Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Estate Agents Report Summer Slowdown Amid Hot Weather

A recent survey commissioned by GetAgent has found that more than three-quarters of UK estate agents expect property market activity this summer to be weaker than usual. Prolonged hot weather and the traditional school holiday slowdown are cited as key factors affecting the market.

According to the survey, 78% of estate agents anticipate below-normal activity levels during the summer holiday period. Only 13% expect a typical summer, while 9% foresee stronger activity. The school holidays are already known to reduce market participation, with 64% of agents reporting a decline in seller activity and 45% describing this reduction as significant. Buyer demand follows a similar trend, with 58% of agents noting fewer new buyer enquiries and 27% calling the drop significant.

This year, agents believe that extended periods of hot weather have further impacted the market. The survey found that 91% of respondents said hot weather had reduced activity in their local property market, with 55% reporting a significant impact. Property viewings were identified as the most affected area by 53% of agents, followed by buyer enquiries (28%) and seller enquiries (19%).

Despite the decrease in new buyers and sellers, the survey indicates that agents' workloads have not necessarily lessened. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of agents said they remain as busy as usual, or even busier, progressing existing transactions during the summer holidays. Staff holidays also contribute to operational challenges, with 45% of respondents stating that annual leave makes workloads harder to manage and 27% reporting a significant impact on efficiency.

These findings highlight the combined effects of seasonal trends and weather conditions on the UK property market, with implications for letting agents and inventory clerks managing transactions and workloads during the summer months.