Why launching your home on Boxing Day could cost you momentum – and the right buyer.
Every year we hear the same advice: “Launch on Boxing Day – that’s when everyone’s online.” While it sounds sensible, it rarely works in a seller’s favour. In reality, timing is just as important as price and presentation, and a Boxing Day launch often costs you momentum rather than creating it.
Every year, we hear the same advice being passed around: “Put it live on Boxing Day – that’s when everyone’s online.”
On the surface, it sounds logical. In reality, it’s rarely in a seller’s best interests. At Holden, we’ve seen first-hand that timing matters just as much as presentation, pricing, and marketing strategy.
Here’s why launching your property on Boxing Day is usually a mistake — and what works far better instead.
Why a Boxing Day launch is a bad idea
1. The serious buyers are already active
While it’s true that overall enquiry levels ease in December, what remains is quality rather than quantity.
The buyers still looking right now are motivated, proceedable, and decision-ready — and we’ve agreed numerous sales throughout December as a result.
Launching before Christmas means your property is seen by buyers who are genuinely in a position to act, rather than those casually browsing during downtime. Waiting until Boxing Day often means missing this focused audience altogether.
2. Boxing Day traffic is high – but it’s not buyer traffic
Yes, the property portals show a spike in visits on Boxing Day. But those clicks are overwhelmingly from browsers, not buyers.
Ask yourself:
What serious purchaser is making viewing decisions on Boxing Day in the UK?
Most people are with family, eating leftovers, or scrolling without intent — not arranging surveys or instructing solicitors.
High traffic numbers look good on paper, but they don’t translate into offers.
3.No agents are working – so momentum is lost
UK estate agents are closed on Boxing Day. That means:
Enquiries can’t be handled properly
Calls aren’t answered
Viewings can’t be booked
Buyer momentum stalls immediately
The most important moment of any launch is the first 24 hours. If interest comes in and isn’t dealt with swiftly and professionally, it cools — and sometimes disappears altogether.
4. January buyers expect action, not leftovers
Early January brings a new wave of motivated buyers: new budgets, new decisions, and renewed focus.
A property that launches cleanly at the start of January feels fresh.
A property that’s been sitting live since Boxing Day often feels… overlooked.
Timing your launch for when buyers and agents are active gives your home the attention it deserves.
The Holden view
At Holden, we’ve always believed that good advice should be based on what’s best for our clients — not what suits an agent’s diary or helps secure new instructions.
In our experience, a Boxing Day launch is far more about agents chasing business than achieving the best outcome for the seller.
We’d much rather give you clear, honest guidance and do what’s right for your sale.
And truthfully, we think everyone deserves to enjoy Boxing Day with their family — not worrying about who’s scrolling past your home online between turkey sandwiches and leftover roast potatoes!
Choosing when to launch is a strategic decision. If you’d like a second opinion based on experience rather than marketing myths, we’re here to help.