74% of estate agents in the south regard the economic uncertainty from Brexit as their greatest challenge for 2019 compared to just 56% of agents in the midlands and 62% in the north, according to research from Zoopla.
This is further highlighted by how few estate agents in the south, just 22%, are positive about the UK’s economic growth. This contrasts to 40% of agents in the midlands and 36% in the north.
With greater concerns for the economy, agents in the south are also more reserved about their predictions for house price growth next year. Only 17% expect prices to rise over the next 12-18 months compared to more than half (54%) of agents in the north.
Meanwhile, estate agents in the north are far more concerned by a lack of housing stock and feel under greater pressure to lower fees.
To counter these various challenges, estate agents across the UK have expressed different views on how they should adapt their business next year. Estate agents in the midlands intend to focus more on marketing, while for those in the south and the north technology is number one on the agenda.
Estate agents in the south signalled that lobbying for legislation changes was their third most important consideration (15%), while in the north it was providing a more flexible fee structure (15%).
For letting agents specifically, an equal proportion across the country plan to diversify their range of services, while similar numbers in the north and south agree on making changes to their technology and marketing.
Charlie Bryant, managing director of Zoopla’s property division, said: “Being able to adapt to changes in legislation, regulation and the economy is critical for estate agents to maintain and improve business performance.
“At Zoopla our focus is on giving agents the tools and support to respond to whatever challenges they face and to enhance their reach and visibility among potential customers.
“Our extensive listings coverage across the UK and huge brand recognition means that we are able to offer a unique combination of scale, service, data and value for money.
“We will continue to invest in new and innovative solutions with the aim of further enhancing estate agents’ capabilities to win and close new instructions.”