Most homeowners in Los Angeles assume Spring is the only “right” time to list their home. And while Spring is undoubtedly busy, a lesser-known window can be just as powerful — and often more strategic:
Listing right after Christmas.
In LA’s unique, year-round real estate climate, the time frame between December 26 to mid-January consistently creates a surge in serious buyer activity while drastically reducing competition from other Sellers. When you combine low inventory, motivated buyers, and holiday downtime, you get one of the most advantageous listing moments of the entire year.
Here’s why the post-Christmas period is especially smart for LA homeowners:
1. Less Competition in the LA Market
Los Angeles typically sees one of the largest drops in new listings during December, especially between Christmas and New Year’s. Most sellers wait until February, March, or even early April.
This means:
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Your home faces far fewer competing listings
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Buyers have limited choices, strengthening your position
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Well-priced and well-presented properties in LA get immediate attention
In a city as competitive as Los Angeles, standing out is everything — and late December to mid January gives you a rare advantage.
2. Buyer Activity Surges After Christmas — Yes, Even in LA
Despite the myth of a “dead” holiday market, online buyer activity in Los Angeles jumps sharply during the week after Christmas.
One major real estate platform reported that in January 2024:
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Visits nearly doubled between Christmas and December 26th
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Buyer inquiries to Agents jumped +273%
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December 26th saw 17% more buyer inquiries than the year before
This online surge is visible across Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia — and Los Angeles is one of the markets where digital home search traffic is consistently high even during the holidays.
Why?
Because LA buyers love planning, browsing, and saving listings during holiday downtime. Many are preparing for relocations, new jobs, or new-year moves.
3. Serious, Motivated LA Buyers Don’t Take December Off
Holiday-season buyers in Los Angeles tend to be more serious and intentional. These include:
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Entertainment and tech professionals starting new contracts in January
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Families planning ahead for school enrollment deadlines
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Corporate relocations from New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and international markets
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Buyers with tax-driven motivation before year-end
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Renters whose leases end in January or February
While you may get fewer showings, the quality of those showings is dramatically higher — these buyers are ready to write & submit offers.
4. LA Buyers Have More Time Off Work & Use It for House Hunting
Los Angeles has a uniquely busy lifestyle, and the holidays are one of the rare times residents actually pause.
This downtime leads to:
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More daytime showings
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Couples being available at the same time
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Higher attendance at open houses
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Increased Zillow and Redfin browsing
Long weekends like New Year’s, MLK Day, and Presidents Day consistently see traffic spikes in LA — and Sellers benefit from this built-in visibility.
5. New Year Planning Sparks a Wave of LA Buyer Intent
Late December is when many Angelenos start planning major life upgrades:
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Moving closer to work to reduce commute time
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Trading up for more sqft or yard
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Downsizing after kids leave for college
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Relocating to specific school districts
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Buying before the Spring competition heats up
The mindset shift that happens between Christmas and early January drives buyers to browse actively, get pre-approved, and start scheduling showings for January.
6. Beat the Spring Rush in LA
Every year, a flood of homes hits the LA market between February and April. By listing right after Christmas, you:
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Get ahead of all those Sellers
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Capture motivated Buyers before supply increases
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Potentially secure a stronger price
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Allow yourself to shop with less pressure once inventory rises
This early mover’s advantage is especially beneficial in competitive neighborhoods like the South Bay, Westside, & Silicon Beach.
In Los Angeles, listing your home right after Christmas isn’t just a good idea — it’s a data-driven strategy that leverages:
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Lower competition
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Surging online search traffic
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Motivated, serious buyers
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Holiday downtime
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Goal-setting and new-year momentum
If you want strong visibility, serious buyers, and a competitive edge in the LA market, listing within the first two weeks after Christmas offers one of the best opportunities of the entire year.
