Can your Estate Agency survive future Lock Downs?

October 19, 2020
Estate Agency during covid19

Following the latest news coming out from Wales today where another lock down will be happening, have you put in to practice enough survival techniques should governments and leaders enforce further stop starting of business?

“Wales announced a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown today – with bars, restaurants and non-essential shops facing being closed down for two weeks.” DailyMail website

Many will sit on the fence to what exactly is happening with the government with regards to how they are dealing with covid-19 and then many will sit firmly either side of the fence with strong supportive views and the other side disbelieving the whole situation as merely a test from the government to see what control measures can be enforced.

If you are pro or against, the most important thing for any estate and letting agency is how the current situation effects business. Will this mean less activity from buyers / sellers / renters? Will it mean working remotely? Will it mean having to drastically change your whole business practice? All these are time and cost thirsty and will have an impact if one survives or not.

Not looking at doom and gloom as maybe vaccines will be ready soon and lock-downs merely an era to look back at and learn from, though currently many fear it is a new way of life ahead and if so, are you fully prepared?

I have heard from estate agents that a simple few extra #proptech solutions added to their working days has meant they can carry on as nearly a 100% virtual office when needed and as long as the public do not lose faith in property then the road ahead is quite comfortable.

Are you prepared for closed doors for your high street estate agency? Are you prepared for accompanied virtual viewings such as from Giraffe 360? Does this whole situation simply play in to the hands of property portals and hungry giants like Rightmove? Does this mean many agents will fail and fall by the wayside opening the door for younger generations, with innovation a way of life to them, to enter the industry?

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Mortgage Borrowing Dip

Key points: Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals decreased to £3.9 billion in September, from £4.2 billion in August, below the previous 6-month average of £4.9 billion. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases decreased to 53,400 in September, below an average of around 58,800 over the previous 6-months. Approvals for remortgaging increased to 42,600…
Read More →
Breaking News

Autumn Budget 2026: Property industry reaction

Following today’s Autumn Budget, reaction from property industry experts on six key areas for the property market. First-time buyer support: The £4.7bn Your First Home equity loan scheme, supporting 70,000 buyers, alongside the introduction of a new First Time Buyer ISA. Inflation and borrowing costs: The extension of the fuel duty freeze, household energy support…
Read More →
Breaking News

Can you legally BAN Halloween Trick or Treaters?

People who dread the annual knock of trick-or-treaters may have more power to keep Halloween callers away than they realise. As millions of children prepare to take to the streets on October 31, a property law expert has explained what homeowners can do if they do not want strangers walking up their path or knocking…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

What the sector need to do differently to give first time buyers a chance

By Peter Hawley, Director, SOWN (part of LRG) The mortgage and property sector needs to stop assuming that younger buyers are either ready to buy outright or not ready at all. For many, the reality is somewhere in between. They may have stable employment, a deposit and a strong desire to own, but still find…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

The 50-property tipping point: when landlords need a different approach

By Adam Hills, Client Services Director, LRG Living Markets A sizeable residential property portfolio can create significant opportunities for long-term income and capital growth. But as it expands, so does the complexity of managing it effectively. For landlords with 50 or more properties, the challenge extends well beyond finding tenants or collecting rent to communication,…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Home is where the stress is

Couples find first-time buying more anxiety-inducing than buying solo First-time buying: Anxiety doubles when finding a home with your partner! Stress and anxiety significantly increase when buying a first home with your partner compared to flying solo The likes of searching for a property, applying for mortgages and progressing through the legalities are all significantly…
Read More →