Only 6% of estate agents are currently investing in their business despite an upturn in property market conditions.

And the cost of new tech or additional staff is holding agents back, according to new analysis by location listings app, Property DriveBuy.

Too expensive

Of those who are holding back, 87% in a survey of 322 agents cited cash as the predominant reason why.

Staff training, professional development and marketing are also too expensive, agents say.

A further 12% of those agents polled plan to plough some resources into their business in the next six or 12 months.

Hesitant

This hesitancy is prevalent despite a clear market upturn, with a 47% increase in buyer enquiries when compared to the end of 2025, according to the survey.

And 45% of those surveyed reported an increase in viewing requests so far this year, with one in five agents also reporting a rise in the number of offers.

More than a third (38%) of agents say they are busier than usual, while 42% describe activity in line with typical seasonal levels. Just one in five say the market is quieter than normal.

Some 44% of agents expect overall market activity in 2026 to be busier than last year.

Only a very small proportion are actively investing in their businesses.”

Steve Foreman, Founder and CEO at Property DriveBuy (main picture), says: “These are extremely encouraging signs for the start of the year.

“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,” he says.

“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.”