Demand for home mover services jumped sharply in the first half of January, with new figures pointing to the release of pent-up activity that built up towards the end of last year.

Data from reallymoving shows registrations for conveyancing, survey and removals quotes were up 58% in the first fortnight of January, compared with the same period in 2025.

The comparison site said the early surge indicates that movers are acting sooner in the year than has typically been the case.

Conveyancing registrations, widely viewed as a marker of serious intent to transact, rose by 74% year on year between one and 15 January. This suggests buyers and sellers are progressing plans that were previously paused during the autumn.

The increase comes after the Autumn Budget has been absorbed by the market, alongside a further interest rate cut in December and greater clarity around housing-related costs and taxation. Together, these factors appear to have given movers the confidence to move forward rather than wait until the spring.

Rob Houghton, founder and chief executive of reallymoving, said: “Rather than signalling a broad resurgence in market confidence, the figures indicate that pent-up demand from the autumn is now feeding through.

“This goes well beyond the casual browsing of property portals – these are committed movers taking purposeful steps to progress a transaction.

“Conveyancing registrations in particular show that buyers and sellers are lining up professional services now they have more certainty, rather than waiting until spring.

“For many movers it isn’t about timing the market perfectly, it’s about life circumstances – and needs-based moves to accommodate a new job or a growing family can only be put off for so long.”

First-time buyers were especially active at the start of the year, accounting for 59% of all conveyancing registrations on reallymoving during early January. While affordability pressures remain, the availability of cheaper mortgage deals and the opportunity to negotiate with sellers in what is still seen as a buyer’s market appear to have encouraged many to act.

Upsizers made up 18% of movers, while downsizer activity remained subdued, representing just 4% of those in the market. With estate agents reporting that larger and higher-value homes are taking longer to sell and facing tougher price negotiations, many downsizers appear to be delaying decisions.

Houghton added: “The data suggests downsizers are delaying moves until they feel confident they can achieve good value for their existing home – particularly as many will be relying on the lump sum generated by the sale to help fund retirement. For them it’s a once-in-a-lifetime equity event and the timing is key.”