Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Home Sellers Demand 24-Hour Response from Estate Agents
A recent survey by Street Group has revealed that most property sellers in the UK now expect estate agents to respond to enquiries and provide updates within 24 hours. The findings indicate that this expectation applies to almost every stage of the sales process, not just the initial enquiry.
According to Street Group, estate agents are facing increasing pressure to deliver rapid responses, with customers comparing their communication standards to those of digital platforms like Amazon and WhatsApp. The survey, which included 1,830 current and recent home sellers, found that expectations for fast communication extend well beyond the first contact.
At the start of the process, 85% of sellers said they would expect an estate agent to respond to an enquiry about selling their home within 24 hours. Additionally, one in five respondents considered anything longer than four hours to be too slow, while only 4% found it acceptable to wait more than two working days for a response.
The survey also found that sellers are using response times as a factor when choosing between agents, and even during the sales process if they are working with more than one agent. Sellers expect timely updates on viewing feedback, buyer interest, offers, and answers to questions once a sale has been agreed.
Street Group reports that these heightened expectations have been shaped by consumers’ experiences with instant digital communication in other areas of their lives. The pressure for same-day responses is now a standard for agents, who are being measured against the speed and efficiency of leading digital services.
For UK letting agents and inventory clerks, these findings highlight the growing importance of prompt communication and responsiveness throughout the property sales journey.
Source: The Negotiator