The latest research by eXp UK has revealed that the market could be set for a festive surge in homebuyer activity now that the Autumn Budget dust has settled, with the vast majority of prospective buyers preparing to resume their search and many even willing to conduct viewings during the Christmas period itself.
The survey of current UK homebuyers, commissioned by eXp UK*, found that almost three quarters (73%) had been putting their plans to purchase on hold prior to the Budget. Now that clarity has been provided, 98% of these buyers say they are ready to ramp up their search for a home.
The research also shows an unexpected enthusiasm for in-person activity during the festive week.
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 a further 18% stating they would do so only for the perfect property.
A further 45% intend to view between 27th December and New Year’s Day, although many again said it would need to be the right home (32%) for them to get out and about during this period.
At the same time, the majority of buyers – 71% – plan to continue house hunting virtually 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.
And while much of this activity will be virtual, it signals strong momentum heading into the new year.
A substantial 86% of those surveyed say they intend to arrange in-person viewings for January to get ahead in the 2026 market.
The only downside to this festive surge in house hunting activity? 71% believe that it adds to the overall stress of Christmas.
Adam Day, Head of eXp UK and Europe, commented:
“The market has been subject to months of Budget uncertainty and this has clearly impacted buyer intent. But 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. With so many buyers preparing to book early-January viewings, market momentum should begin to build almost immediately, helping to negate any traditional property-market January blues.”
Guy Gittins, CEO of Foxtons, commented on the latest budget defying Nationwide figures showing house prices increasing by 0.3% between October and November of this year.
“The latest Nationwide figures show that, despite the uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Budget, the market has remained resilient.
With Budget-related uncertainty now behind us and no changes to property taxes for the vast majority of the market, confidence is expected to rebuild as more households feel ready to resume their moving plans over the coming months.
As we head into the New Year, the outlook is encouraging. Underlying demand remains strong, and this should help support activity as buyers and sellers re-engage.”
Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, commented:
“A monthly increase in property values between October and November demonstrates just how robust the housing market has been, during a year that has been anything but settled when taking a wider view of the economic landscape.
Buyers remain engaged, market activity is holding firm, and the market continues to move forward.
Annual price growth remains consistently positive, which is the clearest indication of long-term market strength. Although the Budget offered little direct support, 2025 has proven that the market can perform strongly under its own momentum, leaving us well positioned as we move into 2026.”
Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented:
“The fact that house prices posted positive monthly growth in November, even with intense Budget speculation hanging over the market, shows just how stable and resilient conditions have remained throughout 2025.
This suggests the early formation of a late-season surge that often materialises as buyers and sellers push to put their plans to move in motion ahead of the New Year.”
Shepherd Ncube, CEO of Springbok Properties, commented:
Despite a surprise monthly increase in the rate of house price growth, wider market conditions remain tough and the Autumn Budget has done nothing to help negate this fact.
The market has been in a state of pre-Budget paralysis for many months and with the Government doing little to change this, we can expect the property market to limp to the finish line and start 2026 on the backfoot.
Transaction timelines are likely to remain slow and frustratingly unreliable. For sellers who need to progress their plans in 2025 or early 2026, the risk is clear: delays will continue, and many will find themselves having to accept below-market offers if they want any chance of completing.”