Buyers keen to ‘get going’ now the uncertainty created by Rachel Reeves’ Budget has been removed are prepared to do viewing during the festive break including on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, it has been claimed.

The survey of current UK house hunters, commissioned by EXP, found that almost three-quarters (73%) had been putting their plans to purchase on hold prior to the Budget. Now, 98% of these buyers say they are ready to ramp up their search activity.

Christmas day viewings

The data also shows that as many as 43% of buyers say they would be happy to attend a viewing on Christmas Eve, and 16% would be willing to view a home on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, with 18% stating they would do so only for the perfect property.

The Neg is aware of one estate agency in Eastbourne, Fox & Sons, which is operating an ‘open house’ event for selected properties within the seaside town on Boxing Day.

eXp says 45% of those polled intend to view between 27th December and New Year’s Day, although 32% added that it would need to be the right home.

At the same time, the majority of buyers – 71% – plan to continue house hunting online over the Christmas period. However, the traditional Boxing Day bounce may be less pronounced this year.

When asked which days they expect to browse portals or book viewings, buyers cited the period between 27th and 30th December as their most active days, with far less focus on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

86% of those surveyed say they intend to arrange in-person viewings for January to get ahead in the 2026 market.

Now that the dust has settled and homeowners have clarity for the year ahead, many appear keen to push forward with their plans – even during the festive period.”

Day says: “Now that the dust has settled and homeowners have clarity for the year ahead, many appear keen to push forward with their plans – even during the festive period.

“Of course, this surge in activity may not translate into headline market metrics for the final weeks of 2025, but it does suggest that we are likely to start 2026 very much on the front foot.”