At Home Sold Today, we question whether Rightmove’s much-touted Boxing Day listings genuinely benefit sellers or just create noise. While this period generates considerable buzz, it might be problematic for those whose properties have been on the market for a while. Let's examine the claims and their implications, and most importantly, how you can navigate these challenges.
The Rightmove Scenario: A Boxing Day Boom
Each year, Rightmove reports a significant uptick in activity during the festive period. Their statistics reveal:
Significant Increase in Listings: The number of homes listed on Boxing Day has almost tripled since before the pandemic, with a 173% increase from 2019 and a 46% rise from 2021.
Boost in Buyer Enquiries: Enquiries from potential buyers reportedly triple between Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as buyers rush to contact estate agents.
Surge in Valuation Requests: From Boxing Day to New Year’s Day, valuation requests spike to their highest weekly levels since early September 2022, up 29% from the previous year.
Tim Bannister of Rightmove describes this as a “natural post-Christmas spike,” suggesting that Boxing Day is an optimal time for sellers to list their homes in the North East, with January also providing substantial opportunities as momentum builds towards the spring selling season.
What If Your North East Home Is Already on the Market?
For homeowners in the North East with properties already listed, the Boxing Day rush might not bring the benefits you hope for. Here’s why:
Intensified Competition: The flood of new listings could push your property down in the search rankings on platforms like Rightmove, where newer listings are prioritized.
Perception Issues: Homes that have been on the market for an extended period might be perceived as "stale" by potential buyers, particularly when newer listings appear.
Pricing Pressures: Newly listed properties are often priced competitively to attract quick interest, potentially forcing you to reconsider your pricing strategy.
Buyer Overload: With many new listings hitting the market, buyers may overlook older properties, resulting in fewer viewings and potential offers.
Navigating the Market as a North East Seller
If your home has been on the market for some time, don't despair. You can take proactive steps to improve your situation:
Refresh Your Listing: Update photos and descriptions to make sure your property stands out.
Engage with Your Agent: Discuss strategies to maintain visibility and appeal despite the surge in new listings.
Consider a Temporary Withdrawal: Removing your listing temporarily and reintroducing it later can help refresh its appeal and ranking.
Explore Alternative Sales Methods: If traditional selling routes aren't working, consider other strategies for a quicker, smoother sale.
How Home Sold Today Can Assist You
As a leading cash buyer in the North East, Home Sold Today offers a stress-free alternative to the traditional property market:
Quick, Fair Offers: We provide swift cash offers without the need for prolonged negotiations or viewings.
Flexibility: We accommodate your timeline, whether you need to sell immediately or prefer to wait.
Certainty and Convenience: With no chains or delays, we offer a straightforward and dependable selling process.
Conclusion: Maximizing Opportunities Despite Boxing Day Challenges
While Boxing Day can be a great time for new listings, it often complicates the process for existing listings in the North East. At Home Sold Today, we offer an effective alternative, helping you sell your home quickly and without hassle. If you're tired of waiting and want a guaranteed sale, contact us today for a fair and immediate cash offer.
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