Are Estate Agents Open on Bank Holidays

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Estate Agents. This article discusses whether estate agents can lie about offers and the legal implications.

Bank holidays are traditionally seen as days off, but for estate agents, they can also be some of the busiest times of the year. With more people off work and browsing property listings, the demand for viewings and enquiries can increase. However, not every agency remains open, and those that do often operate with reduced hours or limited staff.

Understanding how estate agents operate during bank holidays helps buyers, sellers, and landlords plan ahead and avoid delays in their property transactions.

Typical Estate Agent Opening Hours

Most high street estate agents operate Monday to Saturday, typically from 9am to 5:30pm, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Sundays and bank holidays often fall outside standard operating hours, although this varies between agencies.

Some independent or family-run estate agents choose to close completely on bank holidays to give their staff time off, while larger chains or online agencies may remain partially open, especially if they have call centres or digital enquiry systems in place.

In recent years, the rise of hybrid and online estate agencies has blurred traditional working patterns. Many of these services operate extended hours, with customer support available on bank holidays to handle enquiries and arrange viewings.

Why Some Estate Agents Stay Open

Estate agents who remain open on bank holidays often do so to take advantage of increased interest. Bank holidays give people more time to browse property portals, book viewings, and explore potential moves.

Agencies that stay open either in person or through phone and online support can capture leads that competitors might miss. This is especially important during peak property seasons such as spring and early summer when market activity is highest.

Open agents may also use bank holidays for marketing pushes, such as social media campaigns, virtual tours, or email promotions aimed at reaching buyers during their downtime.

Why Some Estate Agents Close

While staying open can create more opportunities, closing on bank holidays also has practical benefits. For smaller teams, taking a break allows staff to rest and recharge during what is often a demanding work schedule.

Some agencies find that in-person traffic is lower than usual on these days, especially in quieter towns or rural areas, and prefer to focus on responding to online enquiries once normal hours resume.

Even when physical offices are closed, most agents still monitor emails and messages to ensure urgent queries are handled promptly.

Online Enquiries and Virtual Support

Even if your local estate agent’s office is closed on a bank holiday, you can usually still access listings, book valuations, or submit enquiries through their website or property portals.

Many estate agents use automated systems that allow customers to:

• Request a viewing or valuation appointment online

• Receive instant replies confirming availability

• Access virtual tours and digital brochures

This flexibility ensures that potential buyers or sellers can make progress even when offices are closed.

How to Check Your Local Estate Agent’s Bank Holiday Hours

Because schedules vary, the best approach is to check directly with your chosen agent a few days before the bank holiday. Most agents will post updates on their website, social media pages, or Google Business Profile.

If you’re planning to list your property or arrange viewings around a bank holiday weekend, ask your agent in advance about availability. This helps ensure your property marketing or viewing plans continue smoothly.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers During Bank Holidays

1. Plan viewings early: Book appointments before the weekend to avoid disappointment if offices close.

2. Use online tools: Check property listings, take virtual tours, and send enquiries even when offices are shut.

3. Be patient: If you contact an agent on a bank holiday, expect a response on the next working day.

4. Use the downtime productively: For sellers, use bank holidays to prepare your property for photography or viewings. For buyers, it’s a good time to research mortgage options or review your budget.

The Advantage of Hybrid and Online Agencies

Hybrid estate agents, combining digital accessibility with personal service, often remain open or available through extended customer support hours on bank holidays. This means that even if you can’t visit an office, you can still arrange valuations, book virtual viewings, or receive updates on property progress.

These flexible working patterns align with modern consumer behaviour, where buyers expect round-the-clock access to property information.

Final Thoughts

Whether estate agents are open on bank holidays depends largely on their size, business model, and location. Traditional high street offices may close or operate reduced hours, while online and hybrid agencies often remain available to handle enquiries digitally.

For buyers and sellers, the best strategy is to plan ahead confirm your agent’s schedule and take advantage of online tools to keep your property journey moving forward.

At Lillian Purge, we help estate agents maximise their visibility and digital reach, ensuring that even when offices are closed, their properties continue to attract interest through well-optimised online listings and SEO-driven marketing strategies.

See related tips in are estate agents open on bank holidays and can you sell a house without an estate agent, with more at our Estate Agents Hub.