The Covid-19 lockdown has transformed the way we live, work and play.
Such challenging times have forced us all to innovate and adapt. Thankfully technology has enabled us to remain in contact with our friends & families virtually, to work remotely and brought entertainment to our homes. The property sector is also adapting through innovation. Virtual viewing technology is set to not only keep the lettings and sales market moving – but may potentially revolutionise the way tenants and buyers view prospective new homes.
Property portal Zoopla recently revealed:
’Virtual viewings are taking off as home-hunters continue to look for new properties during the corona lockdown. Estate agents’ use of technology is proving so popular with would-be buyers and renters that some are willing to put in an offer to buy or rent a home on the strength of the virtual viewing alone’.
A virtual viewing means viewing properties without leaving your home. They are a convenient way for a potential buyer or tenant to view a property and also allow the seller to open up their property to a much wider audience such as overseas property investors
Agents are increasingly producing video tours of homes as part of their listing materials. Some also include tours of the local neighbourhood, bringing the property and area to life in a way that photographs alone can’t.
Agents can now take prospective tenants or buyers on a live virtual appointment, during which they can talk potential buyers through a viewing as they would if they were at the property in person.
3D cameras capture the entire property and enable house-hunters to take a self guided tour. Buyers can even accurately measure rooms to assess how their furniture may fit. With an international investor client base, we at Prosperity Wealth were early adopters of this technology. The show home of our B1 Birmingham development was 3D captured in 2018.
There are numerous advantages of virtual viewing for both clients and agents that will remain relevant after the lifting of lockdown restrictions:
•Information on properties can be shared across the world by agents and clients via social media.
•Buyers and renters can view immediately, rather than waiting for an agent appointment. Meaning they can act quickly to secure properties.
•Second viewings are no longer required.
•Groups of friends seeking a rental property no longer have to co-ordinate and travel to view a potential home
•Importantly, the Bank of Mum and Dad can be reassured!
Andy Marshall, Chief Commercial Officer at Zoopla, says: “Online viewings afford convenience and flexibility; while this is partly in response to coronavirus, we anticipate that online and virtual tours are quickly becoming the new normal– .
