The nation’s estate agents are in for a busy end to 2024 and some could be in danger of festive burnout as one in five is not planning on taking any time off this Christmas according to EXP’s Adam Day (pictured).

EXP’s research found that, of the 80% who do plan to take a break this Christmas, 44% stated they would be working right up until Christmas Eve.

Burn out

Another 45% told researchers they would also be returning to work between Christmas and the New Year, with the majority planning to do so as early as the 26th or 27th December.

A slightly higher proportion (85%) said they would be taking New Year’s Day off, however, and 63% of those would be back in the office from 2nd January.

And just 11% said that they plan to fully switch off during the festive period and avoid work calls and emails.

For those that can’t switch off, progressing transactions through to completion and hosting or organising viewings are the most likely tasks.

EXP’s Day commented: “Estate agency can be around the clock business and whether they are burning the midnight oil or up at the crack of dawn, many agents work incredibly hard to ensure that the sales they oversee make it through to completion.

It’s important to pause for breath, if only for a day or two.”

“For a considerable number, this means working right up to, if not through, Christmas itself.

“Of course, this year is likely to be busier than most as a result of next spring’s impending stamp duty relief deadline and so agents will likely have more sales in the pipeline than they may have traditionally, increasing the urge to manage them over the festive break.

“However, for those who do celebrate Christmas, it’s important to pause for breath, if only for a day or two, in order to avoid burnout.”