Many homeowners assume that waiting until January or early 2026 is the “best time” to sell…But the data, buyer behaviour, and market patterns across Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow show something very different.
In reality, launching your home late in the year, November through mid-December, can put thousands more in your pocket compared to waiting for the January surge.
If you’re planning a move soon, here’s why holding off until 2026 might actually hurt your selling price.
📈 1. Buyer Competition Drops in Early January
When January arrives, something predictable happens every year:
- Homeowners who waited during the holidays suddenly flood the market.
- Listing volumes increase sharply.
- Buyers have more choices.
- Competition between sellers grows, not buyers.
This matters because more competition typically means lower offers.
Selling in late 2025 means you avoid this rush and benefit from being one of the few high-quality homes available.
💷 2. Motivated Buyers Are Active NOW – Not Later
Serious buyers do not “wait until January.”
They search all year round, especially:
- Families planning early-year moves
- Relocators starting new jobs
- First-time buyers eager to secure mortgages
- Upsizers preparing for 2026 school deadlines
These buyers are active now, viewing now, and making offers now.
And fewer homes on the market means your property gets more attention.
🚀 3. Launch Momentum Is Stronger Before the New Year
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is assuming Christmas is a quiet time.
Online property activity spikes between:
🎄 Boxing Day → 10 January
This is one of the busiest digital periods for Rightmove and On The Market, millions of buyers scroll through new listings while off work.
Launching before this wave positions your home at the top of the queue when buyers return online, creating a powerful surge of attention.
🧨 4. Early 2026 Could Bring Extra Pricing Pressure
Analysts expect a few factors that may tighten pricing early in the year:
- Seasonal increase in listings
- More competition from new builds
- Buyers negotiating harder after December spending
- Increased supply, especially in commuter towns
All of this can suppress your achievable price.
Selling before the New Year means you enter the market ahead of that shift.
🎥 5. Strong Marketing Performs Best When Competition Is Low
This is where you shine as an agent and where your marketing advantage becomes even more powerful.
When fewer homes are available, professionally marketed listings stand out dramatically:
- video tours
- strong photography
- targeted Meta ads
- quality descriptions
- strategic pricing
You attract more views, generate more offers, and reduce time on market.
In early 2026, your home might be competing with dozens of newly listed properties, diluting visibility.
🏁 Conclusion: Waiting Can Cost You – Acting Now Can Pay Off
If you’re thinking about selling in Bishop’s Stortford or Harlow, the smart move is to get ahead of the January surge.
✔️ Less competition
✔️ More motivated buyers
✔️ Stronger marketing impact
✔️ Higher potential offers
✔️ Faster momentum
Selling late 2025 positions you perfectly for strong interest and a smooth completion in early 2026.
If you’d like a clear, honest review of what your home could achieve right now, I’m here to help.
📞 Chris Clarke – haart Partner, Bishop’s Stortford & Harlow
🌐 www.chris-clarke.co.uk
📩 DM me for a no-pressure valuation or personalised strategy session.