There has been a big rise in the number of buyers committing to sales in January, with conveyancing registrations jumping 74% in the first two weeks, compared with the same period last year, according to new data from home moving comparison site Reallymoving.

Combined registrations for conveyancing, survey and removals quotes were up 58% between 1–15 January, showing home moving activity is getting underway sooner than normal for the time of year.

pent-up demand

Reallymoving Founder and CEO Rob Houghton (pictured) says: “Rather than signalling a broad resurgence in market confidence, the figures indicate that pent-up demand from the autumn is now feeding through.”

The data, which comes from Rightmove, shows buyer demand jumped 57% in just two weeks post-Christmas, but Houghton says Reallymoving’s registrations capture people already taking practical steps to progress a move.

“This goes well beyond the casual browsing of property portals – these are committed movers taking purposeful steps to progress a transaction.

Buyers and sellers are lining up professional services now they have more certainty, rather than waiting until spring.”

“Conveyancing registrations in particular show that buyers and sellers are lining up professional services now they have more certainty, rather than waiting until spring.

“For many movers, it isn’t about timing the market perfectly; it’s about life circumstances – and needs-based moves to accommodate a new job or a growing family can only be put off for so long.”

The data also shows first-time buyers are particularly proactive, accounting for 59% of all conveyancing registrations on Reallymoving in early January. The firm points to cheaper mortgage deals and the chance of securing discounts from “fatigued sellers” as the drivers behind the surge. Upsizers account for 18%, while downsizer activity “remains strikingly low” at just 4%.

According to Houghton: “The data suggests downsizers are delaying moves until they feel confident they can achieve good value for their existing home. For them, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime equity event, and the timing is key.”