Do Christmas Decorations Make Your Home More Appealing to Buyers?
Selling your home during the festive season can feel like a dilemma—especially when the Christmas decorations start coming out. Many UK homeowners wonder whether showcasing their property with festive décor will make it feel more appealing… or whether it could put buyers off.
The good news? Selling a home in December and early January can absolutely work in your favour. But when it comes to Christmas decorations, the key is knowing how much is too much.
Here’s everything you need to know about advertising your property for sale during the Christmas period—and whether you should keep the decorations up.
Why People Worry About Decorations When Selling
Buyers shop with their eyes. Your listing photos and in-person viewings should show off your home’s best features—space, natural light, flow, and condition.
Large or overly themed decorations can:
- make rooms feel smaller
- distract from the property’s layout
- date your listing quickly (winter décor in January can look “old”)
divide opinion if your style isn’t to everyone’s taste
But on the flip side, tasteful festive décor can:
- make your home feel warm and inviting
- help buyers emotionally connect with the space
- create a sense of lifestyle and comfort
The trick is striking the right balance.
The Benefits of Selling Your Home With Christmas Decorations
1. Creates a Warm, Homely Feel
UK buyers often respond emotionally to a property. A cosy, softly decorated home can help them imagine spending Christmases, weekends and family gatherings there. Warm lighting, natural garlands and small touches can bring out the charm of a space.
2. Less Competition in the Market
Fewer people choose to list during December, meaning your property can stand out more—decorations or not. A beautifully presented home can feel even more appealing when buyers have limited options.
3. Serious Buyers Are Still Looking
Those house-hunting in December are often motivated—relocating, upsizing for the new year, or taking advantage of mortgage deals before rate changes. A well-decorated home can make a strong impression on buyers who are already keen to move quickly.
Potential Downsides of Advertising With Christmas Decorations
1. Listing Photos Can Look “Seasonal”
If your home hasn’t sold by mid-January, your photos can feel outdated. A Christmas tree in photos during February is a giveaway that the property has been sitting on the market.
Solution:
Take clean, undecorated photos before putting up decorations, and simply switch them out after the holidays.
2. Too Many Decorations Can Overwhelm Spaces
Oversized trees, hanging garlands, busy lights, or themed ornaments can shrink rooms or hide key features like fireplaces or French doors.
3. Decorations Can Distract From the Home Itself
Buyers should remember the property—not your Christmas village display or 8-foot inflatable Santa. The simpler the décor, the more the home itself shines through.
4. Safety Considerations During Viewings
Trailing cables from lights, fragile ornaments, or clutter around doorways can create hazards when people are walking around the home.
Best Practices: How to Decorate When Selling Over Christmas
1. Keep It Neutral
Stick to simple, elegant décor:
- white lights
- small wreaths
- subtle greenery
- minimal table settings
Avoid strong themes or bright colour clashes.
2. Choose a Smaller Tree
If you normally go for an extra-large tree, consider downsizing. A small or medium tree won’t dominate the room or block walkways.
3. Highlight, Don’t Hide, Features
Make sure decorations don't cover:
- windows
- fireplaces
- radiators
- built-in storage
- architectural features
4. Avoid Outdoor Decorations
Outdoor lights are fine if subtle, but avoid:
- inflatables
- neon lighting
- large displays
Your exterior is the first impression—keep it clean and tidy.
5. Keep Surfaces Clear
Viewers want to see the size of your countertops, tables, windowsills, and mantelpieces. Don’t overload them with ornaments or garlands.
6. Remove Decorations for Photos If Needed
If you’re listing late in December and expect viewings into January, ask your agent to take a set of “neutral” photos for the new year.
Is It Better to Wait Until After Christmas to List?
Not always. In fact:
Rightmove reports a surge in buyer searches on Boxing Day each year, as people begin planning for the new year.
January is historically one of the busiest months for moving plans.
If your home is ready to sell, listing before or during the holidays can give you a head start.
Final Verdict: Should You Advertise With Christmas Decorations?
Yes—if you keep them tasteful, minimal, and non-distracting.
Christmas decorations can add warmth and charm when done well, but they should never dominate the space or distract from the property’s features.
If unsure, remember this rule:
👉 If it makes your home feel smaller or cluttered, remove it.
A lightly decorated home can feel inviting and festive—but the focus should always remain on the property itself. Want an award winning agent to help you sell your house? give us a call on 0121 681 6327