Agents report early uplift in buyer activity
Agents report early uplift in buyer activity, but few are investing to capitalise on improving market conditions
The latest research from Property DriveBuy has found that estate agents are starting 2026 on a stronger footing, with the majority reporting an increase in buyer enquiries and viewing requests, while one in five are also seeing more offers being made. However, despite these early signs of improving market conditions, only a small proportion of agents are currently investing in their businesses to help maximise on improving market momentum.
The survey of UK estate agents, commissioned by Property DriveBuy found that 47% have seen an increase in buyer enquiries when compared to the back end of 2025, while a further 34% say enquiry levels have remained broadly stable.
When it comes to viewings, 45% of those surveyed reported an increase in viewing requests so far this year, with one in five agents also reporting an increase in the number of offers being made.
When asked how current buyer activity levels compare to what they would normally expect at this time of year, 38% of agents say they are busier than usual, while 42% describe activity as in line with typical seasonal levels. Just one in five say the market is quieter than normal.
What’s more, some 44% of agents expect overall market activity in 2026 to be busier than in 2025.
Despite this optimism, just a small proportion of agents plan to invest in their business in order to take advantage of improving market conditions.
Property Drivebuy found that just 6% of those surveyed say they are currently investing in their business, with a further 12% planning to invest over the next six to twelve months.
Of those who are holding back, 87% cited cost as the predominant reason why.
For those who are investing or are planning to do so, recruitment of additional staff and improvements to IT infrastructure rank as the most common priorities.
Staff training and professional development also feature strongly, alongside enhanced external marketing of client properties.
Steve Foreman, Founder and CEO of Property DriveBuy, commented:
“These are extremely encouraging signs for the start of the year, with the majority of agents reporting that they are busier than usual and seeing increases in buyer enquiries and viewings, while one in five are also seeing more offers being made.
What is particularly striking, however, is that while many agents expect 2026 to be a busier year than 2025, only a very small proportion are actively investing in their businesses to make the most of this uplift.
The good news is that those who are investing are prioritising the right mix of great people, operational infrastructure, and ensuring client properties are marketed as effectively as possible.
While marketing can certainly be expensive, there are a range of more cost-effective options available.
Property DriveBuy is a prime example and our pioneering geo-location property portal is currently free for agents to use, until such time as we believe we can genuinely justify monetising it.
For agents looking to increase exposure for their property stock without increasing costs, it’s a January bargain if there ever was one.”
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