x
By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies to enhance your experience.

TODAY'S OTHER NEWS

Agents encouraged to offer virtual viewings post-lockdown

As more people start to think about moving home as the coronavirus restrictions are eased, sales and letting agents are being urged to prepare for a significant increase in virtual viewings as part of their post-lockdown plans.​

While physical viewings are now permissible, in some cases they may not be possible or advisable, which is why virtual viewings will almost certainly remain an essential method of viewing property even after the coronavirus emergency.

Paul Offley, group compliance officer at epropservices, parent company of The Guild of Property Professionals and Fine & Country, said: “There are many benefits to virtual viewings such as the speed of being able to arrange a 'viewing', efficiency for all parties resulting in applicants only completing a physical viewing on properties that are on their individual 'hot list' and whilst meeting government guidance in keeping face-to-face meetings to a minimum to prevent spreading of Covid-19.”

Advertisement

Offley says that as changes to the way properties are shown and marketed has developed, so has the need for new regulations to ensure that consumers are protected in this new environment.

He added: “With virtual viewings and pre-recorded property viewings now used as part of the commercial practice by estate and lettings agents, it is likely to be considered as such under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. 

“With this in mind, Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards in partnership with The Property Ombudsman and Propertymark have recently sent a Primary Authority Advice document providing guidance in regard to conducting virtual viewings. 

“The document highlights agent’s responsibilities during a viewing and representation made during any video footage.”

How does the Smart Viewing process work? The prospective buyer or tenant will contact the agent to request a virtual viewing, selecting a date and time that suits them, whether that is straight away or at a future date. 

They will then receive an email with an invitation to join the viewing via their laptop, PC tablet or mobile. 

Smart Viewing will automatically be added to the Members’ Hubs for both The Guild of Property Professionals and Fine & Country on the launch date, so there will be nothing to action from agent’s side.

Want to comment on this story? If so...if any post is considered to victimise, harass, degrade or intimidate an individual or group of individuals on any basis, then the post may be deleted and the individual immediately banned from posting in future.

  • icon

    First I must declare an interest in true stereoscopic 360° virtual tours or viewings as an evangelist for a company that has developed its own camera rig and backend software.

    Currently there is massive confusion over what is and isn't a true virtual viewing or tour. The dictionary definition says “not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so”

    So a true virtual tour isn't video chat, a simple video or a picture carousel, by far the most widely used and recognised virtual tours are in fact Google's Street view.

    True 360° Virtual Tours are made up of multiple images taken by a special camera or generated by a computer and joined together within an interface (special software). Tours can then be viewed on any Internet browser or 360° headset.

    The best virtual tours allow negotiators to virtually accompany clients on property viewings, zooming in and out of every room from every angle in intimate detail as if viewing in person answering questions as the call proceeds.

    From a best practice point of view you wouldn't tell a client the front door key is under the matt let your self in and have a look around! Accompanying clients will build a trusted relationship helping avoid disputes at a later date.

    The Primary Advice issued by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards in partnership with The Property Ombudsman and Propertymark referred to in this article specifically refers to video not Virtual Viewings or Tours.

    I hope this helps.

  • Christian McVilly

    good post keep it up

icon

Please login to comment

MovePal MovePal MovePal
sign up