Why booking temporary staff early could protect your year-end performance
As the property industry approaches the end of the year, many businesses are preparing for both a busy sales period and a well-deserved break. Our recent LinkedIn poll revealed that 56% of property professionals plan to take six or more days off between now and the new year - a reminder that December presents both opportunity and operational pressure.
While time off is essential, it can leave gaps in service delivery and client management during one of the industry’s most active times. Securing temporary support before the festive period begins can help maintain service continuity and protect year-end performance.
Understanding the year-end staffing challenge
According to our poll:
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38% of respondents plan to take 6–10 days off
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18% will take 11 or more days
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Meanwhile, 43% expect to take minimal leave (0–5 days or public holidays only)
The poll asked over 100 professionals, "How much time off work will you have in December?"
That means more than half of the sector will have reduced availability during a period that still demands consistent client engagement and operational oversight.
For the Sales and Customer Service teams in New Homes, this imbalance can result in increased pressure on those remaining, longer response times, and a dip in service quality just as potential buyers are still actively enquiring.
Concierge teams face a similar challenge. As the first point of contact in residential developments, they’re essential to maintaining service standards and resident satisfaction during the festive period. Reduced cover can affect the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
Our temp team supports leading developers and managing agents with skilled concierge professionals who step in seamlessly to maintain smooth operations and uphold the standards residents expect year-round.
Demand doesn’t pause for Christmas
Despite the festive slowdown in other industries, property activity remains steady, and in some cases, even spikes. According to Rightmove, Boxing Day 2024 saw record-breaking traffic, marking it the busiest day ever for home-hunting activity on the platform.
This indicates that while teams may be winding down, buyers and renters are not. Many use the holiday period to plan their next move for the year ahead. For Sales and Lettings teams, that means missed opportunities if there aren’t enough people available to respond to leads, arrange viewings, and maintain client relationships.
Why early temporary hiring makes a difference
For property businesses, temporary cover during December is part of a broader continuity strategy. By securing temporary staff before the end of November, businesses can ensure:
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Full operational coverage when core staff take leave
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Adequate time for handovers and training, ensuring smooth integration
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Consistent client service, protecting brand reputation and conversion potential
Conversely, waiting until mid-December can mean competing for a smaller pool of available candidates, often resulting in rushed placements and limited onboarding time.
Our New Homes and Front of House teams specialise in placing skilled temporary professionals across Office Support, Concierge, Sales Support, and Customer Service functions with individuals who can represent your brand professionally throughout the festive period.
With many property professionals taking extended leave and market activity remaining high, the festive period should be viewed as a key planning phase rather than downtime. Ensuring continuity now can prevent lost business opportunities and staff burnout later.
Contact our Temp Team today to discuss your holiday staffing requirements and secure experienced professionals who can keep your business moving through the festive period.
In a sector where timing matters, December is no exception.
If your business anticipates reduced capacity over the holidays, consider finalising your temporary staffing strategy before the end of November to ensure a seamless close to 2025 and a productive start to 2026.
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