When the calendar hits mid‑November and homes are nearing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, many owners start wondering whether it’s worth listing a vacancy or waiting until January. At FPM Group, we monitor seasonal rental trends across North County San Diego, and yes— properties typically move more slowly during the holiday season.
Why the Holiday Slowdown Happens
1. Fewer Renters Actively Searching
Most renters don’t want to schedule showings, pack, or move during the busiest travel and family season of the year. Demand naturally dips from roughly mid‑November through the first week of January.
2. Distractions and Travel
People are traveling, hosting family, shopping, and attending events. Apartment‑hunting takes a back seat.
3. School Schedules
Families with children rarely want to move mid‑school‑year, making late fall one of the slowest periods for this group.
4. Financial Priorities
Holiday expenses stack up—gifts, travel, events. Many renters delay moving until they can reset financially in January.
Should You Wait Until January to List Your Property?
In most cases, NO. Here’s why:
1. The renters who are searching now are typically serious.
While the overall pool is smaller, holiday‑season applicants tend to be highly motivated and qualified. They’re moving because they need to, not because they’re browsing.
2. Delaying a listing means guaranteed vacancy loss.
Even if market time stretches from, say, 10 days to 25–35 days, it’s usually still better than sitting vacant for six to eight weeks waiting for January.
3. Less competition.
Many property owners make the mistake of waiting until after the holidays. Listing now allows your property to stand out among fewer active rentals.
4. A January surge benefits you if your listing is already live.
January always brings a wave of new renters. Having the home pre‑marketed and ready captures that demand immediately.
Tips for Marketing During the Holiday Season
- Price strategically. Overpricing during the slowest rental period will prolong vacancy.
- Make sure the home is “photo‑ready” with great lighting—shorter days make quality photos even more important.
- Offer flexible move‑in dates when possible.
- Ensure your online listing is polished and appears on all major platforms.
Final Recommendation
While properties can take longer to rent during November and December, it’s almost always better to keep the home on the market rather than wait. With smart pricing, strong marketing, and quick responsiveness, you can still secure a high‑quality tenant—often sooner than you think.
