Now is the perfect time to put your home on the market to take advantage of a surge in buyers browsing properties online during the Christmas holidays and into January.
According to figures released by Rightmove, traffic to the UK’s largest property portal dips to the lowest point on Christmas Day, when people are naturally spending quality time with their families and loved ones, but then increases by around 230% by 2nd January. This trend in traffic is consistent with activity levels on the Premier Properties website. Last year, we experienced a massive spike in browsers the day after boxing day and this continued into January, with the busiest day of 2019 being the 4th January.
It is clear from these stats that buyers are using the Christmas holiday “downtime” to consider a possible home move and take steps to look at what’s on the market. It’s one of the few holidays where families are all together and most likely at home, so any discussions about a move in the New Year can be had.
Get ready for the January rush!
Last year, four of the top five busiest days on the Rightmove platform were in January:
13th January
21st January
27th January
2nd January
18th February
There can be a few reasons why this might be the case; typically some people do wait until a new calendar year before deciding if indeed they are going to buy or sell, make a move up or down the ladder or perhaps move to a different location altogether. Their research may begin early in the year and help them take the first steps in the process. This brings fresh properties and buyers into the market that weren’t present in the previous year.
A new year can also see previously active buyers resume their search after putting plans on hold in the run up to the festive period. Holidays or budgeting for Christmas can prompt some to shift their focus temporarily so once Christmas and New Year are out of the way, it’s on with the show and back onto the property portals again for them.
Taking a much closer look at the local market, there were 156 new properties hitting the market in Perthshire in January 2019 and a fairly impressive total of 129 sales were agreed in that month alone. We then start to see a gradual increase of activity and more new properties and sales being agreed. With new listings rising, it could create more choice for buyers and more competition for those selling, thus potentially shifting the balance of supply and demand in favour of the buyer.
Homeowners seem to be more and more aware of this bounce in activity early in the year and the positive results than can be achieved. We already have some properties scheduled in for photos early in January and even some clients that have their photos and particulars good to go already and only require the home report to get their property on the market.
What our clients say about us
Testimonials
"Chose PPP as I was impressed with Cara's approach when viewing a property being sold by Premier.
Marketing was professional and prompt. Property well advertised, gaining maximum exposure. First class communication, everyone I spoke to on the telephone or face to face was able to answer queries. Professional, friendly, not pushy. Relieved that someone else was taking the strain and I could trust them.
Most definitely recommend, takes away a lot of the stress involved in house selling and gives a buffer between buyer and seller, so you don't get drawn into personal involvement."
"We chose Premier Properties as staff where understanding of our personal circumstances and help with viewings.
All the marketing materials were professional and the photographer was helpful and polite. All communication was easy, helpful and responsive - everything you needed, however hard or stupid the questions may have seemed.
Excellent experience. Would recommend, they are professional and polite."
"Their reputation was better than anyone's. Very professional and clear marketing. Communication was great. No unnecessary calls/emails. Their knowledge of the current market trends was on point which helped immensely in deciding to sell. I was notified of when and who was viewing the property before the viewing.
Sale went as planned. Grateful that the experience and professionalism proved to be true. Would recommend; they're the best."
"From their first visit to our home we knew we were in good hands with Katie & Alan. Their friendly approach, genuine enthusiasm for our property and obvious knowledge of the current property market immediately put us at ease which helped us to decide if we were ready to proceed with our house sale. There was no push and they encouraged us to take time to think things over before going ahead.
The marketing was excellent. We had amazing photos, a virtual tour, drone footage, social. The customer service was exceptional. The friendly team went above and beyond in their efforts to ensure we were kept informed at every stage of the process. We received immediate feedback from viewers and they even solved our problem finding suitable rental accommodation after our quick sale with their innovative methods.
We were impressed by the research carried out on potential buyers and the immediate feedback obtained from them. The entire sale process was negotiated in a very professional manner.
The overall experience was so much better than we could have imagined. We were well looked after by the entire team and always kept informed at every stage. We would certainly recommend Premier Properties Perth to any of our friends looking to sell their property. Many thanks to the entire team. Their friendliness and professionalism were much appreciated."
"PPP were recommended to us. Excellent marketing. Seemed to generate a lot of interest. Really good communication, there were two or three people I could contact including Katie which was helpful. Communication on viewers was very quick and helpful. Advice on prices and offers was helpful.
Felt optimistic about getting the house sold. Would recommend because you were knowledgeable and attentive and responded very quickly when required."
"PPP made the effort to meet me quickly at the property, listened to my opinions and did not pressure me.
The property was well represented and I was given the opportunity to review and make a change. I was kept updated regularly and was given practical and realistic advice. When the negotiations were taking place, I was fully involved and my instructions respected.
Selling a house can be a very stressful experience but I felt reassured and nothing was too much of a problem. I was kept updated and treated respectfully throughout the whole process. Would recommend for the reasons given above."
"Have very good experience working with PPP Sales & Lettings departments and they know the market well. The virtual tour was done very well and the marketing covered every avenue.
Communication was always polite and courteous and the local knowledge and expertise was good. Always keeping us in the loop and providing regular updates.
We were offered advice when needed for deciding whether or not to go for a particular offer. Good, stress-free, process.
Would recommend - we have experience of working with Premier Properties over several years and have been very happy with the service provided to us."
"Truly professional leasing agency and completely up to date with Scottish Government legislation and all aspects of domestic property management. In our experience, the best agent in Tayside."
"Our Friend recommended PPP, also you gave a very good fee.
Fantastic job! Our house looked outstanding after you prepared it for market. Everything was clear for us and professional. Quick sale for us, first offer was very good so we accepted it.
We are very grateful to Premier Properties Perth, you made our sale quick and you recommended a solicitor who did a very good and quick job.
Would recommend! The best estate agency in Perth!"
"After comparing several estate agents I felt comfortable that Premier would ensure a quick sale and would get the best price for my property. I was very happy with all of the elements of the marketing
The customer service was excellent. I found all staff members very helpful. It suited me well that Premier carried out all of the viewings and not only found a buyer quickly, but also secured a good price for me.
I was impressed with the service from start to finish. I would highly recommend. The whole process was easy, and I did not feel under any pressure at all to accept the offer received."