The Reality of Working Alone in Real Estate
Real estate agents work alone more than most professionals realise. Open homes, private viewings, vacant property inspections, and after‑hours appointments all involve entering unfamiliar environments – often with strangers, and often without backup.
The risks are not hypothetical. According to the Rise Initiative, 60 per cent of agents regularly deal with aggression and abuse. A separate report found that 76 per cent of agents reported symptoms of burnout, highlighting the toll that constant exposure to unpredictable situations can take.
For property managers, the picture is similarly concerning. 53 per cent report dealing with aggression from owners and renters, and over half are struggling with mental health challenges. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has highlighted concerning reports of verbal abuse and physical assaults of property managers simply for doing their jobs.
Women in the industry face additional risks. A 2026 Women in Real Estate (WIRE) report found that 36 per cent of respondents had experienced sexual harassment, and 58 per cent only felt “mostly safe” while conducting open homes. As one industry leader noted: “If mostly safe is a standard that we’re accepting, what does that say about the industry we’re creating?”
Practical Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents Working Alone
1. Conduct a Pre‑Visit Risk Assessment
Before any appointment, whether an open home, private viewing, or property inspection, gather as much information as possible. Is there a history of aggression? Any mental health or substance abuse concerns? Consider the nature of the visit: routine, unexpected, or potentially confrontational (such as an eviction).
2. Plan Your Arrival and Exit
Don’t park where you could be blocked in. Look and listen for unusual signs of movement inside and outside the property. Park on the street rather than the driveway to ensure you have a clear escape route. Always know your exits before you enter.
3. Keep Your Team Informed
Share your live location with your office or a trusted colleague. Keep your calendar updated and accessible so your team knows where you are at all times. Update colleagues on your arrival and any concerns.
4. Take Your Phone. But Don’t Rely on It Alone
Keep your phone charged and ensure it has coverage in the areas you work. Set up speed dial to your office and emergency numbers. However, a phone can be dropped, lost, or taken in a confrontation. A dedicated duress alarm provides an additional layer of protection that a phone cannot.
5. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, don’t enter. Trust your instincts. A cancelled appointment is a small price to pay for your safety.
6. Use a Duress Alarm
A GPS‑enabled duress alarm provides an immediate, discrete way to summon help. One press sends your exact location to a 24/7 monitoring centre. Unlike a phone, a duress alarm can be activated without dialling or speaking – critical in moments of crisis.
7. De‑Escalation Skills
When faced with an aggressive person, remain calm. Listen to their concerns and show that you’ve heard them. Respond, don’t react: stay respectful and keep your voice quiet. Maintain a safe distance and use physical barriers to create space.
The Role of Technology in Lone Worker Safety
A real estate agent safety system typically includes:
- GPS location: when the device is activated, so help knows exactly where you are
- 24/7 monitoring: professional operators, not just an app
- Man‑down detection: triggers automatically if you fall or become incapacitated
- Scheduled check-ins: recorded check‑ins that escalate if unanswered
- Discrete activation: a hidden button or code word to signal distress
Lone worker apps for real estate agents offer a convenient solution, but a dedicated duress alarm offers additional reliability. It can’t be dropped, lost, or run out of battery in the same way a phone can.
Your Duty of Care as an Employer
Under Australia’s WHS laws, employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace, including for staff who work alone. This means conducting risk assessments, implementing safety protocols, and providing appropriate safety equipment such as duress alarms.
As one industry expert noted: “Equipping staff with a duress alarm is a proactive way to fulfil your duty of care, keep your workers safe and build a culture of safety in your business.”
Read more: Lone Worker Safety Systems for Real Estate Agents and Property Managers
