Rightmove has reported its busiest ever Boxing Day for new seller activity after a record number of properties were listed for sale by agents on 26 December 2024.

The number of new properties coming to the market for sale was 26% higher than Boxing Day 2023, when the previous record was set.

According to the property platform, there is traditionally a bounce in home moving activity on Boxing Day following one of the quietest days of the year in Christmas Day, which then leads into the busy January moving season.

The majority (46%) of homes listed by new sellers this time were mid-market, second stepper homes – consisting of three and four bed properties.

Rightmove also reported that a third (35%) of homes listed for sale were smaller, typical first-time buyer type properties, while 18% were the largest homes at the top of the ladder.

Total buyer demand, measured by the number of enquiries sent to estate agents about homes for sale, was also 20% higher on Boxing Day 2024 than the same day in 2023, as potential buyers capitalised on more choice ahead of a 2025 move.

Rightmove also recorded its busiest ever Boxing Day for visits to its platform, beating the previous record set in 2021.

“We’ve 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,” Rightmove chief data officer, Steve Pimblett, commented.

“While it’s very early days, these first indicators are positive signs for a busy start to the year for agents.”

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