Strutt & Parker’s figures for last month show a 48% increase in house viewings, compared to the same time last year.

These figures indicate that market momentum and interest in properties will be sustained through December.

The festive period is a traditionally slow time of year for the property market. Many home owners take down the 'for sale' sign with a view to launching again in the New Year and viewings dry up in the build up to Christmas. This year, though, buyers and sellers have bucked the usual winter trend by remaining in the market and the figures show the strategy has been successful. As well as increased viewings, offers are up 34% and the number of homes going under offer has increased by a whopping 90% compared to last year.

Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker believes "The property market has traditionally followed the same cycles, peaking during spring and autumn and slowing to a standstill around holiday periods. But this year has seen an unprecedented amount of viewings in the lead up to Christmas which has invigorated the market. It shows that there are always buyers if you are willing keep your property on the market during the less popular periods."

Internet searches for properties also rise over the festive months, reaching a peak on Boxing Day, as people look to move house the New Year. If a home is not listed as for sale, vendors may be missing a huge potential audience who are searching for homes during the Christmas break.

This year's spike in viewings and the customary increase in website searches over the Christmas period also give sellers an opportunity to dress-up their home to entice a festive sale. People are unwilling to show their home when it is cluttered with presents, chocolates and wrapping paper, however they could use the Christmas decorations to enhance the home's general appearance or specific features, while also creating a more homely feel.

Fiddes added "With the economy in an uncertain state, the housing market has become less predictable. Neither sellers nor buyers want to miss out on potential winter sales, which are why we are seeing unusually high figures for this conventionally quiet period. Vendors are also being more creative, using Christmas décor and winter styles to promote certain aspects of their home, rather than shutting up shop until the New Year".