UK estate agents are gearing up for an unusually busy December as pent-up demand emerges in the wake of the Autumn Budget according to new insight from GetAgent.co.uk.
The traditionally quieter festive period is being disrupted as buyers and sellers move quickly to act before the year ends.
A survey of agents commissioned by GetAgent shows that 65% expect higher market activity over the final month of the year, with 17% already seeing early signs of a post-Budget surge.
This uptick comes at a time when the property market usually slows, prompting agents to adjust working patterns to maintain momentum.
EXTENDED OPENING HOURS
Nearly one in five agents plan to extend opening hours over the festive season, while 81% will work right up until Christmas Eve.
Some 28% are even willing to check emails or take calls on Christmas Day if needed. The commitment continues after Christmas, with 89% returning to work between the holidays and 42% feeling pressure to remain available throughout this period.
Despite concerns about potential burnout — expressed by 74% of respondents — 94% of agents will be back at their desks by 2nd January to meet continued demand.
HIGH DEMAND
Colby Short (main picture, inset), Chief Executive of GetAgent, says: “From what our Client Services team is hearing from vendors, the hesitation that built up ahead of the Budget is starting to ease.
“The drawn-out process created a backlog of decisions that would normally land earlier in the autumn, pushing more activity into what is typically a quieter period.”
QUICK TO ADAPT
And he adds: “Despite this, agents are doing what they always do: adapting quickly and making themselves available to keep transactions moving. In a results-driven industry, agents know that their effort directly influences business outcomes.
“The willingness we’re seeing to step up and meet higher demand speaks volumes about the underlying strength and resilience of the sector.
“Between the disruption caused by the Budget and an expected busy January ahead, demand is higher than usual. Agents are rising to that challenge, leaving the sector in a strong position as we move into the new year.”
