Heatwave cools off property enquiries

As UK temperatures soared last week, potential property buyers and sellers were even too hot to enquire about homes.

Data from live chat and answering service Moneypenny shows that calls to estate agents on Monday 18 July, as temperatures approached 40 degrees, dipped by 9% when compared with the previous four weeks.

We reported last week how agents were still working through the heatwave, allowing staff to wear shorts and conducting viewings during cooler hours.

But Sharon Boyle, head of property sector at Moneypenny, said a quieter market gives agents an opportunity to follow up warm leads or those that may have gone cold.

She said: “As temperatures spiked to some of the hottest on UK records last week, people were understandably distracted from property searches – providing a welcome relief to agents who were battling the heat.

“However, the fluctuation in call volumes also served as a reminder of the importance for agents to be prepared for ups and downs when it comes to communications.

“Of course, it’s crucial to have resource in place for busier times but the value of outbound support shouldn’t be overlooked.

“When faced with a quick dip in enquiries like this or more long-term challenges, such as lack of housing stock, connecting proactively with warm leads or previous customers can reap financial rewards for agents.”