The period between Boxing Day and the start of 2022 was the busiest on record for Homemovers, says Rightmove.

Data from the firm shows that buyer demand was up 23% on a yearly basis, while the number of new sellers coming to market on Boxing Day jumped 21% across the same time period.

And Rightmove adds that Boxing Day saw the most activity ever on its website and apps.

“The increased number of new homes up for sale on Boxing Day compared to last year, signals a new group of sellers coming to market who have made it their New Year’s resolution to move in 2022,” says Rightmove director of property data Tim Bannister.

“This group may have held back last year due to the frantic market but are now seeing it as their time to take action,” he adds.

Additionally, the Rightmove data shows that 30 December saw the most requests for valuations from home sellers since May 2021.

Bannister continues: “Boxing Day traditionally signals the start of activity ramping up as people turn their attention from turkey and trimmings to their plans for 2022, and activity is set to increase further as January unfolds and people start to settle down into a routine after the December break.

“Despite the frenzied market activity we saw throughout 2021, we’ve recorded even higher levels of buyer demand in the period between Boxing Day and the New Year this year, driven by a sustained desire to get on and move.

“This, coupled with the number of would-be sellers getting in touch with an agent to value their home, suggests more property choice to come for buyers.