Longer days lead to more sales

A large proportion of estate agents are managing to get more deals over the line thanks to longer daylight hours, research suggests.

A survey of the estate agents, commissioned by comparison website GetAgent, found that almost half (44%) are utilising the longer summer days to cram in more viewings on the homes they have listed for sale.

Of those that are, 71% stated that buyers are more receptive to attending viewings during the evening, allowing them to house hunt whilst also balancing their day to day work and private lives.

The findings also show that 59% of agents found sellers more receptive to hosting evening viewings.

As a result of utilising the longer days to accommodate a larger number of viewings, 67% of agents believe that it's allowing them to get more deals over the line.

But while agents may be working longer into the evening, that doesn’t mean they’re taking their foot off the gas during regular working hours.

Just 21% of the agents surveyed by GetAgent said that they were conducting fewer viewings during regular working hours to compensate for out of hours evening viewings.

However, the majority (79%) are continuing to put in their regular nine to five shift before going above and beyond to host evening viewings for their clients.

Colby Short, chief executive of GetAgent, said: “The very best agents realise that selling homes isn’t a nine to five endeavour, especially when it comes to juggling the availability of both buyers and sellers during the all important viewings stage.

"Particularly during the summer season, when the market is at its busiest, a large proportion of agents are going above and beyond to utilise the longer daylight hours in order to maximise their chances of securing a deal.

"The vast majority are doing so having already put in a full working day which demonstrates just how hard the sector is working during the summer months and the huge contribution agents are making to the returning health of the market.

"However, just last week we highlighted the importance of personal care when it comes to avoiding professional burnout. With many agents choosing to work longer hours, whilst also forsaking their summer holiday, it’s imperative they take some time to recharge as such a tenacious approach to their work simply isn’t sustainable in the long run.”