"Between the disruption caused by the Budget and an expected busy January ahead, demand is higher than usual"
- Colby Short - GetAgent
Estate agents across the nation are preparing to meet a notable uplift in homebuyer demand as the festive season approaches, according to the latest market insight from GetAgent.co.uk.
The survey of UK estate agents, commissioned by GetAgent, shows an expectation that the post-Budget release of pent-up demand will drive higher than usual December activity.
65% of agents anticipate an increase in market activity over the final month of the year, and 17% report that signs of this surge are already emerging just days after the Chancellor's statement.
With heightened demand building at a time when the market typically slows, agents are adjusting rapidly to ensure momentum is not lost.
19% plan to extend their festive opening hours, while 81% say they will be working right up until Christmas Eve to support clients. 28% are even prepared to check emails or take calls on Christmas Day if required.
This commitment continues into the final days of the year, with 89% returning to work between Christmas and New Year and 42% feeling pressure to remain available throughout this period.
Despite 74% sharing concerns that working through the festive season increases the chances of burnout, 94% will be back at their desks by 2nd January to keep pace with demand.
"From what our Client Services team is hearing from vendors, the hesitation that built up ahead of the Budget is starting to ease," said Colby Short, chief executive of GetAgent. "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."
"Despite this, agents are doing what they always do: adapting quickly and making themselves available to keep transactions moving," Short explained. "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," Short added. "Agents are rising to that challenge, leaving the sector in a strong position as we move into the new year."
