The holidays have a way of surprising practically everyone, and that is true also for surprising experts in the housing market. In years past, even in the midst of the recession, a bit of a swing towards optimistic data has emerged. The month of December could again bring some surprises in the form of an optimistic outlook for the start of 2017.

Interest rates continue to be low and in some cases lenders are offering historically low interest rates for borrowers. While it is true some of the cheaper deals have been taken away by lenders, the majority of attractive deals remain on the market and available to those looking to take advantage of the opportunity available, whether that is a mortgage or remortgage.

In the winter months, especially when weather is bad and keeps people inside, it was the norm that the housing market dwindled and buyers stayed away. That could still be the case in the months ahead, but with the Internet a shift has occurred that even when buyers don’t want to venture out and about to look at properties, they can narrow down their choices by shopping through property listings online. Record levels of viewings of properties online have occurred in winter months.

In just the past few years, when sales slumped a bit in the housing market, data showed that hopeful buyers and home movers were busy online. Interest remained high and in the following months there was a boom in the market.

In the wake of the Brexit vote, and the complications of pushing the Brexit through in the coming months, there are of course those yelling out warnings for the housing market, lending, and the economy in general. However, following Brexit a resolve came forth that put doubters to shame.

Resilience in the coming months is more to be expected than not. Changes of course will come with the winds, but for those wanting to take action in the current environment the time is now to do so, for waiting may remove opportunities. As things look for 2017 considering the global economies, threats to it, and yet the opportunities that remain embedded within all challenges, the coming year could prove to be a good one for both home buyers and homeowners.

The holidays might be the perfect time to make the dream of a homeownership come true or for a homeowner to put in place a safety net for their financial health. These days left in the holidays could be filled with opportunity to set up the next year to be the best yet.