However, other advisers reported a more successful year in the United Trust Bank (UTB) end of year broker sentiment poll, as 23 per cent of respondents said they exceeded their targets and a further 23 per cent achieved their goals.
Meanwhile two-fifths said they were excited to see what 2021 would bring for their business.
Changes to working habits are expected to continue after the pandemic, the survey also revealed.
Some 69 per cent of brokers said they wanted to be more mindful of their work-life balance in the future and 49 per cent planned to increase their work from home flexibility.
Harley Kagan, chief executive of United Trust Bank, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to create challenge and uncertainty but it’s encouraging to see that 46 per cent of property and commercial finance brokers overall achieved or exceeded their 2020 targets and many are looking forward to this year with enthusiasm.”
