The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the property sector. Anne Reuter, head of another real estate agency, said the incident was unimaginable, particularly in a quiet neighbourhood in broad daylight. She said the sense of grief and solidarity across the sector is overwhelming.
Reuter explained that in 21 years of running an agency, she has never encountered anything remotely comparable. The events of Tuesday, she said, were deeply unsettling, leaving colleagues profoundly shaken. She expressed heartfelt sympathy for the victim’s family and friends, describing the young woman as a respected colleague from a well-known agency, and said the sector has been in a state of shock since the attack.
Many property professionals are now approaching client appointments with a heightened sense of unease, according to real estate agent Isabelle Laures, who said the incident has forced her to think seriously about personal safety.
Laures said she had never previously considered that her work could put her in danger. Since the attack, however, she has started rethinking how she approaches viewings, she stated. Laures explained that this includes carrying out more thorough checks on clients beforehand, potentially refusing appointments if something feels off, and being more mindful during visits, such as positioning herself behind clients rather than in front of them.
Women are seen as particularly exposed. Reuter noted that, for more sensitive appointments, agencies may now be more likely to send a male colleague. She added that agencies plan to request more detailed information from potential tenants or buyers before agreeing to viewings.
According to Reuter, agencies have always asked basic questions, but are now moving towards requesting concrete documentation such as proof of identity and employment contracts. Prospective clients who refuse to provide this information, she said, will no longer be offered viewings.
Similar concerns were voiced by Michael Eires, president of the Luxembourg Real Estate Federation (FIL), who described the incident as unprecedented for the sector. He said the case was deeply distressing and unlike anything previously experienced in the property industry. While the shock is particularly acute among estate agents, he noted that such violence could, in principle, affect workers in many sectors. He said agencies are now looking closely at how they can strengthen safety procedures, particularly by improving how clients are vetted before appointments.
As for additional measures, Reuter suggested that providing agents with personal alarm devices could be one practical option. Beyond that, she said agencies intend to continue their work as usual, but with significantly stronger safety precautions.
