Leading Estate Agency Sees Surge In Enquiries

Since last week’s government announcement lifting some restrictions on housebuilders and estate agents, Carter Jonas has seen a significant rise in house-hunter activity.

Comparing the week commencing Wednesday 13 May – the day after the announcement – to the previous week, commencing Wednesday 6 May, the company has reported email internet enquiries up 116%, the number of telephone enquiries rising 72% and an increase of viewing requests of 40%.

Lisa Simon, head of the Carter Jonas’s residential division, said: “Whilst the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the economy and property market remains uncertain, we anticipate that this lifting of restrictions will be enough to get the housing market back on its feet for now. Whilst a decline in economic confidence is putting some off, largely due to fears over job security or a second wave of the virus, we are seeing an overarching consensus from clients that lockdown has been a ‘pause phase’ and they are ready to pick up from where they left off.

“Whilst estate agents have been given more flexibility, we alone cannot reignite movement in the market. Only with the help of conveyancers and mortgage providers can the chain truly be served end to end, and only then can we collectively help buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants move forward.”

Carter Jonas has been taking steps to reopen their branches. Simon continued: “Carter Jonas has already begun taking the necessary steps to reopen some of our branches, which are currently open by appointment only, and will begin to carry out viewings and market appraisals if and when required.

“The industry guidance issued by the government is very comprehensive and sensible, however there are some components that will only truly work well if all parties work together to uphold safety standards. For example, ensuring internal doors remain open for a viewing is easily done, but ensuring all surfaces have been wiped down correctly before viewings would usually be down to the discretion of the occupier.

“We will be supplying hand sanitisation products to all of our staff to ensure the necessary hygiene practices are upkept both in the office and when attending viewings. Offices will be run with reduced staff levels to maintain safe distances and we will also be putting in processes to ensure keys are thoroughly cleaned – as these are potentially handled by multiple members of staff and clients on a regular basis.”

Of the increasing offer interest in virtual viewings, she concluded: “Government guidelines still rightly state that [they] should remain the first point of engagement with a property, and buyers should only participate in a physical viewing if they are likely to proceed to offer stage. As such, we are continuing to improve the way in which we carry these out.

“We are looking at pre-recording virtual tours, which include agent dialogue, to try to replicate a physical viewing as best we can. Building a ‘bank’ of content for a property allows us to make virtual viewings more instantaneous for prospective buyers and tenants, cater to vulnerable groups and those still unable to travel, and have more content readily available should lockdown measures be reinstated.”