If you’re not familiar with the term, it refers to the huge spike in people searching for their new home on that day. In the immediate run-up to Christmas, the market will understandably be quiet. Things to do, people to see, plans to make.

But when Christmas Day is over, the property market takes on a new lease of life as interest skyrockets. Homeowners have renewed optimism and energy to make a move. So much so, that according to Rightmove, around 30 million people look for a new home between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

If you’re thinking of selling anytime soon, the increased exposure that homes get over this period cannot be ignored. Waiting until the New Year increases the chance that many buyers will have already found their ideal home, weeks earlier.

There’s something else to consider.

Choosing which estate agent to instruct isn’t simply a matter of picking ‘any one from three.’ It’s always a risk when a vendor must make a decision without all of the facts. Without understanding what relevance those facts have on the eventual selling price.

According to Rightmove, 60% of vendors choose the wrong agency and end up having to instruct a different agent, before finally selling their home.

There are plenty of competent estate agents out there, some very competent, but it’s not enough. Estate agency is often perceived as a commodity and unless an agent has competence and integrity, in equal measure, vendors might find that what they were promised for Christmas wasn’t what they got on the day.

Now is the perfect time if you’re planning to take advantage of The Boxing Day Bounce. Time to find your new home, time to choose a great agent and time to prepare for those eager Boxing Day Buyers.