Microsoft’s global outage could add stress and disruption for people moving house on an “unlucky” Friday 13th. However, a property industry expert said many firms rely on purpose-built online portals that should continue operating.
Ian Harris, president of NAEA Propertymark, the professional body for estate agents, said effective communication was crucial during a property move.
“Like many businesses, the ability to communicate efficiently is essential,” he said. “When critical systems fail without warning, they can create significant and unexpected stress, particularly for people on moving day.
“We now live in a world where email is central to making sure information reaches the right people. If those systems go offline, they could cause temporary delays during the final stages of completing a house sale.
“Many estate agents, lenders and conveyancers use dedicated online portals, which should remain unaffected by the current outage. However, in the worst-case scenario, some people may face delays while alternative communication arrangements are put in place.”
The warning comes as Rightmove analysis published today suggests that homebuyers tend to avoid moving house on Friday 13th. Fridays are generally among the busiest days for completions, as buyers often use the weekend to unpack and settle into their new homes.
Rightmove examined Land Registry data dating back to 1995 and found that Friday 13th is typically the quietest Friday for home moves. Its analysis also showed that, overall, the 13th is the least popular day of the month for property completions, with fewer moves taking place on average than on other dates.
