Selling your home might be on the cards for early 2026, but if you’re planning to wait until January to act, you could already be behind the curve.
Each year, the market springs to life earlier than many sellers expect. Serious buyers don’t wait for estate agents to reopen, they’re browsing listings as early as Boxing Day. That means if you want to move in the first half of the new year, the best time to start isn’t January. It’s now.
Here’s why starting your sale in December can set you up for a smoother, faster move.
Start Early, Stay Ahead
If you’re aiming for a 2026 move, the decisions you make now will shape how quickly, and successfully, you get there. Sellers who use December to get ahead avoid the January bottleneck, when many properties hit the market at the same time.
By launching just ahead of that wave, you give your home a competitive edge. It’ll appear in fresh searches, attract motivated buyers, and stand out while others are still getting ready.
The post-Christmas period is often treated as downtime. But from a property perspective, it’s when things quietly begin to pick up pace. Buyers are back on Rightmove and Zoopla, inboxes are clear, and people start to act on new-year decisions they’ve already been considering.
Boxing Day Browsers are Serious Buyers
It might seem surprising, but Rightmove consistently reports one of its busiest days for property searches is Boxing Day. That post-Christmas surge isn’t just casual scrolling. It’s driven by serious buyers:
- People relocating in the new year
- Families wanting to move before summer holidays or school terms
- First-time buyers with mortgage agreements in place
These buyers want to view, decide, and move. Being on the market when they start looking means you’re not playing catch-up.
Less Competition, More Attention
December sellers often face less competition. Many homeowners wait until January to list, assuming that’s when buyers return. But the demand doesn’t wait, and neither should you.
Fewer listings in December mean more visibility for yours. It also creates an opportunity to test the market and gather feedback without the noise of mass listings.
It also gives your agent time to prepare a tailored marketing strategy, rather than rushing to launch alongside a flood of January properties.
You Don’t Need to Host Viewings in December
Selling in December doesn’t mean giving up your festive plans. In fact, many sellers choose to prepare their listing now but launch after Christmas.
Here’s how that works:
- We organise professional photography while your home looks its best (before decorations take over)
- We get your valuation, EPC, floorplan, and marketing materials ready
- You enjoy Christmas without interruption
- Your property goes live at peak browsing time, with no last-minute panic
You’ll hit the New Year running, while others are still booking valuations.
Planning a January Launch? Here’s What to Do Now
If you want to be live just after Christmas or early in January, there’s plenty to get started on now. Here’s a simple plan:
- Book your valuation
- Get advice on pricing and presentation
- Tidy, declutter and stage your space for photos
- Complete any maintenance or compliance tasks (like your EPC)
Use this time to get paperwork in order – title deeds, warranties, guarantees and certificates – so there are no delays once offers start coming in. A well-prepared sale is more likely to complete smoothly.
Which Areas are in Demand?
Some of the most popular sales locations locally include Almondbury, Netherton, and Slaithwaite. These areas continue to attract family buyers, relocators and professionals looking for more space, better schools, and that perfect balance of countryside and connection.
Holmfirth is also a key hotspot, especially for buyers relocating from outside the area. Character homes in villages like Honley and Brockholes attract strong interest year-round, and the best-prepared properties tend to move quickly.
If you own a property in one of these areas and are thinking about selling, now’s the time to get a head start.
Local Sales. Done Properly.
You might know Martin & Co Huddersfield for our lettings, but we sell homes too, with just as much care, clarity and commitment.
Selling your home is a big step. You deserve more than a quick listing and crossed fingers.
With Martin & Co Huddersfield, you’ll get:
- Honest pricing advice from local experts
- Great marketing that shows off your home
- Regular updates so you’re never left wondering
- A proper plan to get your home sold
No fluff. No guesswork. Just straightforward service from a local team who knows the Huddersfield market inside out.
Thinking of Selling in 2026? Start Now.
Whether you want to launch quietly before Christmas or go live in January, now is the time to prepare.
