The Property Adviser: More time to search for property

A chain of estate agents in Berkshire has decided to make available sales personnel to answer enquiries until 10pm from Monday to Friday.

According to the company, customer feedback and activity levels on its website have led to the decision to longer opening hours. Its research highlighted that more people do their property searching from home between 7pm and 10pm weekdays than any other time. This is not surprising given that potential buyers are busy doing their own work during conventional office hours, with companies getting strict on internet access for personal reasons. And, of course, if you spot a property of interest outside of agents’ traditional opening times, you would usually have to wait until the next day to ask for information, make an appointment or even an offer.

It is also likely that this estate agent seeks to gain some competitive advantage in a much more challenging property market. It will be interesting to see how many other estate agents will follow suit.

As a professional property finder and relocation services business, longer estate agent opening hours mean that, where time is of the essence, we will be able to act for our busy clients - sourcing the fine detail on shortlisted properties, organising viewings, negotiating the best price - the same day. This greater flexibility will be advantageous for both our UK and overseas clients.