'Festive boost if you put your home up for sale before Christmas' call with Morpeth and Ponteland properties among those proving popular

Market data analysed by property specialists Bradley Hall shows that the post-Christmas days are now some of the most popular for buyers seeking their dream home.

The prediction follows Rightmove’s revelation that the online property portal reported more than 52million views between Boxing Day and the first working day of 2021.

The flurry in visitors, which represents a 54 per cent increase on the previous year, also reflected Bradley Hall’s own experience – with the firm reporting a 38 per cent rise in website traffic during the same period.

Properties in the North East that have recently hit the market and are already attracting attention include a fully renovated two-bedroom duplex apartment located within Admiral Collingwood Court in Morpeth and Woodside in Ponteland.

“People are far more focused on the ‘how and where’ they live in the wake of the pandemic and we have seen this first-hand,” said Matt Hoy, managing director of residential at Bradley Hall.

“Traditionally, Boxing Day sales have been associated with retail sales. However, there’s no reason why, given the data released by both Bradley Hall and Rightmove, it can’t also become one of the most popular times to buy and sell a home.

“We have many clients who choose to list on or around Boxing Day to capitalise on the increased online traffic and our offices are open during the festive break to field any enquiries that come in.

“It is a bit of an odd period though in that not every estate agency is open, and people might assume that viewings aren’t available if vendors are spending the holiday period away or with family. Strategically though, it is a sensible time to list even if you don’t see a result from the days between Christmas and New Year, as your property will still appear as a recent listing in the busy New Year.”

The Bradley Hall website says the following about the apartment: “From the communal entrance hall with a security entry system and feature staircase with spindle balustrade to all floors, the internal entrance hall leads to a spacious lounge with feature electric wall fire.

“There is a newly fitted open plan kitchen/diner with a generous range of units at base and wall levels, work tops with part tiled walls, composite sink unit with mixer tap, four burner gas hob with extractor hood above, oven grill unit, integral fridge and freezer, dishwasher, ample space for a dining table and quality ‘Click’ laminate flooring and utility room housing gas fired combination boiler.”

The Woodside five-bedroom detached property in Darras Hall has a “light and airy hallway which leads you through to the contemporary kitchen, separate dining room, utility room; with downstairs W/C, sitting room, study and snug.

“The ground floor bedroom is situated at the front of the house; ensuite included. The utility room has internal access to the attached garage.

“To the first floor there are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master and second bedroom both include dressing rooms and ensuites, the third bedroom benefits from generous storage space.

“Externally to the rear of the property, there is a generous, enclosed garden with a decked area.”