for Boxing Day property listings.
Rightmove's Chief Data Officer Steve Pimblett said: "We have seen a record-breaking Boxing Day, not only for people turning to the Rightmove platform once the Christmas Day festivities are over, but also for home-movers taking action and getting ahead of a 2025 move.
"While it is very early days, these first indicators are positive signs for a busy start to the year for agents."
First-time buyer properties made up over a third of new listings
GETTY
It was recently revealed the most and least affordable regions in the UK to live.
There was a stark contrast in UK housing affordability has been laid bare, with homes in Burnley, North West England, costing an average of £112,640, whilst properties in London's Kensington and Chelsea command a staggering £1,166,251.
Here are the five most affordable areas for house buyers in the UK:
- Burnley, North West England: £112,640
- Hyndburn, North West England: £126,861
- Hartlepool, North West England: £128,293
- County Durham, North West England: £130,130
- East Ayrshire, South West Scotland: £130,666
